Smart car dealerships-One in every town?

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by letsgoskatepool

why only 30,000?

currently, smartville is only one plant. they are operating either at or near full capacity. they are also supplying cars to Europe and beginning in 2009, CHINA as well.

unless they're planning on building MORE plants (no word on that as of yet) we should feel fortunate to get the 30,000.

i'm not happy about them supplying China too, but i understand. they can probably make more $$ there than here due to the value of the U.S. dollar.
apparently in Europe and Canada, you can just walk into a dealer and drive home with one. if their production can't keep up with the U.S. demand, then i believe smart should be finding ways to satisfy THIS market before expanding into Asia.

but that's just my opinion. with that and $5 you can get a "mocha choca latta yaya" at Starbucks......

[JPaul]

Jeepster55, during my last conversation with the media rep. for smart, I asked some of those questions.
Smartville is at full capacity: 2 shifts, 6 days a week.
M. Amélineau confirms Mr. Schembri: about 25-30,000 cars for the US in 2008 (only).
China: no decision yet.
Most Europeans wait 2-3 months for their orders (unless they buy what's on the lot).
Remember, those figures are subject to change at any time, decisions are made at Daimler AG Stuttgart.
Coffee: I'll take latte...