I came here following the news I first read yesterday regarding the loss of our little brand here in America to share some (typically) positive thoughts, and leave out most of the negative ones. That goes without saying; yes that sucks, mainly because I was really, REALLY hopeful that 'expansion in to the B-segment' under Geely meant a new ForFour or some equivalent that we may be getting in the states. That vehicle, whatever it was, would have GUARANTEED been my next car. I now hold out hope for VW to follow through with a truly amazing electric VW bus as my boys grow up and sliding doors (in addition to more than 2 seats) is are the two unwavering requirements for my next vehicle. Cruise and crank windows be damned.
I digress, as usual... So Smart is going to be no longer. I'm pretty sad about that because I absolutely love both my little 451 and 453. I've absolutely loved (and will continue to love) my blue 451 that was even a part of our wedding, and have amassed a collection of 3-lug wheels and other accessories in anticipation for this happening. I imagine parts, not now, not next year, but in 20+ years will start becoming scarce. Not Isetta rare, but hard-to-find for sure. I drive the wheels off my 453, so I imagine it will be replaced in the future, and should its time ever come, I'm totally open to plunking down the cash on another one. I'm happy I found a blue + white 453 well before this announcement. (They fit in a single garage together; huge perk.)
I'm hoping that in the future, again, albeit distant, that these cars finally begin to climb in value. I'm not saying these will be high-dollar collector's items, but the ones where all the plastic bits don't fail will be desirable in some fashion. Soon they'll all be limited editions! They had a good run, but this country is too obsessed with SUVs and Crossovers to care about compact cars, especially niche micro cars. The decision to stop selling the cars here will ultimately be good for the brand, because I'd imagine we were the biggest costs to the company. Focusing on European and Asian markets will concentrate the car where it sells, and ultimately help to see the company afloat in the future. Sad for us, good for the brand.
The final hope is, if the cars continue to exist here as that Diamler ride sharing company vehicle in urban cities, that the new cars (if they come here) will eventually find their way to the used market after their fleet duty. That just may be my ticket to the next vehicle. Perhaps this will be a Ford-style announcement where they say they're canceling all cars, maybe they're canceling the ForTwo, and some B-segment vehicle may arrive here in the future, even if it's a rebadged Mercedes EQ. Pie in the sky, but a thought nonetheless. I hope the brand has continued success regardless. Here's hoping! I'll certainly miss them here.