Milwaukee Auto show

[rwj53]

Going today. Smarts will be there. Also want to see the toyota IQ and the Ford verve.

[SmartBob]

deaconpark said the show was a big disappointment, particularly the Smart Display, ie: no actual display but two cars, no pamphlets, no salespeople and the cars were locked. Maybe the reps were "out to lunch" in more ways than one. I'd be interested to hear what you find there.

[ex300SRT8]

Originally Posted by SmartBob

deaconpark said the show was a big disappointment, particularly the Smart Display, ie: no actual display but two cars, no pamphlets, no salespeople and the cars were locked. Maybe the reps were "out to lunch" in more ways than one. I'd be interested to hear what you find there.

That would be a shame. It was the L.A. auto show that really peeked our interest.

[pabille]

Originally Posted by ex300SRT8

That would be a shame. It was the L.A. auto show that really peeked our interest.

I thought the placement of the Smart exhibit at the L.A. show was interesting. It was on a mezzenine outside of the main hall. Still, the less than stellar placement wasn't able to subdue the exitement and interest. The exhibit was all a buzz and crowded with people. It was hard to get info because reps were so busy talking to visitors. There was a steady stream of people trying the seats.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by SmartBob

deaconpark said the show was a big disappointment, particularly the Smart Display, ie: no actual display but two cars, no pamphlets, no salespeople and the cars were locked. Maybe the reps were "out to lunch" in more ways than one. I'd be interested to hear what you find there.

it seems that this is the MO currently at SmartUSA as far as car shows go. but who can blame them really. much easier to not be there, then to be there and piss off a lot of people when they are told the wait could be anywhere from 6 months to a year. the reality is that they don't have any product to sell at the moment so they don't really need a sales team there.

[ex300SRT8]

Originally Posted by pabille

I thought the placement of the Smart exhibit at the L.A. show was interesting. It was on a mezzenine outside of the main hall. Still, the less than stellar placement wasn't able to subdue the exitement and interest. The exhibit was all a buzz and crowded with people. It was hard to get info because reps were so busy talking to visitors. There was a steady stream of people trying the seats.

Agreed, placement was odd, but interest / excitement was high. I went to the show specifically because I was ready to go for the new ISF, but that smart exhibit really grabbed me.

[rwj53]

Well I am back. They had two smarts parked outside with the two in one parallel parking space only horizontal to the rest of parked cars. They got alot of looks. Inside there were two, a blue one and black one with silver and they were in the hallway just outside of the mercedes exibit in the main showroom. Doors were open to the public with many people sitting in them. There were alot of comments about being death traps, Boy I like the legroom but it scares me that there is just no protection from getting hit from behind. Then there was the another side of the fence OH look at that cute little car I just love it and look at all of the room inside. Some said boy I bet that really gets good gas milage. I think it was a mix of comments probably 50/50 for or against. Also many comments I wonder how it is in the snow. Oh and how would you like to have to work on that motor. I did not see a smart rep to talk to. Lots and Lots of gas guzzlers probably 75% of them. What a shame.

[SmartBob]

Yes, the Tridion cell WILL give you protection from a rear end collision. The engine is placed to go under the axle in that event removing the danger of passenger involvement with the engine.
It's good in snow....there are tons of notes about ABS, ESP etc...regarding handling in all foul road conditions. Talk to out northern U.S. and Canadian friends about it.
Gas guzzlers, yes, I marvel at how much auto manufacturers still jam big cars, vans and SUVs at us....only quoting the hwy mileage and really ignoring the huge gas $$$ hike we've been speared with.
Thanks for your post RWJ.