Newbie Here "MY Thoughts"

[reschlund]

Bob in Michigan,
I just thought I'd drop a few words to say hello to all forum members.
My order went in 3/18/08 for a Passion in White Ex./ Silver band/Red int.I think sticker was around $14,800.(was told 12-18 months wait time)
I only have one question at this time.Can someone explain to me why there is such a long wait time to get one of these cars? Even when Harley Davidson a few years back had trouble keeping up with supply and demand they stepped up to the plate and did there best to deliver there product in less than 9 months,it is my thought that when a company puts a product to market they will do there best to keep the customer happy.In this case it seems to me that Smart could care less about getting there cars to customers in a timely manner.(IMO 6-9 months is plenty time to deliver)
My other problem is Ford Mo CO, and GM are going to bring back versions of there mini cars once known as the Festivia and Chevette.They will hit the market(09) well before my Smart is even hatched.Both companys are doing there best to put 40+MPG behind there mini cars.
IMO if this happens alot of possible buyers waiting for a Smart car to be built will jump ship (myself included)
In conclusion I only hope Smart does not do itsself in with continued slow build times as well as deliverys to customers.They will come and go as fast as the YUGO.
31 years at FO MO CO Research and Enginnering Center in Dearborn Mi.
I'v seen both proto types from GM and Ford,they look very promising and will be priced very close to a Smart Passion.

Move-um or Lose-um
Bob Schlund
SE MI.

PS:I sent an e-mail to Smart Corprate and warned them of these 2 new mini cars comming to market in mid 09.I never got a response but did ask for one.I guess they don't care.

[jwight]

Bob, welcome! I think you covered the issue pretty well and it's been discussed plenty if you look around the forum. Strong rumor (hope?) Toyota will bring their iQ car here as well. smart is constrained on production - the factory can only produce so many cars, and now that they'll be supplying China also this can only slow down deliveries to North America. Don't know the answer; Roger Penske is a sharp guy and has to be aware of the situation, but he's only the importer - no control over production. We're all waiting to see how this plays out; meanwhile, the best advice is to start talking to smart centers in your area and get on their list for "orphan" cars - you might be driving a smart in the near future.

[SnakeFarm]

That's why I just blew off the silly blundernet "reservation" program and went to a dealer like normal people do when they want a car.

Gathereth unto thee a few extra large and hie thyself unto an orphanage my friend.

Actually, I didn't blow it off. I'm keeping my chip on the table till Roger tips his hand.

[Broken Kid]

It does seem like the demand took them by surprise and their production restraints are limiting them. Clearly there's a big market for these cars, and they got in at the right time, but they may be overtaken by other manufacturers sooner rather than later. I still think the smart's uniqueness will keep demand up! You get a lot in such a little car for a good price.

[Dunerunner]

Bob - Welcome, enjoy the discussions! Lot of folks waiting just like you, but if that gets old; follow Snakes advice!!

Gathereth unto thee a few extra large and hie thyself unto an orphanage my friend.

[reschlund]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

Bob - Welcome, enjoy the discussions! Lot of folks waiting just like you, but if that gets old; follow Snakes advice!!

Gathereth unto thee a few extra large and hie thyself unto an orphanage my friend.

Thanks guys for the response,When I gave the man at the Smart car dealer here in Michigan (West Bloomfield)my $99.00 .I asked about this subject.I was told I would be placed on a list for orphaned cars.I even asked how this worked.His response was" The list is in a numbered fashion.1-2 3-ETC. when your number comes up I will call you and let you know there is a car available that you can buy, for what ever reason the deal fell through.However it may not be your color choice or model,but there will be no added expences or costs if you decide you would like to buy the car that is available."
I also asked him if I chose not to get that orphan what would happen to my name on the list?He explained the car would go to the next in line and my name would remain in place for the next one that became available.
To me it sounds like they are trying to be very fair about getting orphaned cars to potential buyers.
I know that most Americans me included are instant gratification type of people.With the attitude I want it now.I am however a very patient person and normally not in a hurry for anything.But with gas prices now exceding $4 dollars a gallon I am getting very impatient,and will not wait to long before seeking a gas sipping car from another company.
This is why I asked my original question as to why the excessive slow deliveries.It is almost summer here in MI.I will be able to ride my Harley to and from my destaination places and get better that 50+MPG.
But then again you have to deal with a very limited payload,rain,and traffic that likes to kill bikers.
I guess I am just venting my anger at the oil companys and Poor Little Smart car is it my crosshairs,but it is at the Smart Corprate level where I would really like to give them a piece of my mind.
Like the old saying goes"Either Sh%t or get off the Pot"

Have A real nice weekend
Be safe and God Bless you.

Bob In Michigan.

[rawlus®]

it should be understood that smart is making vehicles for a global market, not a USA market.
the slow deliveries is because worldwide demand exceeds both supply and manufacturing capacity.

[Dave Van]

I'll bet Mr Penske is well aware of the IQ, Nissan etc.....but the backlog for those cars will be as bad...or worst than that for Smart....and Smart is here NOW........

[NY Smartie]

Originally Posted by Broken Kid

It does seem like the demand took them by surprise and their production restraints are limiting them. Clearly there's a big market for these cars, and they got in at the right time, but they may be overtaken by other manufacturers sooner rather than later. I still think the smart's uniqueness will keep demand up! You get a lot in such a little car for a good price.

indeed! also, not only is there a huge demand, but without any advertizing at all, there is HUGE buzz about this car. I work in a large courthouse, and park in my same end spot everyday (maximum visibility), and people I don't even know are asking me about the car ("I heard that's your Smart car out there..").

Buzz, buzz, buzz!!

[angel]

Supply & Demand.

Supply is not just to the United States. It's World Wide. There is more demand in some parts of the US vs. other area's. And smart has to ship X amount of vehicles to each dealership to keep them profitable. So in some area's 1235's are close to delivering. While in other area's {DFW for example} thw eait is closer to 18 months to 2 years.

BTW, "Search" is your friend.