OK so why does Japan get MhD and we don't?!?!

[bottlerocket]

That really chaps my hide!!

[SubSlr88]

Where did you find that information??
Curious, too.

[vwW12]

This is an interesting question. It would be nice to get an industry insider to provide a reply. In the meantime, there could be several reasons.

Testing.
Car companies usually take a long amount of time testing their products in other markets before introducing them to the incredibly competitive US market. This extended testing period could be driven by:

1. Fear of lawsuits.
US law is very lawsuit friendly because unlike most of the rest of the world, the loser often does not have to pay the other guy's legal costs.

2. Modern cars are very complex.
Look at this thread from yesterday. For '09 the smart changed something with the auto wiper function and the function is draining cars so that they will not start the next day. People are complaining and I quote:
«When a large and I mean "large" corporation produces something and then sends it out unfinished....well that is just... so wrong...»
We are talking about a secondary or tertiary function in a minuscule optional controller here. These cars are sold worldwide and yet this error has only now been identified and the company is working on fixing it.
Now imagine a similar software or hardware error on a critical, used-at-every-stoplight function. People would be screaming from the rooftops because (according to them) "it... would be... so wrong". The lawsuits would not be far behind.

3. Regulation.
The body of law that impacts cars runs hundreds of thousands of pages long, is issued by multiple regulatory bodies including CARB, EPA, DOT, NHTSA and who knows who else. The Micro-Hybrid impacts driveline. Lord knows what certification, re-certification, re-classing, compliance, CAFEing, homologation, or what not is required? These things cost millions. If the initial design that is certified is later found to be defective, you may have to amend, appeal, file revised, give up your firstborn, who knows?

4. Range
The US is a large country encompassing climates from arctic to tropical. Fuels vary from county to county (due to EPA regulations). For all we know Micro-Hybrid is perfect for template Euro-Jap markets at 95 RON non-ethanol gasoline. What if the darned things conk out in Arizona heat at unleaded gas with 10% ethanol fuel instead of good 'ole European 1% MTBE? (The engine is stopping every few minutes so what if gases start to build up due to unexpected volatility and kill re-ignition? Welcome to lawsuit territory!

Finally, it is important to remember that several cars in Europe already stop and restart and every stop light. But not in the US. I am sure Daimler and Penske are trying to figure out if they really want to be the guinea pig. Can they afford the lawsuits?

[jimnkaran]

Originally Posted by bottlerocket

That really chaps my hide!!

So what is MhD????

[EinsteinsMommy]

MhD is Micro Hybrid Drive

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/sma...rid_drive.html

[forestacademy]

It will be a seller and a desired feature in Japan. They have folks running arround town telling folks to turn of their engine at stop lights, why not sell something that does that for you.

[Westfield 11]

They get it because their cars do not come from Penske. It is their choice to streamline the model line up, thus no MHD and no turbo and no diesel.

[paroyboy]

For now, I think its a good thing that the US lineup is somewhat limited. Read over some of the posts that describe some techs as being "clueless". Now, throw in what I assume is some pretty fancy software and hardware upgrades for MHD, and while we're at it, a diesel. Think techs are confused now? I'm pretty impressed with what Penske and smartUSA have been able to pull off in just over two years. I cant begin to fathom the logistics of bring a new brand into the US. I say let Japan and the UK get the bugs worked out of the MHD before we get them, then sign me up!

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

They get it because their cars do not come from Penske. It is their choice to streamline the model line up, thus no MHD and no turbo and no diesel.

If it wasn't for Penske, all that would be availabe would be grey market Smarts and NO Service.

[24-42]

Originally Posted by Westfield 11

They get it because their cars do not come from Penske. It is their choice to streamline the model line up, thus no MHD and no turbo and no diesel.

I apprised you-all at the very beginning about Penske. Not that you can do much about it.

Another reason why I bought a 2006 model 450.

Donald LaFavor