smart MHD - welcomed in US or not?

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by AdamAtSCD

Any news on this anyone?

The Micro Hybrid Drive will not be coming to the states.
Two reasons
1) EPA Estimates between the MHD and the standard 451 we get now would not justify the extra cost. About 1 or 2 MPG difference. Your driving habits or Ethanol content could make a bigger difference than that.
2) EPA Estimates between the MHD and the standard 451 we get now would not justify the extra parts required for smart USA to keep them running.
Simple is good. More models means more inventory and more cost.

Smart USA has committed to bringing in the smart ED late next year in select markets so that will be the first with a different drive train than the current 541

If you want the benefit of the engine stopping when you stop. Turn off your car when you know you will be sitting for a long light or train.

[jetfuel]

..I would not worry about the starter cycle..new age geared starter will spin the hell out of this little engine and not even get lukewarm after many...many cycles...

jetfuel...geared for disaster...

[gabe1475]

Is there any way to add this to the current smarts being sold? I think realistic gains would be 15-20%, and also not doing any damage to the starter. I would love to get one of these as I see my mileage being pissed away every time I am standing at a light.

[forestacademy]

The MHD replaces the starter and alternator with a new combined unit.

And if your getting 44.7 mpg I don't think you will see all that much of a gain. If you know its going to be a long light, just turn off your engine and watch the other direction for the yellow so your ready to go.

[briansmart]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

...Smart USA has committed to bringing in the smart ED late next year in select markets so that will be the first with a different drive train than the current 541 (sic)

Didn't Schembri mention at OutSmarting the Dragon that Smart USA was going to be doing some sort of special lease program like Mini has done with the electric Mini Cooper?

For those unfamiliar with the Mini E program, 250 were available for the East Coast and 250 for the West Coast. You must fill out an application online (or, presumably, at a Mini dealership) and then Mini reviews the applications. You are then approved to lease (not approved for a loan or anything, just allowed to give them money for) the vehicle for I believe 3 years. The lease is around $850 a year and that covers the car and some very basic insurance.

However, after the lease period, you MUST return the vehicle. You do not own the car. After you have paid $30,600 you have nothing to show for it. I seriously hope that Mini is reconsidering this and that Smart does not pattern their ED program after Mini's. This is the kind of thing that will keep the average US car buyer from going the electric route.

[gstreetcomic]

I agree with MDfrotwoguy. The MHD would not be really all that great in constant stop and go traffic as the DC Metro area is notorious for this. in a more rural setting, i can see it fly.

[Mike T]

There is a smart mhd in Canada (presumably for evaluation) right now; it was imported in the spring.

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by gstreetcomic

I agree with MDfrotwoguy. The MHD would not be really all that great in constant stop and go traffic as the DC Metro area is notorious for this. in a more rural setting, i can see it fly.

But that's missing the point of the mhd. Its designed to save gas in that stop and go traffic. It would have no advantage in the country.

But if that is the perception, then who would buy them. And that one more reason for smart USA not to bring them into the states.

[GHammerly]

I like MHD but I bet smart (or Penske) just does not want to spend all that money getting EPA certification and having to sell the little cars for more to cover the costs. (Certification and material costs) It's all about money and a low volume car is less likely to have many drive train options.
Maybe they will make it standard on future generations but for now it makes sense not to change.

[Notti]

I'm driving a brand new 451 MHD and I think it's great.
I hear lots of people saying it sucks in fast stop and go traffic. This is absoluty right. But what everybody seems to forgot (or doesn't know):
you can TURN IT OFF!.