Why No Smart Fourtwo MHD in U.S.

[GoingLikeSixty]

"A special version of the fuel stingy Smart Fortwo was shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. It was called the Smart Fortwo Edition Micro Hybrid Drive. Like other Smart limited edition models, this exclusive MHD edition can be purchased now. However, as with the other Smart drive variants and limited edition Smart models it is not for sale in the United States. "

Why is this NOT AVAILABLE to U.S. buyers? Our smart government policies? Or Smart smart marketing plan?

[sk8ndad]

I can see no reason why Penske would not allow it as at least an option...

[SmartCard]

Actually the MHD is not a limited edition, it is available as standard on all European smarts (at least with the 71 hp gas engine). Presumably it is not being offered in the States as by and large, maybe we don't do as much pure city driving as in Europe? (of course, it still could be offered as an option here)

[jwight]

Since the fortwo is available now, assume you meant mhd version?

[GHammerly]

I'm assuming you mean "SHOULD MHD BE AVAILABLE IN THE US MARKET?"
Yes it should but I'm sure they would have to have it EPA CARB approved before it's sold here, that would provably cost alot of money. A lot of engineering developmet and some new parts exclussive to the US market smarts.
I wish we just adhere to the EU standards, they make more sense to me, I know many will disagree but EU requirements are more reasonable.

[GoingLikeSixty]

Yes, poll title is borked. Sorry.

@ g hammerly: How tough can it be to get U.S. approval since Prius and others already are or will be? (GM Volt)

@Smartcard: only quoting the Smart newsletter and story they attached... they called it a limited edition. "Pure city driving?" Everybody commutes by car in the U.S. much more than Europe.

@sk8ndad: Penske? What does he have to do with it? Doesn't the manufacturer make this decision, or does Penske have veto power? (it's a real question - not snark)

[jwight]

Revised poll title.

[GoingLikeSixty]

Originally Posted by jwight

Revised poll title.

10Q very much

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by sk8ndad

I can see no reason why Penske would not allow it as at least an option...

Originally Posted by GoingLikeSixty

@sk8ndad: Penske? What does he have to do with it? Doesn't the manufacturer make this decision, or does Penske have veto power? (it's a real question - not snark)

that's what I was thinking.......PAG/smartUSA is only the 'distributor' and i would highly doubt they have a say in the products configuration.

'if' they DID, they would have more than likely kept the Yellow as a color choice even though Europe and other markets didn't care for it.

[Big Panda]

...as for the MHD, i'm all for it. hey, it's there if you need it.

if you don't need it or don't want it, TURN IT OFF and don't use it! it's that simple.