Remember Preston Tucker
I do not believe for one second it is a scam, only a marketing ploy. I agree $2.8 million is pocket change and Penske is no way a swindler, only a smart business person.
But there is a lot more to this deal than $2.8 million or the $21 million from the dealers.However, they should and could give more specifics or at least explain why they have not or can not.
Much like the greatly hyped
Tucker automobile from the late 40's, Preston Tucker (what smart USA has tried) took his pre-production cars on a across country tour, the car was an instantaneous sensation.
Tucker raised $17,000,000 to try to secure the cars future and credibility. It was one of the first tentative IPO's. They also started the
Tucker Accessories Program allowing future buyers to buy aftermarket parts, before their car was built. This brought an additional $2,000,000 into the company. However, this triggered an investigation by the SEC and the U.S. Attorney. All charges were dropped but the negative publicity destroyed the company and halted production of the car. To offset the negative press, he took his cars on the road. Public perception changed from outrage at Tucker's alleged misconduct to anger at the press and the government.
Remember this was in 1947 and at that time that was a pocket full of money and approximately $189,588,794.00 today.
The MPG will be better than 40 no matter what any government agencies report. As far as government agencies are concerned, in my opinion are part of the problem. So I say keep the FTC and other goverment branches out of this, unless the are a solution not a problem!
I agree the 2008 Smart will be safer. The new model is about 12 percent (7.7 inches) longer and not 50 percent heavier than the 2006 Smart that weighed around 1610lbs and all reports say the heaviest model the Smart cabriolet will weigh less than 1800 pounds, around 22 percent more, with more horse power. My concern is not when the federal testing is done, but when will it actually start.
As for one third of the reservations being cancelled, I think that number is high and even if correct they still will be short on the supplies needed. As I see it the only reason no one has made a sincere commitment to buy the car is that you can not.
I still think the reason they are taking more reservations than their allotment is that they can. Just like MINI Cooper did.
Please let me know how the test drive went.
The secret of patience is to do something in addition too, in the interim.
IWantaSmartCar.com has published a Smart car survey. They say it is intended for those who have paid the $99.00 reservation fee or anyone who wants to voice his or her opinions on the subject of the Smart's distribution, and sales for America.
You need to register. It was a fairly simple procedure and a rather well designed survey that could provide facts and figures. The survey style questionnaire has pertinent inquiries that could be beneficial if the information supplied is analyze correctly. It can enable everyone to track the cars progression.
http://www.iwantasmartcar.com/
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