Is it a secret ???

[pokeyrider]

For a car that is to be released in less than 6 months, they sure are being secretive about it.

P.R. better be getting started with U.S.A. T.V. & magazine spots. Not revamped Canadian & European commercials that can only be seen on YouTube.

Everybody I come into contact with knows nothing about Smart ForTwo.
When I show them a picture, they all say, "you will get yourself killed in that thing."

The 70 M.P.H. barrier crash video must aired on commercial T.V. as soon as possible.

Here in the U.S.A., land of the huge, not enough people are going to buy a car that they think will get themselves creamed by an Arnold Schwarzenegger type in his big Hummvee.
Bill

Passion-Deep Black/Black/Beige-07/03/07

[SmartCard]

shhhh....I'm all for keeping it a secret! ;)

[MSOEMiller]

Originally Posted by pokeyrider

When I show them a picture, they all say, "you will get yourself killed in that thing."

I've been thinking about that over the last few weeks. I live just Northeast of Los Angeles. If you're on the freeway, then you are either going 10 mph or 75 mph, but it's all in the same direction. If you are on the city streets, then you are going about 25-35 mph against traffic, not that bad IMO.

It's bad if you are back, in say Wisconsin, where I'm originally from. Most highways are one lane each way and you're going 55-75 mph. That's not so good for anyone. Don't forget the deer.

Now let's look at the population.
Los Angeles = 3.7 million in the city alone
Southern CA = 24 million
Wisconsin = 5.6 million in the state

My point, I'd rather drive a Smart in CA than in WI, because the traffic is more dense, resulting in slower traffic. More fender benders, but I'll take that.

[Chris Wurgler]

At the time they don't seem to need any advertising. They have over 24,000 people signed up for a supposed first year delivery of 16,000 cars. When they start hitting the roads they can start the hype for future buyers.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by Chris Wurgler

At the time they don't seem to need any advertising. They have over 24,000 people signed up for a supposed first year delivery of 16,000 cars. When they start hitting the roads they can start the hype for future buyers.

Agreed... not much point in advertising a car with 30,000 reservations of intent with an annual production of 20,000 anticipated. Advertising may have to begin sometime in mid-2009.

[SmartBob]

Originally Posted by lhoboy

Agreed... not much point in advertising a car with 30,000 reservations of intent with an annual production of 20,000 anticipated. Advertising may have to begin sometime in mid-2009.

Agreed, an investment in advertisement this early in the game would be a waste of funds. The car will advertise itself when it hits the USA. I'm sure at that time Penske will have literature and believe it...the media will be all over it.

[ewmetzler]

Originally Posted by MSOEMiller

I've been thinking about that over the last few weeks. [SNIP].....

My point, I'd rather drive a Smart in CA than in WI, because the traffic is more dense, resulting in slower traffic. More fender benders, but I'll take that.

// I'm wondering the same thing, much of my commuting is on 2-lane country roads with occasional lumber trucks. Hopefully with ABS and ESC, and being skinny, a smart may be able to avoid collisions. But I am willing to take on a little risk for the privilege of driving a Cabrio with the top down.

Eric M., wishing for smart in Enfield, Maine

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by SmartBob

Agreed, an investment in advertisement this early in the game would be a waste of funds. The car will advertise itself when it hits the USA. I'm sure at that time Penske will have literature and believe it...the media will be all over it.

You took the words right out of my mouth, SmartBob! Once they hit the streets the race will be on for the *later adopters* to get one. The wait for all of us early reservists will become excruciatingly more difficult as we draw nearer to Jan '08. Hope there are no delays or setbacks like they have had with the Tesla '07 release being pushed up into '08.

[SmartBob]

a smart may be able to avoid collisions. But I am willing to take on a little risk for the privilege of driving a Cabrio with the top down.

Metzler: I totally agree. I drive a Neon R/T right now and I KNOW of at least 3 potential accidents I avoided because of the size and agility of my car. This is a point Big truck/car and SUV owners ignore because they feel so safe. Odds are they'll get in a wreck before us because they just can't get out of the way.

[Fredvon4]

Over time the Smart should prove to be relatively safe vehicle

Most Smart cars will be used in big urban areas

Tridion cell, front and side air bags

Great all around visibility even with the rag top version


Yes we will have to occasional head on with a significantly bigger vehicle...

It will be the dummies that think the fuel efficiency is such that they can cruise from Lower CA on I-10 to I-20 and up across I-40 to visit Aunt Matilda in Virginia.

Sure the dinky car will do it, but on some of those roads it won't be wise to compete with tired sleepy truckers and other high speed SUV idiots