Some noise elsewhere about end of year vacation to be 2 weeks instead of 5 weeks.... Dr Z and crowd reportedly still in negotiation on this
I think they are also trying hard to up the volume for North America to 30,000 units.... but the reports are vague and do not seem to differentiate between Canada, USA, or Mexico
The 451 new style in Europe was shipped in early Sept 07 IIRC...so I assume the model year (MY) change over coincides with the factory vacation... August....(while workers are out, the place is re-tooled for the next MY run)
Perhaps Jpaul can find out better info then my assumptions
From this, I assume last 08s will be made in Aug 08, first 09s in Sept 08.
No doubt in my mind MSRP will see an increase - probably 5% to 7% - but could be as high as 12% if the dollar keeps loosing ground to the Euro
We already know there are no Major changes, no diesel, and no electric for North America in 09.
I think it might be possible to get a Micro Hybrid Drive (MHD) but not much chatter about it in trade news lately.
MB smart has a history of changing color schemes inside and out each year. They also play with different "option groupings".
Seems to be a lot of general dissatisfaction with the radio 9 or 10's lack of fundamental features, so I hope they offer different radios but not holding my breath. Speed controlled volume, Sirus/Xm, Bluetooth, Ipod Control, HD radio, RDS, weather and traffic, seem to be the norm in domestic car radios theese days
Bottom line, with a few weird exceptions, it is probably a good bet that if you configured after November 07 you will probably be in line for a MY 09 smart fortwo
I deliberately delayed until 9 Jan 08 to reserve my second one (1470) I am certain it will be an 09 version...not configured yet on this reservation.
Fully expecting about a $850.00 increase in Passion MSRP.