Doing a "Green" Story, need your input

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by Big Panda

"Bigger is NOT always better".

...speak for yourself "shorty"

jetfuel...

[OCMike]

Also, mention how easy the Smart is to wash. How little water it uses. Or better yet, pull out a spray bottle of waterless car wash. Make sure it's truly an eco friendly type, like the brand I sell. I won't post a link since I don't have a supporting vendor tag yet........

[John_H]

Why have more car than you need?

Beyond the mileage and recyclable nature of the Smart, there are things that surprise people:

The interior is large, accommodating folks who may not fit in other cars. Shaq owns one! I like the "large man" commercial and the video of two big guys at a car show trying on cars.

The cargo space is ample - handling groceries or luggage with aplomb - and can accommodate even more for the lone driver.

The speed and acceleration are quite adequate for everyday use while safety is not sacrificed.
_________

For me, green is about using what I need, not what I might need. If I could get a nice one-seater, I'd probably do that. (I was going to get a motorcylce once but Maryland required state classes first and those classes were filled for months)

[Smart Enuf]

You should also post the British videos showing the demolition ball smashing against the smart and the two guys putting a washing machine into one. Videos are worth a million words!

[Suze]

Jefferios - You're getting some great ideas here. I think we are living vicariously through your just a bit.

I like the "call Dave S" idea. Even if not for the interview, just to let him know what you're doing and maybe get some input. After all you two are buds and we've got photographic proof.

All the ideas are great, and don't forget the sense of community you get with the car - priceless.

I agree that Jetfuel, having just bought his second smart (a brabus!!) might be the perfect victim, um... I mean interview subject for this. If he can keep his stubby out of the conversation.

Will your station be streaming the presentation?

[prpsrv]

Hope your article and interview go well. We own two Smarts. The first one we bought for fun and intrigue but also because I drive a FORD F350 V10 for work. Drivng the truck for errands and picking up my son from school was eating us alive when the gas prices were close to $4.00 per gallon. The gas savings from buying the first smart for such trips literally paid for the monthly payment and insurance. The only problem was I couldn't get my wife's hands off the steering wheel so I bought one for me. She drives hers 5 days a week to work and for everything else that the three of us aren't going together on.

My wife gets approx 45 mpg all the time. I get 35 mpg as my driving is almost all city and we are in a somewhat stoplight infested area. (Silicon Valley) Parking is the best. Meeting all kinds of people. Swapped panels on mine with a guy from Las Vegas and have been on Sunday drives with other owners.

We are having a blast! Neither of us would trade our Smarts. Sure luxury sedans, trucks, hybrids etc. have there place. I think the question many people should be asking is how much car do I really need?

Our pesonalized plates are "AJINT 86" and "AJINT 99". Perhaps more people should "Get Smart".

[The Rigger]

Cheap to buy, cheap to operate, cheap to insure... Smart is all about conservation of resources, and the resource that gets most peoples' attention is *money*.

[david B]

I know your story is more concerned with the green aspect of the car, but if you want to show the safety of the car the smart web site has some amazing stories about wrecks, and how well the smart survived.

Here is the link. safeandsmart.com: home

[dennyrex]

I did a presentation on smarts last fall for World Habitat Day. If you have a Mac & Keynote I could send you the keynote file, you might get some ideas. The safety aspect seemed to resonate with the audience.

[jetfuel]

Originally Posted by The Rigger

Cheap to buy, cheap to operate, cheap to insure... Smart is all about conservation of resources, and the resource that gets most peoples' attention is *money*.

...ding ...ding ..ding...we have a winner...

...if my help is required get in touch with my agent...BigPanda..here in SCOA..

jetfuel...