It’s no secret that the smart fortwo isn’t selling like it used to. In 2009, smart USA was able to sell 14,595, now compare that to 2008 where it sold 24,622 of their two-seater. In an effort to stop the downhill cascade, they have brought on board Jill Lajdziak as the president of the company a few weeks ago. Jill used to be the general manager over at Saturn – wonder if there was anyone else available then former general manager from a now defunct company.
The new deals will be available through Daimler Financial Services, and will include a 36 months/10,000 miles leasing option, with $2000 out of pocket. Payments will be $169 and will last until the end of February. Let’s hope this will make a difference if nothing else.
smart is dead in the U.S. The sooner Penske realizes this the better and the less money he will lose. They had a nice run for about 9 months and now the party is over. More and more dealers will close as they all haven’t made any $$$ in 2009 and eventually smart will die. RIP
smart needs to do something drastic – that, or gas prices need to go back to what they were in 2008. If they do nothing, then they can just pack up and leave. Why not create a new model, why not accelerate the release of the EV in the States, just do something!!!
Even if gas prices went back up to $5 per gallon smart would still die. They cannot let the company’s future depend on some decision made by the OPEC folks at some distant beach resort.
And let’s just assume gas goes back up to $5/gallon, most people would still opt for a “real” car such as a Corolla, Fit, or any other Hybrid that gets about the same or better gas mileage with 4 seats, a real trunk and safety they trust. Even though the smart has proven in Europe to be a safe car, the company never convinced the US public about that fact and that is all that matters in the end: Are the consumers convinced of the safety or not. They’re NOT!!!
At 33 mpg city and 41 mpg freeway the gas mileage is not at all impressive, and neither is the performance.
From a dealer stand point there is no profit in these cars, neither in sales nor in service but Penske requires world class facilities with millions of dollars invested. You will see more and more dealers close! The smart days in the US are numbered, mark my words!!!
smart now has a leasing option available, right? Well, I just found out that since inception they leased 11 cars. 9 of them were Penske employees!!! Great success!!!! Also heard that another California dealer is closing: smart center Universal City is giving back the franchise…. smart’s days are numbered… with or without a leasing option!!!