When I was waiting to get a smart and was travelling around europe, I really noticed them more in cities. There are more smarts in Rome than any other place we went to. Lots in Paris, lots in Germany, lots in England.
Europe also has the Mercedes A class. They had the Toyota Yaris for years before it came to the US (toured the plant in France and was impressed with the car prior to its introduction in the US). Plus there are various diesel alternatives and not only models that aren't marketed in the US but brands that don't market here. eg. When MG restarted, they decided not to enter the US market and face the regulatory compliance and strong competition from other up-scale sports cars already here.
So, Smart has a lot more competition in Europe than here - for those who value the small size, small carbon footprint, etc.
Last edited by PerryA; 05-27-2008 at 11:55 AM.
Reason: additional comment
I know it is big in Europe, but I really think it is going to be the New "VW Bug" here in America. It isn't cheap, but what is? Sure they had it first, but once they opened this market, they will not be able to build them fast enough. Yes i know i could be wrong about this, I was been wrong in the past, I remember a time back in 1973 I was wrong once, Oh wait a minute, I wasn't wrong, I was just mistaken!
I know I read an article where Chevrolet was thinking about bringing one of there small cars to the states that they only sell overseas. Said they were going to study the US market and see if people would buy the car here. It is supposed to get 50mpg and have 4 doors.
I owned a 2002 Smart when I lived in Dublin. I loved it. There are lots of alternatives there but at that time the Smart was the premium model. Now there are a lot of other options in the premium category but I would still buy a Smart. I however am not buying a US version Smart. My 2002 got about 65mpg, I'm very disappointed in the US version.
I know I read an article where Chevrolet was thinking about bringing one of there small cars to the states that they only sell overseas. Said they were going to study the US market and see if people would buy the car here. It is supposed to get 50mpg and have 4 doors.
Looks like it going to be the (GM) Opel Astra, to be sold as a Saturn Astra.
I know I read an article where Chevrolet was thinking about bringing one of there small cars to the states that they only sell overseas. Said they were going to study the US market and see if people would buy the car here. It is supposed to get 50mpg and have 4 doors.
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