Fog Lights now Standard on Comfort Package

[SmartJoeMN]

I just received this email this afternoon from Smart USA... I wish I could have my current 09 upgraded to have the free fogs...

An update from smart USA.
Dear Joseph,
smart USA would like to announce a change to the “Comfort Package” option on the 2009 smart fortwo passion coupe and passion cabriolet models. Beginning with March 2009 production models, the optional “Comfort Package” will include electronic power steering, heated leather seats and fog lamps. The fog lamps will replace the rain/light sensor and auto-off headlamps with exit delay, which will no longer be available.
If you have received this letter it is because you are a reservation holder who ordered the optional “Comfort Package” on your passion coupe or passion cabriolet scheduled for or after March production. Therefore, you are scheduled to receive fog lamps as part of the “Comfort Package”. There will be no change to the cost of the “Comfort Package”. If you configured your reservation with both the “Comfort Package” and fog lamps as separate options, there will now be no cost for the fog lamps.
Should you have any questions about the change to the “Comfort Package” option for the 2009 smart fortwo passion coupe and passion cabriolet models, please contact your local dealer or smart USA Customer Care by email or at 1.800.smart.USA (762.7887).
Sincerely,
The smart USA Team

Reminder: The terms and conditions of the smart USA Reservation Process state that although you have previously indicated a preferred model and color choice during the initial reservation process, there is no guarantee that a smart fortwo will be available which matches the preferences you have indicated.
smart USA reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice, in colors, materials, equipment, specifications, and models. Prices are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice.

this message was sent by
smart USA
1765 S. Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
1.800.smart.USA
www.smartusa.com

[NCC1701]

No more auto headlights/wipers!
OTOH, it sounds to me like you'll be getting your fog lamps.

[SmartAnita]

I received the same email today. OK, so now that I know the wiper sensor / automatic wipers and auto-off headlamps with exit delay are not longer part of the 2009 comfort package, I really see no advantage to keeping my reservation for the 2009. My 2008 orphan is just perfect. It lacks only the alarm system and has every other option. Why pay more for a "newer" model? My 2008 runs great and has just over 6000 miles. I am quite partial to the auto wipers and auto-off lights.

Really no reason to go with the new Smart until they IMPROVE it. I am calling Monday and requesting th $99 back.... Not even sure when they were going to deliver the configured vehicle anyway. In addition, I reserved it waaaaay back in October of 2007!!!! And still don't have it. So glad I got my beautiful orphan!

[Padawan]

Interesting. I love my auto wipers, and although I've always wanted fog lamps for my car, they're much easier to add-on (at least once the flash to activate them is fully rolled out) than the lights and wipers would be. I wonder if this decision was driven by the recent issues that the '09 cars have had with this feature.

[drmickeyer]

Both of my 2008 orphans have the comfort package. I agree, I love the auto wipers/lights and wouldn't want my Smarts any other way.

[Old smart]

Curious, how many things happen behind smart's veil!

[Suze]

"...the rain/light sensor and auto-off headlamps with exit delay, which will no longer be available...."

What? No auto lights and no Rain sensor? This seems like a giant step backwards and not at all a fair trade for the fogs.

[SmartJoeMN]

Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see the big deal with the Auto Headlights/Wipers... I mean... if its raining, you turn the wipers on, when its dark out, you turn your headlights on, and I usually try to drive with my headlights on all the time anyways.

[Old Panda]

Originally Posted by SmartJoeMN

Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see the big deal with the Auto Headlights/Wipers... I mean... if its raining, you turn the wipers on, when its dark out, you turn your headlights on, and I usually try to drive with my headlights on all the time anyways.

Someone had to say it......THANK YOU!

[Periokid]

Originally Posted by SmartJoeMN

Maybe I am missing something, but I don't see the big deal with the Auto Headlights/Wipers... I mean... if its raining, you turn the wipers on, when its dark out, you turn your headlights on, and I usually try to drive with my headlights on all the time anyways.

True but as an owner that has these features, I must say they are nice to have. A deal breaker, certainly not.