Smart might not make it in America

[RVGRINGO]

Our auto registration, in Mexico, states as follows:

Make: Mercedes Benz
Line or sub-make: Smart
Version: Smart City Coupe Passion
Model: 2007

[Mike T]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

You can bet that Penske factored that in to the business plan.

I sure hope you're right!

[Alan Smithee]

Originally Posted by jwight

Not sure how definitive this is, but according to cars.com Daimler includes smart and M-B in its CAFE fleet.

Interesting...but if true, brings up more questions. If Daimler takes credit for sales, why did they use Penske to import the smart, cutting into what is probably minimal profit? And as I mentioned previously, why aren't they then actively marketing the brand (as BMW does for MINI)? Where would Saturn have fallen on the CAFE chart had Penske acquired that brand?

And further off topic...why does the NHTSA view Ferrari and Maserati separately? When Fiats are sold here, will they fall under Chrysler? And then what about Ferrari and Maserati (both brands owned by Fiat)? Can one assume that Volkswagen will be pulled down the ranks by Porsche since the acquisition this year? Perhaps another thread for another time...

[Old SGM]

I just had the 10K mile service, the Smart Center is hurting, but the service and staff were courteous, and the car was ready before the time they promised. Bad thing is the Smart Center is 212 miles round trip from my house. Price was reasonable. I intend to keep my 09 untill nothing is left to drive. By the way I also have a Honda Fit, it is a great car, but I still prefer to drive the Smart.

[packetandy]

Old SGM, I have exactly the same two cars and also prefer driving the smart. I need the Fit to haul 2x4's.....

[fastturb]

Originally Posted by packetandy

I need the Fit to haul 2x4's.....

how long are they? Put the passenger seat down and either open the back hatch or drop the soft-top and let them hang out with a flag on the end. It's the 4X8 sheets of plywood that are a little harder. Put a blanket on the top and some strong rope can do magic.

[ArthurRW]

This week one of the local TV stations started running ads for the local smart dealership, I guess word-of-mouth isn't working well enough. At least the ad was tasteful.

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by Lil'Blue

My biggest concern IRT dealer closings and "merged" service centers would be the fact that we cannot seem to get a service (shop) manual. Sure, there is the online subscription service, but if Penske cuts its losses, how long would that site remain online?
The Mitsu motor is a good little engine. Mitsu has been making these little tourqsters for eons. But, like anything mechanical, they will break.
My local smart center is owned by a larger multi-brand dealership. They are not known for keeping low performing business units going. They are, afterall, in business. They have already colocated the one smart tech they have into the BMW shop. If you need parts you have to call and leave a message-expect a call back in about 3 hours or next day. They have relocated the parts person to their Honda division. They have one salesman in place, its a revolving door for the "sales manager", no in place tech or parts person...the writing is on the wall as far as I can see....of course, I do hope I am wrong. The sky is not falling, but the clouds are getting darker.

Excellent point.

US smart sales will reach less than 15k this year. I'm guessing that 2010 sales will mimic-- or likely fall below-- 2009 figures.

(Personally, I think that smart's 2-person microsedan market is now maxed-out in the US: a niche Euro-car that obviously appeals to a limited number of US buyers-- most of which have obviously bought one by now.) Think motorcycle sales.

I just attended a local car show where Ford sponsored a HUGE advertising and test-drive campaign for their early 2010 Euro-spec Fiesta. Presuming that Ford prices this model right, you'll see another nail in the smart coffin. Ford, along with Honda and Toyota, are ready to stomp the US smart market.

Smart needs a US-spec roadster and forfour model to remain competitive-- hawking a 10 year-old fortwo platform won't cut it.
My humble opinion, of course...

[craven3557]

One of the problems with a new brand or setting up a new dealership is you make you money on new and used cars. You don't have any service business because you have all new cars and with Smart where the first service isn't due till 10k. That's why the service and parts are in with the other brands that the dealership.

[fortow]

Originally Posted by EdwardDennis

...
Smart needs a US-spec roadster and forfour model to remain competitive-- hawking a 10 year-old fortwo platform won't cut it.
My humble opinion, of course...

Your opinion is not so humble - in my opinion, of course.

If this car is to maintain viability and rise beyond a tiny niche market it will have to change - and the changes will have to make it perform more like every other car in the market with drivability similar to what people are accustomed to - and with excellent reliability, no more odd electrical gremlins.
The competition is too well financed, too well engineered, too well known and respected, and with too large a dealer network however.
The smart concept was interesting and good and in the right market an exceptional car. In North America it is the answer to a question that hasn't really been asked. I still like it since there wasn't anything else available that had the same combination of qualities that served my purposes. That will be changing in the next few year though.

Once these cars come off warranty, and owners have to foot the costly bills for maintenance and repair and all the adjustments that seem to be required, then a different tune will be expressed by owners in general. Service is far too expensive and associated with other problems as have been continually discussed on these forums. Unless these cars start selling in greater numbers or dealership policies change then that doesn't bode well either.

Hopefully, those in a position to make favourable changes are favourable to maintaining the viability of this brand. I have always backed underdogs, and recognize that is is only through their contributions that positive things really do happen.