Since most Americans have two cars, why not get one just for the daily commute and other assorted errands and use one for hauling the family around town? On average a one-way commute covers a distance of only 16 miles and takes 26 minutes.American's have had an obsession with bigger, and faster vehicles, but lately, fuel cost, traffic congestion and their clear-cut convenience, have made the supermini increasingly more attractive to countless American car buyers. The Smart was designed for traversing the snug European thoroughfares. Were parking spaces are at a premium and getting gas in Amsterdam would cost you almost $7.00 per gallon.

However, Smart's are an idea whose time has come for the U.S. or, more precisely, will come this year.

Since the launch in 1998 the Smart has added new meaning to the definition of a small vehicle , in terms of safety, function, and efficiency. The Smart promises low co2 emissions and noteworthy gas mileage.

But, don't expect to see our streets flooded with Smart Cars for 2008 .

The enormous demand spawned by the Smart's reputation in Europe, the growing consumer awareness, and the ever-present hype surrounding the Smart car has generated significant passion for this vehicle as the U.S. prepares for the American launch.

Regrettably, sources at the parent company smart GmbH, have said that Smart USA will only be selling 20,000 Smart cars for their entire dealership (74) network for the 2008 model year.

Due to this limited availability, unfortunately, thousands of Smart enthusiasts in hundreds of cities, in as many as 16 states (no dealers available), may be "Smart-less" and disappointed and with a longer-than-anticipated wait for this revolutionary new mode of transportation.

So, the sales potential is very limited, as is anyone's chance to get a car for 2008 that was not on smart USA's reservation list early.

The newly designed 2008 Smart ForTwo automobile will be available in the United States in very limited numbers in the coming weeks.

We at SmartCarofAmerica.com believe selling the Smart is just one component of a very complex undertaking and we are at a pivotal crossroad for the future and direction of the U.S. automotive industry and the emerging automotive industries of China, India and beyond.

The North American launch of the 2008 Smart ForTwo is certainly not about selling a handful of $12,000 cars, or introducing a new automotive brand and the truth be told the entire North American Smart car import process is a multifaceted, global business enterprise, reaching far into the future.

No matter what we drive, global oil demand will continue to surge because of the developments in India, China and the Mid East.

Many predict no end to excessive oil and gas prices, and with prices reliant on the unstable Middle Eastern and South American nations, many will prefer to drive a more fuel-efficient supermini car.

Not only saving everyone money, but making us less reliant on Middle Eastern oil supplies and the added bonus of less pollution.

Dieter Zetsche the head of Daimler AG said “this is just the beginning. Their diesel Smart already gets 70 miles per gallon.

They are testing battery versions and thinking about hydrogen fuel cells.
Zetsche said he's committed to minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. “I do believe that ultimately the customer will drive that development to its limits based on fast-rising fuel prices.”

As a result alternative cars, like the Smart are ascertaining there presence at car dealers showrooms and thoroughfares world wide and intelligent alternatives to the Smart are available for immediate purchase, attracting green-conscious and cost aware citizens.