The economy.
We reserved last May, and got the configuration email last month. We haven't moved on it. We have a 1995 Ford which still runs (our only car), and it is awfully nice not having a car payment these days. Yes, this is just following the frightened herd (Conventional Wisdom) off of the cliff, but my company is whispering about layoffs, and who wants a car payment without a job?
I would also hazard this speculation: smart cars tend to be 2nd or 3rd or 4th vehicles for people in this country (USA), not primary transportation. In these belt tightening times, it is easy to put such a vehicle purchase on the back burner.
Now, if Penske had the MHD version available here, well, I wouldn't be able to resist that.
