America has finally turned the corner....

[Duckhunter]

Originally Posted by portugal33

i would like to know why werent smart cars sell in the usa before 2008?
ivwould like you to send mi a message to tell mi why?

They were not sold here prior to 2008 as they did not meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards for lighting and safety. The lighting was a fairly minor fix (military members have been refitting cars for import for years) and as far as safety I am not sure if they were even submitted for testing proir to the 2008 model year. As it stands now they are one of the safest cars out there.

Yep forgot emissions

[Suze]

Originally Posted by portugal33

i would like to know why werent smart cars sell in the usa before 2008?
ivwould like you to send mi a message to tell mi why?

The short answer to the long story is that smart did not manufacture a car that could meet US emissions and safety standards until the 451, introduced in 2008.

And thanks for giving us a opportunity to revisit this old thread. It's interesting to see the comments posted when gas was more than double what it costs today.