JD Power & Associates Letter/ smart Drive Clinic

[geosynch]

If it were me running this Drive Clinic, I would notify everyone at once, and only after I had all the replies I needed/wanted. I bet we won't hear back for a week or so. Patience.

geosynch

[rwjrn]

Here's what I got. I'm so disappointed.

I wanted to thank you for your interest in the smart fortwo Drive Clinic. Unfortunately all driver slots have been filled at this time. If we can arrange more driving days or if a current participant is unable to attend I will send out another email with the details. Again, thank you for your interest in the clinic.

[saronian]

Originally Posted by rwjrn

Here's what I got. I'm so disappointed.

Me too. I did get a reply at 8AM today with one spot open, but by the time I replied at 8:15Am it was filled.

You people are fast!!!

If you made the cut for a test between 9/18 & 9/22 please let us know what you can.

Scott

[geosynch]

Originally Posted by rwjrn

Here's what I got. I'm so disappointed.

I wanted to thank you for your interest in the smart fortwo Drive Clinic. Unfortunately all driver slots have been filled at this time. If we can arrange more driving days or if a current participant is unable to attend I will send out another email with the details. Again, thank you for your interest in the clinic.

+1

The ritual I go through when I came home from work in the evening is consistent. I pull into the garage, get the mail, place all the re-fi offers into the recycle bin and then sit in front of my computer while I open the mail. On the day I received the JD Power notice about the smart Drive Clinic, I had sent in my reply within minutes of getting home from work – say 6:30 P.M.

But it wasn’t fast enough.

I’m curious if JD Power is asking for Non Disclosure Agreements or anything similar. If not, I hope some soul will post everything they can after their test drive!

geosynch

P.S. The time stamp from my SENT folder:

Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 6:27 PM

[Piccola]

Hey - anyone know where this is happening? Maybe we could go watch? Fill in for any no shows? (I'm sad, I didn't get an email!) Curious though!!!!

[saronian]

My message said we'll email you if someone is unable to attend or they can arrange for more spots. They said it will take place "somewhere near the Bay Bridge."

[Smart Enuf]

Originally Posted by Stocker

I received one of those letters, too.


August 19, 2008

Dear Current smart fortwo Owner,

smart is currently developing a new fortwo model that is scheduled to enter the U.S. market in 2010. As a current fortwo owner, your insights and perspective are invaluable in helping to shape the future of the fortwo. As a result, smart and J.D. Power and Associates would like to invite you to test drive and evaluate the new fortwo model.

The smart fortwo Drive Clinic will be held in the San Francisco area from September 18th through September 23rd. During this clinic you will have the opportunity to test drive several different fortwo vehicles and provide your feedback by completing a short questionnaire on each of the vehicles. Your participation in the evaluation will take approximately 3 hours. In appreciation of your participation, a $200 cash incentive will be given.

There are a limited number of appointments available each day, so your prompt response is essential.

If you are interested in taking part in this evaluation, Please contact ***** ****** via email at ********@****** When replying, please include "smart Drive Clinic" in the subject line and provide the following information: your name, city, phone numbers (home, work or mobile), and the best time to reach you.

Thank you,

****** **********
Project Coordinator

It's probably just a smart with a fully manual transmission. That would be a more logical thing to test in the San Francisco area than a battery powered vehicle due to the hills and stop-and-go traffic, notorious for killing EV range. But who knows, maybe it will be an EV-smart?

[tivoboy]

I responded immediately and received positive replies and a set time and place in a few days. I'm surprised that others who replied in a similar time frame didn't get in. I'll try to take pics and video.

[T12121]

I bet they will want people to sign a NDA!

[starlord]

i'm lazy, didn't even reply yet, LOL

Update: I guess they don't even read the letters coming in, an auto-reply came back:

(same one rwjrn posted earlier)

See, even smart club people with fancy press credentials can't get into this thing! Someone capture video and pics (if they let you) -- I'd almost bet it's going to be a bb edition and ed edition smart. Manual tranny would be cool but given the engine electronics and everything I dunno why they'd let people do that..