How long will smart last in america?? - Page 2 - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Alan Smithee · 11-07-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy'smart

will it need to adapt to the american market in upcoming models?

That's a good question. As was mentioned, the current smart is already larger and more refined than the first generation...but it is obviously still small and somewhat rough-around-the-edges for mainstream buyers. If Penske wants to keep increasing sales volume year over year, I fear that the smart will morph into something...less smart. That said, the ForFour was a flop overseas in the first generation.

Perhaps, at least in the short term, different versions of the current car (diesel, turbo, Brabus, hybrid, etc.) will keep the brand fresh enough to continue to entice buyers. However, if gas prices continue to drop, I fear America will migrate back to their SUVs and pick-ups and the smart experiment may come to an end in a few years.

jetfuel · 11-07-2008, 12:35 PM

..forest ..I think you got something here dude...If Penske does not get his wish for more smarts in the coming year, and the $ for gas goes to pre-election level, maybe you will see a plant turning smarts here in the good USA.......Nahhhhhh
back to reality...the "contracts" to produce it here will double the price...

jetfuel

Alan Smithee · 11-07-2008, 12:51 PM

They won't build a plant here to produce smarts. Too big an investment, and the Euro is weakening against the dollar.

Another thing to consider is that there will more than likely be competition in the form of inexpensive Chinese cars in the US market by the time the next generation smart arrives.

smartHHO · 11-07-2008, 01:03 PM

Posted comment in wrong section some how, WTF. Erase Erase. Hehe

Jordon · 11-07-2008, 01:03 PM

With Toyota introducing their generic smart, the iQ, VW developing a competitor, I believe smart is not long for the US unless they introduce a few different models. I think they need a 4 seat version (could just ship the Mitsubishi a1? over here as a for-four to save money on devlopement), bringing back the roadster would not hurt either. Right now there is demand because the car is different, and once everyone that wants one gets one sales will plummet. They really need to bring something different soon so that when these similar/generic cars arrive there will be a reason to go to the smart delearship. I just hope that they do not go back to what the origional plan was and make s smart SUV.

I think that they should stay a small car manufacturer, no bigger than a Focus, or they will lose what has made them popular. Smart really needs to look at what GM did with Saturn, they had a different kind of car, its own dealer base and tons of loyalty. GM has now made Saturn just another make and look at where that has got them. MINI is starting to make mistakes, they will be introducing their SUV here soon that looks like a bloated MINI. Smart really needs to play this smart, or we will have collector items sitting in our driveways.

Dunerunner · 11-07-2008, 01:27 PM

Plenty of competition for the smart soon to be in showrooms in the US. I expect the era of the micr and nano car is upon us. Look at these smart competition?

forestacademy · 11-07-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordon

. I just hope that they do not go back to what the origional plan was and make s smart SUV.

I think that they should stay a small car manufacturer, no bigger than a Focus,

Well if they go BIG then they will have a bit of a revolt from those dealers that invested in a Stand alone dealership. You won't fit a bigger car into there service bays. They are designed not to waste spacs and only fit a Smart car. You will also not be able to fit any thing else into those Smart Towers the dealerships built.

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