09 models introduction date

[The_Q_Man]

Originally Posted by The_Q_Man

As you requested, I put in my request for yellow and the reasoning behind it as I submitted to the International contact! I have done my duty!

As an update, the is what I got from the International smart contact...



Dear smart Enthusiast,
Thank you for your interest in smart USA. At this time we do not have information regarding the 09’ model or any changes to the current color choices for the body panels. Please continue to visit our website at www.smartusa.com for the most current and up to date information.

[SEEBURG200]

My DDE just changed today to 9/2/08-12/1/08. So I wonder if I'll get a 2008 or 2009 and I configured a Yellow/Black.

#1308

[chieftmc]

People, please, let's keep the thread on topic! There is ALREADY A DDE THREAD!

[timhood]

Originally Posted by LorbeerTLC

I sure would like to see smart offer Rear Fog Lights as an option in the U.S. for 2009 (although I'm not sure if this would conflict of only having one reverse light... I think the U.S. requires two).
Driving through Central California (i.e. Fresno area), that fog can really be a killer (literally). A rear fog light would help to be seen. Since it's already in Europe, I wouldn't think it would be hard to adapt over in the States.

Having a rear fog light is no problem for U.S.-spec cars. It has nothing to do with the backup light, as the fog light is an additional red light. I've had two Audis that have a rear fog light. Most people don't get it and think I have one tail light out, since it's very uncommon in the U.S. (The reason for one rear fog light is to help drivers behind understand and identify the car(s) in front. Two lights on the left plus one on the right = one car).

Note that the fog light isn't any brighter than your taillights (U.S. DOT specs have specific requirements about taillight and brake light brightness), so a rear fog light doesn't improve visibility, just identifiability.

[LorbeerTLC]

Originally Posted by timhood

Having a rear fog light is no problem for U.S.-spec cars. It has nothing to do with the backup light...

I mention the backup light because on the European models, you lose one backup light on the left side in order to gain the rear fog light. I think in California (at least back in 1975, unless that changed), your new cars were required to have two rear reverse or backup lights.

[JPaul]

... Mexico!

Originally Posted by arturo.vega

The new smarts that you can buy in Mexico are 2009 models, but there are no changes between 2008 and 2009 fortwos.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by timhood

Having a rear fog light is no problem for U.S.-spec cars. It has nothing to do with the backup light, as the fog light is an additional red light. I've had two Audis that have a rear fog light. Most people don't get it and think I have one tail light out, since it's very uncommon in the U.S. (The reason for one rear fog light is to help drivers behind understand and identify the car(s) in front. Two lights on the left plus one on the right = one car).

Note that the fog light isn't any brighter than your taillights (U.S. DOT specs have specific requirements about taillight and brake light brightness), so a rear fog light doesn't improve visibility, just identifiability.

Found this on a Google search for FMVSS and fog lights:

5/5/03 15106 California Title 13 prohibition of mounting a foglamp less than 100mm from a turn signal does not preempt federal law since fog lamps are not regulated by FMVSS 108.