Notwithstanding Mr Wolkonowicz musings about American's supposed preoccupation with smarts safety, and that gas prices would have to double to really move folks to smaller cars. Which may be influenced by who GI works for...
Here are the quotes as smart crazies we need to be concerned about.
Smart USA has collected $99 deposits - and valuable marketing data - from more than 30,000 prospective buyers. Based on these enquiries, Smart cars will be made available at outlets in such unlikely places as Omaha, Nebraska, and Jackson, Mississippi. (and we know that this is cloer to 40,000 now).
About 7 per cent of those people who paid deposits have subsequently asked for their money back.
On the other hand, 9,000 have moved closer to a firm order by choosing a colour and other options for their vehicle. (they are now doing about 3,000 per week now)
The favourite colours so far are metallic blue, red and yellow, which might be a sign that the wish to stand out in a crowd will be a big Smart drawcard. (that's the "star" factor or want to be "first on the block" mentality that is perhaps driving some of our purchase decisions.)
Smart sold 3,023 cars north of the border in 2006, implying annual sales of about 30,000 in the US...
Dieter Zetsche, Daimler's chief executive, has predicted that the Smart assembly plant in Hambach, France, would not be able to produce enough vehicles to meet US demand in 2008. (and isn't that the multi-million dollar question for new registrations, will I get mine by Christmas 2008?)
If we could go back and edit the article per your added words the peice would have been reasonable. But they did not add your words.
I read it as Snakeboy did, an over all study in misdirection, designed by the Pros, to cast a negitive light on the Smart.
Global Insight, also uses another hack by the name of Aaron Barkman. See the 11-21-07 posts this Forum for another article.
We are now coming up on the big auto show in Detroit. Smart will be there. The Michigan auto press has been really banging away at Smart. Many of the main auto mags are based here in Michigan and cater to the big three.
The fear of the Smart car by the big three is not the car, but rather the concept. Small cars cannot be built by the big three and make any money and this car is becoming a Star!
All three Cos. have another load of gas guzzlers ready for 08-09, and sales are plunging. Gloomy days ahead for Michigan.
You probably mean the Nash Metropolitan. Factoid - The Nash was the first car to have a sedan where the seats converted into a bed . . .
. . . talk about preggers!
Yes!!! That's the one!! I was too young to drive then but have always liked small cars. We had a neighbor who had a convertible...he never opened the door - just stepped over it into the car and took off. Think it was a Jaguar but not sure.
I read it as Snakeboy did, an over all study in misdirection, designed by the Pros, to cast a negitive light on the Smart.
It has begun. There is a sudden flood of new members on smart forums and newsgroups. It is part of a smear tactic. For a few grand, you can hire one or these BS pumps to go to forums and review sites and post as much malarkie as you can afford.
I expected this from them. You are right. Under their current business model the big 2.5 CAN NOT make any money making small cars. I would suggest they stop wasting money on clandestine social enginering operations and focus instead on adopting a business modle that will allow them to prodce a product that people want and need. My plan has the added advantage of being so crazy it just may work.
FWIW, I sent an e-mail to the Global Insight head of media relations, asking her for sources to back up Mr. Wolkonowicz's assertions. We'll see what the answer is, if there is one.
Yes!!! That's the one!! I was too young to drive then but have always liked small cars. We had a neighbor who had a convertible...he never opened the door - just stepped over it into the car and took off. Think it was a Jaguar but not sure.
The Rambler is the one that the seats folded into a bed, the Metro was too small for that (I had a rambler with those seats).
Smart sold 3,023 cars north of the border in 2006, implying annual sales of about 30,000 in the US...
Dieter Zetsche, Daimler's chief executive, has predicted that the Smart assembly plant in Hambach, France, would not be able to produce enough vehicles to meet US demand in 2008. [/i] (and isn't that the multi-million dollar question for new registrations, will I get mine by Christmas 2008?)
Sing to the tune of, "I'll be Home For Christmas"
I'll get a Smart by Christmas
You can count on Penske
I'll get a Smart by Christmas
If only in my dreams...
I don't understand why anyone would care if others cast doubt on the Smart...I have doubts....I think it's better than living in La-La Land. If you decide to buy, at least you have looked at all angles.
Another subject...I received some private messages (nothing that others could not have seen) but today I received emails from Smart for each message telling me about them and with complete text...that's not very "private" is it? Feels like big brother is watching.
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