The Return of the ForFour...possibly

RLove · 02-01-2008, 11:31 AM

Saw this on Motoring Authority:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/h...-smart-forfour

PhilWinIL · 02-01-2008, 07:47 PM

I think that would be a very wise move on Mercedes' part. That would make a smart that is more family-friendly for picking up the kids, taking seniors to the doctor, etc. I think they would be surprised if they would introduce the sport models here too, another style they dropped from the lineup. Inexpensive, sporty and economical cars would really go over well here in the states.

rgaus · 02-01-2008, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilWinIL

I think that would be a very wise move on Mercedes' part. That would make a smart that is more family-friendly for picking up the kids, taking seniors to the doctor, etc. I think they would be surprised if they would introduce the sport models here too, another style they dropped from the lineup. Inexpensive, sporty and economical cars would really go over well here in the states.

Will be more than a few years before that happens again, if ever. They lost tons with that experiment. Though the logic worked on paper (bought fortwo, now that buyer upgrades or adds with more family oriented forfour), the theory never turned to reality. It didn't accentuate the fortwo, it diluted it. Costly factory time that never came close to breakeven. With smart there is a unique niche, a unique design, a quirky new entry to a market that really didn't exist. THAT'S the magic of the smart. That's why it sells. That's why folks go bonkers over it. Look again at the picture of the model in this thread. Does it scream unique like the fortwo? Does it cause the same picture taking and thumbs up from passers by? Nope. Pretty much a normal car. That's what killed the forfour and it almost took the fortwo with it. The US market is smart's last chance and it WILL survive and prosper here.
Ron Gaus, asmartcar.com

2micro4u · 02-02-2008, 09:39 AM

In my personal opinion. I don't think it would be wise to bring the four four to the US. The only way I think it would succed well is if it looked more like the Mitsubishi i and or like a 4door vs of the SMART FOUR TWO with a Brabus edition avalible several months later after launch. The design above is abit out dated in my opinion nothing special and granet I would love the US market to have 2 option when dealing with SMART I dont think it will work.
On a side note if SMART really wanted to grab the US attention and BOOST SALES I would recommend they bring the Roadster to the US. They would not even need to change it much and it will sell. Possibly a eco Roadster and a Brabus street worthy Roadster would set things on a good path.

rgaus · 02-02-2008, 03:40 PM

Pretty sure that the Roadster line was purchased by a British company. Smart no longer owns the line. It was a great car, though.

Ron Gaus, asmartcar.com

Carnut · 02-02-2008, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgaus

Will be more than a few years before that happens again, if ever. They lost tons with that experiment. Though the logic worked on paper (bought fortwo, now that buyer upgrades or adds with more family oriented forfour), the theory never turned to reality. It didn't accentuate the fortwo, it diluted it. Costly factory time that never came close to breakeven. With smart there is a unique niche, a unique design, a quirky new entry to a market that really didn't exist. THAT'S the magic of the smart. That's why it sells. That's why folks go bonkers over it. Look again at the picture of the model in this thread. Does it scream unique like the fortwo? Does it cause the same picture taking and thumbs up from passers by? Nope. Pretty much a normal car. That's what killed the forfour and it almost took the fortwo with it. The US market is smarts last chance and it WILL survive and prosper here.
Ron Gaus, asmartcar.com

Ron, you hit the nail on the head. Nobody driving a four door ever had a smile on their face, except maybe driving a Quattroporte.

SmartBob · 02-02-2008, 06:35 PM

IMHO I'd say it's a bit too soon to say. Our cars are not in the mainstream yet...we are just getting started. Later in the year when the fortwo is hot, then plans for a forfour would make sense. I agree with 2micro4u. They need to do something with the style. (for me this forfour is butt ugly..hehehe). Spock out.

Mr. Smartfortwo · 02-05-2008, 06:48 PM

It would possibly help smart's sales by a lot if they imported the forfour here too. but i also wish the roadster was here. which do u think is better?

Smartdavis · 02-05-2008, 06:57 PM

huh.....that's just another four door....so what....that's not what I'm lookin four....I wanna have fun!...what about a smart4one?

jediknight36 · 02-06-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLove

Saw this on Motoring Authority:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/h...-smart-forfour

This may be vain of me, but I really dont like the front on it. It is an entire different car with that huge front on it. Why not put a 4 cyl in the rear, make the rear a tad bit bigger than the fortwo, and leave the front alone? Just my .02