Arizona Dealer called...Said I was the first on the list to call!!

[ghinmesa]

I got the call today from Sean that my red Passion is on the way and he will know the VIN by next Wednesday when I get another call. How exciting! He said within a week they should have cars to test drive. I reserved on the very first day. At first I thought I'd ordered an Audi, the caller ID said Scottsdale Audi!

[ok_smartie]

This is all so excited, Christmas in January! Congrats to those who got calls today, I can't wait for it to be my turn. Has anyone talked to them about a club or events?? i've never been that type of person BUT I think it would be fun to get our smarts together in mass....anyone??

[CruisingAZ]

I agree that an AZ gathering would be a fun event. I will not get mine until mid or late 08 but I would show up just to see yours and support the event.

[Smart AZ]

Too upset to speak with Tracy today, but heard some less than pleasant news while visiting. Told they have over 1400 reservations assigned to the only AZ dealer and they'll only get 900 cars for all of 2008.

Let's hope a lot back out, change their minds and let me get one by mid year.

[CruisingAZ]

Now I really want to know where I am in that list of 1,400. If I am past 900 I need to make other plans.

[ok_smartie]

I bet there will be fall out and its way to early to worry and stress today! Too upset?? Come on, thats extreme, no?? Also, we shouldn't shoot the messengers - they are learning and sharing as much info as they have, would your day have been better if they didn't say anything?? Just curious Smart AZ, when did you reserve?

[Smart AZ]

Reserved May 15th,#1230, Confirmed Dec 28th

This whole reservation process smells of deceit. I've played similar games several years ago with Corbin/Merlin motors and lost a $1000 deposit, I watched as ZAP struggled through DoT regulations, raced G&K ? to conversion and release of converted 42's(at outrageous prices!) and now I hear about the 3 month delays in Canada release (officially reported) so that the Canadian 451 will be released the same time as US 451.

It's gonna take some effort for Penske to restore my confidence. That being said, I intend to keep my reservation, watch how this all transpires and if it's late 08 or 09 before my order is available....
There's plenty of other options that I know will be available in the US by that time.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by Smart AZ

Reserved May 15th,#1230, Confirmed Dec 28th

This whole reservation process smells of deceit. I've played similar games several years ago with Corbin/Merlin motors and lost a $1000 deposit, I watched as ZAP struggled through DoT regulations, raced G&K ? to conversion and release of converted 42's(at outrageous prices!) and now I hear about the 3 month delays in Canada release (officially reported) so that the Canadian 451 will be released the same time as US 451.

It's gonna take some effort for Penske to restore my confidence. That being said, I intend to keep my reservation, watch how this all transpires and if it's late 08 or 09 before my order is available....
There's plenty of other options that I know will be available in the US by that time.

what part could possibly be deceitful? you signed up on 5/15 and confirmed on 12/28. i signed up on 3/19 and confirmed on 9/1. what am i missing here? i'm all about conspiracy theories if you have one, but see no smoking gun here. pretty straightforward if you ask me. and after all, it's $99 and it's totally refundable.

[Desert_Friar]

Originally Posted by CruisingAZ

Now I really want to know where I am in that list of 1,400. If I am past 900 I need to make other plans.

I'm in the same position. I'm not willing to wait another year for the Smart. I really like the car and the concept, but if they can't deliver by July or August at the latest, I'll draw a refund and wait for other options. If the Smart does really well and causes some badly needed changes to the American attitude about personal vehicles (I'd love to see them become as totally commonplace as the VW), then other marques will quickly jump into the field with some competitive and interesting offerings.

On the positive side, I suspect that if there are indeed 1400 reservations in Chandler MB's dealer area, most of them were made after the launch of the road show. I doubt there are that many already confirmed/configured in our area.

It's my hope that as Smart USA gets it's act together and works the kinks out of the process, they will put more focus on keeping their customer base included and informed.

Bill

[Decorleon]

Does anyone know Tracys email?