smart USA's poor performance releasing 09 info

[jwight]

Anybody else PO'd at the way smart USA has piddled out the 09 model info? First we get the color changes, then after another few weeks we find out that DRLs will be offered, so the folks who configured 09's before that announcement have to reconfigure to add DRLs, with the caveat they may have a delayed delivery. And finally, the Brabus info hits the streets yesterday, but only for reservation holders who haven't configured yet. What's next, an announcement in another few weeks the Pulse will be available, or the CDI, or the ED?

Other companies let you know up front what's what with their new model year cars, and if something will be offered later in the year they let prospective customers know that as well. smart USA apparently figures everyone has a crystal ball or is willing to drop a standing reservation, made in good faith, and start their long, long wait all over again. Sorry, but IMHO, that's just not good enough.

[smartHHO]

I agree with you totally. I think that since their Mercs are crashing and burning, and ppl are crazy for the smart. They should be doing more then just saying things late in the game. If I am getting an 09, then I should get DRL automatically. There should not be a $50 up charge for anyone due to it is a safety thing that is required in Europe. Why charge for it? Not sure I really care about the Brabus. Have not looked into the feautures, so I am not affected much buy it. I do like the Brabus Turbo / super charger or whatever one is on it. I did read we soon can add that to our cars. I will mostlikely add it if it does not cost a ton.

[Dunerunner]

Did we expect anything less from smartUSA and Internet Brands? Shoot, they are at least building cars!! Thank God Chrysler isn't driving this product. I do really wish smart would get a turbo Brabus product into the line, even if offered as an option!!

[rawlus®]

i suspect much of it has to do with the fluid relationship between smartusa and smart Gmbh. they can't announce DRL's until they confirm that smart germany will do it. same with brabus, i assume penske is competing with the rest of the world for limited allocation on brabus - the finalization of that deal may not have been made until very recently.

but in the end, people will always find something to complain about.

IMHO, once you get to brabus-level offerings, the smart begins to lose it's value proposition very quickly.

[orangecones3]

maybe they themselves don't know what they are doing for 09 yet (even though deliveries for 09 will start in about 2 weeks). Maybe the Brabus is a 09.5... maybe the Pulse or ED also be 09.5 or 10.5... just give it a rest.

Why? You signed up for the $99 only knowing about what is available AT THE TIME OF DEPOSIT..ie you are happy with exactly what was available at the time, so any other features that become available between deposit and configuration is just icing on the cake.

[jwight]

maybe they themselves don't know what they are doing ....

Based on their performance in recent weeks, no argument from me on that.

[pdxplm]

I agree with Orange! The $99 was know what we would get, and believe me, it's a lot! I was so excited and thrilled when I saw them in Zurich that I could hardly wait until they got here. Of course my reservation has moved back and forth so many times that I just look at it once a week instead of daily. But the anticipation still is there and the excitement when I see a Smartie on the road!

[Krodista]

As far as the charge for DRL, I would personally rather have Autolights than DRL...there have been many blogs on this forum about them when they were first announced, so I wont get into it...but needless to say...I wouldnt want them even if they were included for free.

[Orphan-Beggar]

Originally Posted by jwight

Anybody else PO'd at the way smart USA has piddled out the 09 model info? smart USA apparently figures everyone has a crystal ball

My gripes from the beginning:
-The cost to reserve ($99) is too low
-The orphans could have been offered to waiting reservers only
-The dealers often know less than an average forum reader
-Internet Brands personnel often know less than a fourth-grader
-Ever changing DDE's make trade-in decisions more difficult
-They took away configurers' ability to choose ANY smartcenter for delivery
-The wait is longer due to orphans, created to ensure the newer model year, etc, etc

[jediknight36]

Well, it looks like you are not allowed to be unhappy about anything on here...