update, reply from co is below.
a disappointment, as it was not handled by ken, the person the email was sent, nor was an expert contacted, but likely, only a secretary, covering email general inquiries.
the below co reply, may reflect an incompetency of the smart company, and/or they are so swamped by inquiries, its not presently possible to respond in a professional manner.
bottom line, the cabrio flaw verdict, appears to be still out, and likely, the flaw/leak/problem still exists, and will likely exist on incoming usa models.
only a more detailed reply, by mercedes experts as requested, will be able to give confidence, the problem may be under consideration, and/or being resolved.
presently, it appears, nothing is being done, and that smart will allow defective smarts to hit the usa on the introduction, and possibly throughout the entire 2008 model year, the below is from the company, today, via email.
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Dear smart Enthusiast,
smart USA does not anticipate any problems, such as you have mentioned, with the US models of the smart fortwo.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartusa.
Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon!
Alex Pina
Customer Service
1.800.smartusa
www.smartusa.com
------------------------------------
email sent to smart a few days ago:
to:
Ken.Kettenbeil@penskecorp.com
mr. Kettenbeil,
re: 2008 usa smart convertible roof attachment
i am concerned over a possible roof leak, wind noise, and potential vandalism on the 2008 usa smart cabrio, near the upper rear side of the tridion, and rear window side, as discussed at the web site location below:
http://smartcarofamerica.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1228
could you contact a mercedes design or other appropriate expert engineer, to inquire how,and/or if, and/or when, they plan to fix this possible problem.
i presently have a confirm order on a smart convertible, dated 10/26/07.
please be as detailed as possible, including the name of the mercedes expert you contacted to explain the planned fix.
i hope to post your reply,on the above smart web site, for others to read the formal company reply addressing this issue, who are also concerned and have the usa 2008 smart convertible on order.
thank you.