A while back I was complaining about the lack of choice concerning automobiles available in the United States that get good gas mileage. So it's my duty to report that Mercedes Car Group and DiamlerChrysler AG have just announced that the ForTwo model of their smart brand will soon be available in the United States. By soon they mean 2008 but we are talking about a car that gets 60 miles per gallon. It also meets U.S. Dept. of Transportation safety regulations and fits 2 to a parking place.
The smart ForTwo will be entering its 37th market and will be exclusively distributed by the UnitedAuto Group. The manufacturer sites its popularity in Europe and the rising price of fuel as the main reasons behind the decision to enter the American market- the largest auto market in the world.
Duh! What have you guys been waiting for?“We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point.”
3 comments:
Wow. I was in Europe two years ago (Italy and Greece) and these cars were all over the place. I imagine city drivers will eat this thing up....its about time we started "uncooling" cars in the U.S.
All this hoopla about hybrid cars that get a whopping 45 miles per gallon--sheesh. Europe has cars that get 60, 80, 100 mpg...about time we got some reasonable choices here! Too bad General Motors did in the electric car here... maybe they'll bring it back.
The Smart Cars are already available in the US from ZAP www.zapworld.com ZP (NYSE). A California based company who is also planning on brining a Brazilian made car to the US, the Obvio! 828, that is a hybrid that can run on any combination of ethanol and gas. Zap is also the only car company who is selling a Chinese manufactured car in the US the 100% electric Xebra city car.
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