Communication

[Old smart]

I just got an unexpected email from smart USA (or whoever) titled "smart fortwo safety results announced." Maybe the SCOA pinging on lack of communications is driving whoever to the surface.

If this is the result of Dave listening - Thanks Dave!

[JPaul]

>> smart fortwo safety results announced
Dear smart Enthusiast,

This week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its results of the smart fortwo frontal and side crash tests.

The results are consistent with our expectations and what we have been communicating to you. The NHTSA evaluations and video of the crash testing can be found on their website – www.safercar.gov. We encourage to you view the site.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety also performs crash testing on vehicles in the United States. We expect these results within 30 days and we will share the results with you once we receive their final report.

Safety is a top priority for Mercedes Benz and smart USA. All crash data is currently being reviewed by Mercedes-Benz engineers as we continue to look for ways to make the smart fortwo an even safer vehicle.
Warm Regards,
The smart USA Team

[Steven79]

yep just got it too.

[Orphan-Beggar]

OK-it seems they are listening and reacting-

However, given the coincidence of the DDE and my configuration notice today after 4 months+one week,
will the config to delivery time likely be longer?

In other words, If the config notices are rushed, the previous delivery date timeframes may no longer apply!

[Smartdavis]

Originally Posted by Orphan-Beggar

OK-it seems they are listening and reacting-

However, given the coincidence of the DDE and my configuration notice today after 4 months+one week,
will the config to delivery time likely be longer?

In other words, If the config notices are rushed, the previous delivery date timeframes may no longer apply!

That doesn't seem likely. What is probably happening is that a considerable number of unexpected cancellations are happening due to the DDE and now the national crash testing (which was actually very good news so some cancellations got cancelled). This causes a reshuffling of production into different regional areas of the country based on the new demand curves produced by measuring other variables such as interest rates, road conditions, the Presidential election, and how the French are feeling today. I have read that today the French are feeling "good" because it's a Friday. Monday may be different.

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

I have read that today the French are feeling "good" because it's a Friday. Monday may be different.

Dare to differ: a union (CFDT) in Lorraine (smart's birth region) organized a strike to protest against a factory's closing. Rest assured, not "ours"... But it was not a "good" friday for lots of workers in Northeastern France...

Re: ArcelorMittal confirme la fermeture partielle de l'usine de Gandrange, selon un élu CFDT

[Smartdavis]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Dare to differ: a union (CGT) in Lorraine (smart's birth region) organized a strike to protest against a factory's closing. Rest assured, not "ours"... But it was not a "good" friday for lots of workers in Northeastern France...

It is really interesting there is only one plant in the world making these cars. All it takes is a good case of the "flu" going around and suddenly no more Smarts for awhile. If we were buying French paintings or French antiques this could be a good thing for those who already have them. However, back to the thread. It sounds like they are listening and trying to make adjustments and keep their future customers satisfied. More information came out this week from Smart and more is coming. That's a good thing.

[Mousecat]

For some of us, this is just this kind of quick update that we have looking for. If their goal is to build a community somebody has to lead the pack. Although I would have to agree with Smartdavis that the DDE issue and the crash test may have played an important park. But for the moment, I will just imagine that they are listening and this company is turning a corner....

[Orphan-Beggar]

Is the progression as follows:

Reservation...(DDE)...Configuration...DDE...90 day Dealer call...30 day notification...Delivery

[JPaul]

Speech by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management, at the Annual Meeting 2008 of Daimler AG
Berlin
April 9, 2008
Excerpt pertaining to smart:
«We’re also delighted by the developments at smart: the new fortwo, which we’ve steadfastly supported despite some negative comments, is fast becoming a hit in major U.S. cities.
The response has been very good — not just in America but also here in Europe.
In fact, just eight days ago we handed over the keys to the 100,000th new fortwo to a customer in Munich.
In 2007 as a whole, the smart fortwo also slightly topped the prior year’s sales figure. And the better news is that we were in the black, as promised.
Overall, the smart is ideally equipped to meet today’s challenges. No other series-produced car in the world can match its ability to combine lifestyle values and utility with environmental friendliness and economy. The diesel-powered model is the undisputed “CO2 Champion” — in other words, it emits less carbon dioxide than any other series-produced passenger car.
I’m convinced that if the smart didn’t already exist, many people would demand the introduction of just such a car. So, sticking to our guns was obviously the right thing to do.»
Was this last comment about the introduction of the smart to our market? I should abstain from personal comment, but I'd say YES!