Interview With Ken Kettenbeil: More Details

[rwcmick]

Hello there,

I had previously posted some information about smart express and addtional allotments of Brabus models potentially coming to the States. I have now posted a followup article with info about about my interview with Ken. Such highlights include smart creating a national site for reselling apparel and whatnot instead of dealer eshops (many of which seemed to go nowhere). Four new dealers and one new state for 2009. Aslo, going forward you'll be able to use the same driver's license to create multiple reservations (previously you were limited to one, although some folks would simply place a space in the number to get around the restriction).

Full details found here:

All Cars, All the Time: My Chat With smart USA's Ken Kettenbeil

Cheers!

[chieftmc]

Thanks, very interesting. Any timeline on the electric?

[2micro4u]

Great info thanks

[RussBarnes]

Thanks for the post. I can't wait for the Nashville dealer to open, wonder where it will be located? Nothing in that general statement mentioned addresses. Does anyone have more information than that?

[rwcmick]

I don't have any further info on timing of the new dealerships or where exactly in those cities listed they will be. For the electric I was told second half of 2010 in limited release in the U.S., with volume production in 2012. Look for a formal release about smart express in the next two weeks or so.

[wrumbarger]

Howdy

Let's not forget that smart gmbh (Germany) and smartusa are TWO ENTIRELY SEPARATE companies?

Just because smart gmbh says "this widget" is now available does not mean that smartusa is going to get it to us in the USA?

I am specifically interested in the electric smart. I would suggest that others interested write to BOTH smart gmbh AND smartusa to express your desire for whichever "widget" you want (electric drive, diesel, turbo, flux capacitor, etc)

Just my 2cents worth?

[grwhitaker]

There is former Hummer dealer in Cerritos, CA [LA/OC border] that is being converted into a smart center as we speak. They are estimating opening in mid-February. There was a post about this in the Dealership section in the forum. Why is that dealership not in the list of the 4 being added this year?

[rwcmick]

Originally Posted by wrumbarger

Howdy

Let's not forget that smart gmbh (Germany) and smartusa are TWO ENTIRELY SEPARATE companies?

Just because smart gmbh says "this widget" is now available does not mean that smartusa is going to get it to us in the USA?

I am specifically interested in the electric smart. I would suggest that others interested write to BOTH smart gmbh AND smartusa to express your desire for whichever "widget" you want (electric drive, diesel, turbo, flux capacitor, etc)

Just my 2cents worth?

not sure what you are driving at here, but i can assure you 100% that the usa is getting the electric drive smart in the second half of 2010. how many available? can't answer that, but it is coming here.

[SuperGeek]

Ok so when can I reserve one? Get on the list now, do I get a 2009 or do the delays last enough I can reserve a 2010 electric?

[rwcmick]

Originally Posted by SuperGeek

Ok so when can I reserve one? Get on the list now, do I get a 2009 or do the delays last enough I can reserve a 2010 electric?

no plans set for the reservation process, so you're just going to have to sit tight...or, i suppose you could pester smart usa if it makes you feel better :-)