Hello from Cruise451

[Cruise451]

Hi folks,
Very new to this site. One of your members said I should come here and introduce our company, which is developing a cruise control for the new smart.

I don't know what your policies are on commercial postings. I believe a lot of members are interested in cruise control for the smart but I don't want to step on any toes.

Please let me know if it is ok to publish our URL and/or discuss the project, etc.


With that out of the way.

We have two smarts here in the shop. Both white and silver. A 2005 diesel version from Canada and a 2008 north american gas version. Both are for test and development purposes only and are not registered for on-road use.

Three of us are working on this project (as well as employees and sub-contractors of course). I am in Arizona, the software guru is in California, and our over-all knows-everything-about-smarts guy is from Canada.

Cheers!

[rrrucke]

Cruise451, welcome and I think you can post in our Vendor Marketplace forum. I am interested in your price and the amount of time it will take for the install. Thanks, Regina

[Gortok]

I'm hoping future models will come factory equipped with cruise control...maybe even add it to the comfort package...

[Cruise451]

Originally Posted by rrrucke

Cruise451, welcome and I think you can post in our Vendor Marketplace forum. I am interested in your price and the amount of time it will take for the install. Thanks, Regina

Well, I should be clear.

We aren't selling anything yet. Developing custom electronics for new vehicles is a lengthy process. So for the time being, this isn't about "will you buy from me"... the discussions I could contribute are going to be more technical in nature. Or, just assurance to people that a cruise will be coming (one specifically designed for the 451).

So I have no information on price.

Installation... that I can talk about!

Nothing is finalized, but over the last two weeks we think we've come up with "the plan" for how these will install. There were a lot of trials and tribulations surrounding this. Our goal is to make sure no wires get cut and no permanent modifications to the car are required. Also, it is imperitive that everything is done in a way that is electrically and physically sound. That means not connecting anything to the module in a hokey way that may fall off with vibration, or cause a condition of electrical failure (even a momentary blip can cause a big problem!). Every contact has to have a UL Listed proper connector, unlike other versions on the market (mostly for the older model smart).

And we did that! Or at least, we think we have. We'll know once we get all the parts in and build the next prototype.

Install time should be well under an hour.
You can do it yourself if a little handy.
Few relatively common tools. No specialized or expensive tools required.
Nothing gets cut, spliced, diced, soldered, etc. 100% reversible.

Originally Posted by Gortok

I'm hoping future models will come factory equipped with cruise control...maybe even add it to the comfort package...

Who knows what the future has in store. For obvious reasons, we hope they don't! It is unlikely to get added for several years though.

[Carnut]

Thanks for the introduction. Once you have the software solved I'm sure that you will be posting in the vendor section. Welcome aboard.

[CruisingAZ]

Cruise451, If you need test vehicles in AZ let me know! I would be happy to let you install a cruise in my vehicle for testing purposes!

[Cruise451]

On our website, www.smartcarcruisecontrol.com there is a section for people who wish to sign up for testing. We're still a long way off from that stage, however, but when the time comes (which should be around the time people start getting their cars) it will be good to have some people on that list!

[oldbike]

Cruise451
I am very impressed with your philosophy of integrating electronics in a non-intrusive way. This is such a refreshing change from the “slash and fit� aftermarket electronics that we have had to install over the years.

I have been in the repair business for the last thirty years and have always made it my goal, when installing aftermarket devices, to make it look “factory�. It sounds like your product will be a joy to install. Good luck in your business.

[propes]

Originally Posted by GiantKiller

I'm from Minnesota but drive in Wisconsin so I wouldn't be able to let you use my car but I'm going to have cruise. It's a MUST HAVE for me. Keeps me from getting speeding tickets.

Corrected your post.

[Cruise451]

Originally Posted by GiantKiller

I'm in Wisconsin so I wouldn't be able to let you use my car but I'm going to have cruise. It's a MUST HAVE for me. Keeps me from getting speeding tickets.

When I say "testing", we won't be looking for people to lend us their cars. And it won't matter where you are located, unless you're so remote the mail man can't get to you.