Here is the latest!
This just in over at smartinsider:
smart fortwo – model year 2009
In this info letter, we would like to brief you on the upcoming 2009 smart fortwo model. In the 2009 model,
we will introduce two new colors as well as minor changes to standard and optional equipment. Details
are below:
Start of Production: 10/1/2008
1. Color portfolio
1.1 Exterior
1.2 Interior
2. New standard equipment
3. New optional equipment
4. Communication Timeline
Info Letter
smart USA
1. Color portfolio
1.1 Exterior
The portfolio of colors for the exterior will be refreshed in the 2009 model year.
A new metallic color, “gray metallic”, will replace the current “red metallic”. The warm gray gives the
smart fortwo an elegant and attractive appearance.
The second new color is “rally red”, replacing the non-metallic “light yellow”. As the name already
implies, this red will be sporty and intense.
Therefore, there will continue to be six colors available for 2009 (“deep black”, “crystal white”, “rally
red”, “blue metallic”, “silver metallic”, “gray metallic”), offering along with the two tridion colors - 12
possible combinations of exterior colors. “Light yellow” and “red metallic” replacement panels and freshup
kits will still be available.
1.2 Interior
To match the new exterior color “rally red“, the interior fabric “design red” will be revised for the
passion models. The fabrics of the dashboard, the door covering and the kneepad as well as the accent
parts will be revised according to the new fabric color.
Info Letter
smart USA
2. New standard equipment
Door nets: On both the driver’s side and passenger side, door nets (instead of currently built-in hard cases)
will be available as standard in the 2009 smart fortwo. The flexible door nets will offer a bigger and more
functional storage area.
Added function for LCD display of instrument cluster: The 2009 model year instrument cluster will
include an additional indicator lamp: Loose Gas Cap Indicator. When the fuel tank cap is left open, this
indicator will warn the driver by flashing.
3. New optional equipment
Solid roof (passion coupe only): The resilient black plastic roof with a textured surface finish (standard on
the pure coupe) will now be available as an option on the passion coupe at no extra cost.
*Please note, the panorama roof will no longer be available as an option on the pure coupe.
Additional new factory-installed options are still in development. We expect final decisions on
selection and pricing in September. We will provide updates as soon as they are available.
Display ‘filler cap open”
Info Letter
smart USA
4. Communication Timeline
August 14 Letter to Dealer Network and post FAQ’s to Dealer Portal (cc: Regional Directors)
FAQ’s to smart 1 Customer Service (Including SOS)
August 21 Post details to
smart USA insider
E-newsletter to smart Insiders
Email to reservation holders
August 25 Updates to smartusa.com and smart center websites Live
2009 Configurator Live
October 1 Start of production model year 2009
November 1 Market introduction of model year 2009 (not before certification approval,
TBD)
MY09 DEALER FAQs
1. What are the prices for the 2009 models?
Pricing will be announced closer to the new model year launch.
2. Will there be any changes to standard features in the 2009 models?
At this time there are five confirmed changes to the 2009 models. They include:
• The current exterior “light yellow” color will be discontinued and replaced with “rally red.”
• The current exterior “red metallic” color will be discontinued and replaced with “metallic gray.”
• The current interior “design red” color has been revised to match the exterior “rally red” color
• The current built-in hard case door storage areas will be replaced with a net for better storage
space
• A “Loose Gas Cap” indicator light has been added to the instrument cluster
3. Will there by any new options on the 2009 model?
There is one confirmed option change for the 2009 model.
Customers can order the smart fortwo passion coupe with a solid roof (standard roof for the pure
coupe). There is no cost or savings to the customer for this option.
NOTE – the panorama roof will no longer be available as an option on the smart fortwo pure coupe.
4. Will there be any destination charge increases in 2009?
At this time there is no planned increase in the destination charge.
5. When will the 2009 model cars begin production?
Production of the 2009 models will begin October 1, 2008.
6. When will the 2009 demo/display cars arrive to my showroom?
The 2009 demo/display models will arrive at dealers in the month of November. You will be notified
approximately two weeks prior to arrival.
NOTE – once you receive your 2009 demo/display models you may sell your current 2008
demo/display models.
7. When will the first MY09 customer cars arrive?
2009 models will begin arriving at dealerships in November.
NOTE – customers can begin configuring 2009 model vehicles on August 25, 2008.
8. When will I receive new parts – will there be any new parts?
Additional information regarding 2009 parts will be posted to the dealer portal in September.
9. Can I still order panels for the discontinued colors?
Yes. smart will continue to produce panels for the discontinued colors.
10. Will there be any new accessories? When will those arrive?
Additional information regarding accessories will be communicated at a later date.
11. Will we have new merchandise?
Additional information regarding merchandise will be communicated at a later date.
12. When will we receive new brochures? How will brochures be allocated?
Dealers can expect to receive 2009 brochures in mid-October. A comprehensive brochure ordering
process will be posted to the dealer portal in September.
13. When will my website be updated?
All dealer websites will be updated on August 25, 2008.
14. Will there be new owner’s manuals?
Yes. New Owners Manuals will be provided with all 2009 model vehicles.
15. When will customers know about MY09? How will they be contacted?
The following communications timeline has been established for smart customers and enthusiasts.
smart USA will communicate all confirmed 2009 model changes and pricing.
August 21
• Post to
smart USA insider
• Email all current reservation holders
• Email all smart USA insiders
August 25
• All websites updated with 2009 model information
• 2009 Configurator changes live
NOTE – beginning on Monday, August 25, 2008, customers invited to configure their smart fortwo
will be informed they are configuring a 2009 model.
Enjoy
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