DDE reso holders of 2009's

[chieftmc]

Since the website NO longer states that anyone will be "reserving" a 2008 I contacted smart usa and asked what the cut off date was for "reserving" the 2009's. Here's the answer I got:

Dear smart Enthusiast, For those reservation holders with a 2009 ETA, you will be re-invited to configure with the 2009 options once these become available. We apologize for any miscommunication, however, up until this point; we did not have any delivery time frame available. Please keep in mind that our reservation program was established in March of 2007. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartusa. Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon! Alex Pina Customer Service 1.800.smartusa www.smartusa.com

Not much of an answer, as usual, but for sure, ANYONE with a reso in 2008 will be taking delivery of a 2009!

[jwight]

Hard to figure out. At least two people reserved in 08 and configured already, while at least one person with a 1377 (?) has yet to configure.

[angel]

I'm a 1235 with an estimated date of Dec 08 - Feb 09. So I guess it's theoretically possible for me to have an 09 model.

[Jimbo]

1302 (July 26, 2007) still waiting to configure.

[Yellowcarsrock]

Well look on the bright side... Maybe in '09 they will have figured out how to get better mpg and still meet the USA standards. Or maybe they will have had time to work out all the bugs of 1st year production of the 451s and the delivery system may be smoother than glass by then. Also maybe with buyers satisfaction surveys (if they have them) they will fine tune the inside and outside to make a good thing better? That is what happened with the MINI cooper that came back in '02. Every year every thing got better and better. Vicki

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by Yellowcarsrock

Well look on the bright side... Maybe in '09 they will have figured out how to get better mpg and still meet the USA standards. Or maybe they will have had time to work out all the bugs of 1st year production of the 451s and the delivery system may be smoother than glass by then. Also maybe with buyers satisfaction surveys (if they have them) they will fine tune the inside and outside to make a good thing better? That is what happened with the MINI cooper that came back in '02. Every year every thing got better and better. Vicki

My thoughts exactly!

[chieftmc]

Originally Posted by angel

I'm a 1235 with an estimated date of Dec 08 - Feb 09. So I guess it's theoretically possible for me to have an 09 model.

From the email I received from smart.usa, since your DDE goes into 2009, you MAY be "RE-INVITED" to configure with 2009 options! Seems like you might be one of the ones right on the edge! I guess time will tell.

[PassionforPassionCT]

They also put in that little disclaimer of "other charges may apply" Its certainly going to go up in price, that can be sure.

[spdickey]

Since this is the second year of production of the 451s the next years models will be the third year's output from France. I don't expect a lot of changes for the '09s, perhaps more options, colors will be available. And prices will change.

[Fredvon4]

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.