smart reports 30% attrition - NY Times 1/14/08

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by sisyphus

Shanna, that's creepy! Look at our posting times!

dare I say...we used to have an expression for this occurance on an early PT Cruiser forum (while passing time waiting.... )

simultpostorgasm!

needless to say, three ways were quite rare!

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by sisyphus

Um, no. According to the article, that would be 30% attrition. 70% of reservers are following through.

and probably 99% of those who confirm will pick up their car.....so it doesn't really point tothat many orphans awaiting!

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

and probably 99% of those who confirm will pick up their car.....so it doesn't really point tothat many orphans awaiting!

good point.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

and probably 99% of those who confirm will pick up their car.....so it doesn't really point tothat many orphans awaiting!

smart USA was reporting 10% drop off at confirmation back at San Jose, now we're up to 30% total. You are right that drop off before confirmation means the car never went into production, so no orphan. Which is why I was not pushing for quick confirmation by everyone back last year. Let them drop out before putting in a factory order!

[Orphan-Beggar]

The criteria for adopting orphans seems to vary greatly among dealers. Some orphanages have suggested that there is a strict policy favoring those with existing reservations.

Is it likely the 2009 model will offer cruise control?

How long can a reservation holder delay submitting a configuration?

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by Orphan-Beggar

The criteria for adopting orphans seems to vary greatly among dealers. Some orphanages have suggested that there is a strict policy favoring those with existing reservations.

Is it likely the 2009 model will offer cruise control?

How long can a resevation holder delay submitting a configuration?

i have to agree that the policy will likely be just that (selling from the list). that's pretty standard practice in the industry for hard to get cars.

nobody here knows if the car would ever have cruise. i would say no. remember, this car is not being marketed as a highway cruiser but a community vehicle. it is highway approved obviously but that isn't what the car was designed for.

i believe they give you a week to complete your config once you receive the e-mail. they sent me a follow-up 4 days after the initial e-mail to remind me that my car may be delayed if not completed by "x" date. i would assume that after a certain period of time, with no config confirmed, the rez is canceled.

[janaugust]

Waiting 9 months or more for a car is a long time. Not surprised that some have dropped out. Circumstances change- they may have been forced to get another car and may be locked into a loan or lease. Or financial circumstances have changed. It's one thing to commit a refundable $99 to a reserve a car. Quite another to commit to buying it and/or financing it at the time it becomes available.

[SmartShanna]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

dare I say...we used to have an expression for this occurance on an early PT Cruiser forum (while passing time waiting.... )

simultpostorgasm!

needless to say, three ways were quite rare!

Don't bother me right now, SmartCard, I'm having a cigarette ;)

[bennets2]

Originally Posted by spdickey

Orphan hunters, get ready!

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008...art-car-sells/

Let's assume a big percentage of drop outs, are un-configured cars and I'll get mine sooner, (1227).

There is a lot of bad press on the smart car. It doesn't shift, the wind blows it over, no power etc... It doesn't suprise me there is a high drop out rate.


Steve

[Carnut]

Originally Posted by SmartShanna

Don't bother me right now, SmartCard, I'm having a cigarette ;)

Can I watch next time?