smart usa to introduce "smart express" to better handle orphans - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

rwcmick · 01-12-2009, 08:21 PM

I'm a bit baffled that this isn't already being discussed here. I wasn't able to attend the smart conference, but as I was walking on the show floor I ran into Dave Schembri and I stopped by to say hello. I was chatting with Ken Kettenbeil and I asked him what they announced. He said it was primarily the electric drive and "smart express." Basically, smart express allows smart USA to intercept these orphaned vehicles while they are en route to the dealership. These cars can then be reallocated based on existing reservations held nationwide.

full post:

All Cars, All the Time: smart Adds "smart express" National Orphan Reallocation System

**jwight** · 01-12-2009, 08:30 PM

Actually this has been discussed on the SCOA forums; this idea was put forth many moons ago by several people unhappy with the way orphan smarts were/are handled. Good to see smart USA finally catching up to a fairly obvious solution. And I don't think smart bothered to send this info anywhere except the NAIAS floor (so far); apparently you were the only one in attendance at the industry days from the forums. Thanks for posting.

rwcmick · 01-12-2009, 08:35 PM

No info on the media kit either about smart express, I thought there would be a pdf or something.

SuperGeek · 01-12-2009, 08:53 PM

I was just thinking of this today... glad they read my mind.

Dealers have several orphans each, and we have thousands of people waiting. Connect the dots and more people will be happy. I think we still have a huge gap betwen supply and demand, but maybe they can reduce wait times from 12 months to 8.

Orphan-Beggar · 01-12-2009, 09:02 PM

smart USA announced at the NAIAS that it is adding a new component to its reservation system. Presently, cars that are not purchased by their reservation holder are orphaned at what would have been the reservation holder's local dealership. It was responsibility of that particular dealership to sell the car. With smart express, smart USA can intercept these orphaned vehicles while they are en route to the dealership. These cars can then be reallocated based on existing reservations held nationwide. Reservation holders would be contacted when a car with the same or nearly the same specs became available and would be offered the ability to purchase that car instead of waiting. Buyers would be contacted in order, so earlier reservation holders would have first dibs. This would be of particular assistance for folks located in areas such as Texas where there is a longer waiting period. Reservation holders will be automatically enrolled in the program. For those cars that are orphaned after arriving at the dealership will still be sold by the local dealer. When asked if reservation holders would be encouraged to make their decision earlier in order to reallocate more cars, Mr. Kettenbeil said that no, smart was not interested in badgering its customers....No exact date on when this program will be in place

**SmartDigger** · 01-12-2009, 09:06 PM

Dealer has several orphans that are not selling when he has several people waiting over a year for a car. Good deal for dealer now that the orphans are not moving so fast. ( at least at the loaded price). I am assuming the dealers would rather sell the smart to a reservation holder rather than keep it in inventory to sell. this would also mix up the wait time. ( Some people will not wait as long as most are now. When, some will still wait the normal time )

chieftmc · 01-13-2009, 06:19 AM

Too Bad, there goes the dealer "markups"

forestacademy · 01-13-2009, 08:59 AM

This will prevent the ability to just go pick up an orphan at the dealer. We have just gotten to the point where their are enough orphans so folks could pick one up without paying dealer extras or waiting. This will reduce the wait time for orders but will again put Orphans in high demand so the dealers can jack them up again with extras if they get an orphan.

THe only Orphans the dealers will get now will be from folks who Orphan after they have been delivered to dealers. If I was a dealer I would withhold info even more now so folks are less likely to orphan early.

SmartTech · 01-13-2009, 09:14 AM

most all orphans are made once they are on the lot at the dealer when the dealer ship tries to get the customer to come pick up the car. only a very small amount, maybe 10% tops of all orphans are canceled before the car arrives. so this wont help much but i will help some (if the cars dont get lost in the reroute)

smartHHO · 01-13-2009, 11:57 AM

I see one problem with the interception part. If the car comes in and the owner then says I don't want it. There is no interception. Now if the person does not want the car in advance, then I could see it working. Also, it would stop the stupid dealers from adding extra crap and selling orphans to outside ppl when their are several waiting on cars.