Who has seen the Smart Car and where do they sell them in the USA?

Question

I have seen plenty of them in Europe and I think they would be the answer for little old ladies such as I . However I am told 15000.00 that is a bit high. I expected them cheaper

Answer 1

I've been looking at this car for the past 5 months and I am in the USA. But I do work in the automotive field so I do get wind of items early.

http://www.zapworld.com/cars/smartCar.asp

can be bought now in the USA out in California.

Its price is high due to the fact of the amount of engineering involved in the car along with american additions like 5mph bumpers, extra bracing, air bags I believe, etc.

In time as they sell more and more they price will come down like any new item does. Figure in a few yrs I am sure you will see them on dealers lots for like $8995.

Answer 2

The one I have seen is a tiny two-seater and looks ridiculous. I know they sell them in Canada.

After endless press releases, ZAP Motors announced on March 16, 2006 that its ForTwo automobile is ready to be sold in the United States. Previously, Smart cars have not been officially sold in the U.S. by its manufacturer owing to a fear of possible market positioning confusion, Mercedes-Benz wishing to maintain an aura of high priced luxury that enables it to keep profit margins high.

It is theoretically possible for an individual to purchase a Smart as a used vehicle from Canada, although impractical for most people due to various state title and licensing issues. However, some people managed to register their smart cars in certain states where the proof of ownership (titles) aren't required, especially Ohio. US regulations allow the vehicles to be imported and registered as long as they were modified by the registered importers after the petition was approved by NHTSA. A registered importer in California successfully petitioned and modified the Smart ForTwo for the US market.

Zap Motors paid that registered importer $10million for the exclusive right to sell each and every Smart ForTwo it imported and modified. However, the quality of modification has a lot to be desired, namely the missing radio and extra interior padding, especially the roof padding. There are some complaints about Zap Motors selling practice: no list of 'approved' sales centres, no guarantee of delivery date, steep mark-up, and so forth. In addition, Zap Motors is not only the 'exclusive seller and distributor' of Smart ForTwo. There are several others who purchase from the same registered importer and sell them.

Modfying the vehicles to meet US regulations can cost anywhere between $6,500 to $100,000 to the cost of vehicle, depending on number and type of vehicles to modify.

On June 28, 2006, Daimler-Chrysler confirmed that retailer UnitedAuto Group "will be responsible for awarding potential dealerships and developing and maintaining a Smart vehicle dealership network throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico."


Check out the websites below for a picture.

Answer 3

I've seen the Smart Car in Spain. I'm pretty sure you couldn't import it and register it for use here.....it would never pass U.S. safety requirements. If a car is less than 25 years old, it has to meet safety and emission standards.

Answer 4

The Smart for two cars are made by Daimler Chrysler and will be available in the U.S.A shortly. Currently these cars are only available in Canada,next month they make their American debut.

Answer 5

I have seen them in Germany. They are really a neat car. They won't be sold in the States until 2008.

Answer 6

they are in europe. i dont think are coming to the usa until 2008, i saw something on tv the other night.