Smart Cars of America recognized this not to be the case and continue to keep North America informed. On November 7, 2002, Smart brand stated "the Smart could sell well in urban markets in California, Florida, and the East Coast."

However, once again, plans to bring the car to the United States were postponed. In 2002, semi-certified glider Smarts were imported to the United States by eMotion Mobility, a company established by Donald Panoz, with DaimlerChrysler's and the state of Georgia's approval and assistance. The intention was to build an electric version of the car. Atlanta-based eMotion Mobility introduced its prototype all-electric Smart in 2002.

The company planned to import 2,500 Smart car glider models, but in January 2004, eMotion Mobility ceased operations and liens were placed on the cars, which we helped sell for the shipper, again disappointing the consumer.

"With no information available for North America Smart car fan, we wrote the first EBook on the smart city-coupe, as it was called then and in 2003, Smart Cars of America was so confident the Smart was going to be sold in the United States by someone and very soon, we started the Smart Car Waiting List" says Max Fisher, spokesman for Smart Cars of America.

The Smart Fortwo (cdi) common rail turbo-diesel version went on sale in Canada in the fall of 2004; the 800 Smarts imported to Canada were sold as soon as they hit Halifax and in many cases demand is greater than supplies.

Early in 2004, rumor had it that an SUV called the Smart ForMore would be introduced to the United States in 2006, by smartUSA, which was still a division of Mercedes-Benz.

They began courting dealers to sell the Smart in the United States. "Many thousands of our readers asked us why another SUV, and told us, I want a Smart car and we agreed." said Fisher.

A Smart was donated to Firehouse Number 1 in Detroit, with Fire Commissioner Tyrone Scott extolling its virtues: "We are going to save lives with this vehicle because its size will allow us a better first-response capability in areas of the city." This made us more confident about the cars future. However, right after this, plans to bring the Smart brand to the United States were shelved.

In July 2005, DaimlerChrysler announced a $1.44 billion restructuring of Smart that led to numerous job cuts, and a final decision as to whether the Smart would come to America or go the way of the Eagle and Edsel was expected in April 2006. Smart, much like Marc Rich got its last minute pardon.

On June 28th 2006, the American public learned that UAG would be the official U.S. distributor and the Smart car was coming state side.

The road to the Smart's U.S. launch has been bumpy, with many roadblocks and hurdles to overcome. The highway is expected to smooth out in the coming months, and the American driving public can hope to hold the checkered flag in the race for this clever car.