This just in: Automotive News
is reporting that Roger Penske will sell and service SMART cars in U.S. for DaimlerChrysler. DaimlerChrysler expects to sell 20,000 SMART fortwo models annually in the United States, with an emphasis on urban markets on the West and East coasts. SMART's U.S...
sales target is about half that of BMW's Mini brand.
More news now available here and here.
Snippet: UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske remarked, "We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we've seen the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years."
So it looks like ZAP!, who was importing them before this deal, just got zapped...
Hmmm... looks like SMART is really smart—all lowercase type. Not so sure that's smart...
More news now available here and here.
Snippet: UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske remarked, "We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we've seen the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years."
So it looks like ZAP!, who was importing them before this deal, just got zapped...
Hmmm... looks like SMART is really smart—all lowercase type. Not so sure that's smart...
ateixeira says:
07:41 AM, 06/28/06
I wish them luck. Small cars have an uphill battle here.
Finally, too. How many times was this on-again, off-again.
I wonder what models we'll get? The ForTwo? ForFour? Or that SUV-like model they were supposed to make for the US?
rsholland says:
07:43 AM, 06/28/06
You're talking about Roger Penske here. The man is a business genius. I wouldn't sell him (or the car) short here.
mercedesman1 says:
10:14 AM, 06/28/06
I dont know if the Smart fortwo will do good in the U.S. but its been doin pretty good in Canada.