Possible smart sales curve chart

[kinschan]

Competition is waht thing better.May it improve the next generation of Smart Fortwo. May we have a Smart Forthree?

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by MPrice2984

The chairman of Toyota told Automotive news last week that the IQ will come to the states as soon as it is certified for the US safety laws. It is still a foot longer than the ForTwo but does have the child seat in back.

I read somewhere that it may have to lose the back seats to get certified. In the current configuration, those back seats are perilously close to the back of the car (30cm). If that happens, it would lose one of its big advantages over the smart.

[rwcmick]

Originally Posted by MicroNut

I read somewhere that it may have to lose the back seats to get certified. In the current configuration, those back seats are perilously close to the back of the car (30cm). If that happens, it would lose one of its big advantages over the smart.

Yeah, I think it was just the author of that article opining that. Take a look at some of the 7 seater crossovers that some carmakers already sell over here and you'll see small gaps between the rearmost headrests and the rear window.

I think the IQ will arrive here and will try to eat smart's lunch. However, the unique style of smart may keep Toyota somewhat at bay. In the IQ's corner will be it's massive armada of dealers, built up goodwill, the additional passenger capacity and probably some excellent numbers from the powertrain (power/mileage).

I welcome the IQ and provided that smart continue to bring additional flavors like mhd, turbo and maybe diesel then I think both can co-exist just fine.

[CruzinSusan]

smart will keep it's eye on the prize - a solid little market share. It's in a class by itself. It's fortwo, but has the forfour experience, and therefore the possibility for growth here.

If the Others want to try to emulate our smarties here, so be it. But the proof, as always, is in the pudding, and if one's goals are met, and one does't want it all, then carving out a nice, predictable, and steady piece of the automotive manufacturing pie is a very smart move.