Are there any similar cars to the Smart Car available in the US?

Question

We have a large motorcycle and power sports dealership, and are looking to start carrying a small fuel-efficient car that is street legal. We were hoping for Smart Cars, but are not in an area they are looking for yet - does anyone know of any alternatives? I am aware they are coming to the US, I am just digging for other similar options! Thanks

Answer 1

I would be pestering these guys to get a Smart dealership or at least an agency. That will get you as close to a smart as you can get. Even if you are outside their target area it should be in their interests to have a keen agent.

http://www.smartusa.com/

If you have no joy there, wait until the dealerships open up and go to them. There are many ways to get product on your floor. Any dealership will be interested in extra sales.

Smart cars ****Edit**** were available in the United States as "grey market" imports, such as ZAP. ( apparently ceased in 2005)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_(automobile)
http://www.metaefficient.com/archives/cars/zap-smart-cars.html

Smart has this sector to themselves there is no major competition.(strange as that may be). There will probably be some low volume manufactures around (kit style). Would you really want to try selling these?

Answer 2

Several european TDI achieve well over 50 MPG in diesel.
The only problem is that regarding the rate of change it is not the right time to import them for customers who will pay them in USD (since the dollar is 30-40% too weak).

Driving a Smart car in the US (except for the cities) is a kind of suicide in case you get into an accident against a SUV.

Answer 3

Greener Automobiles+Alternative Fuels/Energy:

http://green.yahoo.com/index.php?q=node/1034

http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/gettingstarted/

http://www.schnews.org.uk/diyguide/howtomakebiodiesel.htm

http://www.bnl.gov/rideshare/reduction.asp

http://www.puregreencars.com/

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/120863/article.html

http://www.store.sundancesolar.com/

http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk/wordpress/

http://www.evuk.co.uk/

http://electric-cars-trucks.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEq-GbVcFTA


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Answer 4

Well you could go with a small electric vehicle like the ZAP Xebra

http://www.zapworld.com/electric-vehicles/electric-cars/xebra-sedan

There aren't a whole lot of small gas powered cars other than ones like the Mini Cooper and some made by companies like Fiat.

Answer 5

No, U.S. citizens are to intellignet to drive one of these over priced, poorly designed, uncomfortable pieces of junk.

Answer 6

No they're too intelligent for the yanks (just joking)

Answer 7

if they don't have V8's, don't bother sending them over.