Pet rock or the next step in the greening of America?

[RedEarth]

When it comes to the Smart ForTwo, a little bit of both could amount to a big U.S. debut for Daimler's extra-tiny-micro-compact car next year.
Measuring just over 8 feet in length and capable of squeezing into a parking spot nose to curb, Smart is slated to arrive in January with a sticker price starting at under $12,000

The company said it has already received more than 30,000 registrations from potential buyers, setting Smart up for a rosy start.
Dave Schembri, president of Smart USA, has spent the summer touring U.S. cities to help build a buzz and dispel the notion that Smart might be a little too niche-oriented.

"First time buyers will be attracted to its price tag. Urban dwellers, because of its urban applicability. Baby boomers who want a second or third car. Empty nesters will want it, they don't need a back seat," he told MarketWatch last month in New York.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/smarts-success-rides-more-quirk/story.aspx?guid=%7BE9BEFBFD%2DB803%2D4073%2DBDDF%2D600DA92BA1D6%7D

From Wikipedia,

Future plans
The Smart Fortwo will be redesigned for 2007, becoming the primary focus for the company as the Smart Forfour is dropped. The new version was introduced on November 10, 2006, growing slightly for crash performance reasons but generally styled similarly.

An all-electric version of the Fortwo, the Fortwo EV, will be released in Europe in 2007, followed by a US release in 2008. It will feature 30 kW (41 hp) output and a top speed of 70mph (112km/h). It will be capable of 0-30mph (0-48 km/h) in 6.5 seconds. <2> The European Fortwo EV can travel up to 72 miles (116 kilometers) between charges. It typically takes around 8 hours for a full charge. <3>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Fortwo

[YOY]

1. It's cute and it's cool but it won't work for my family of 3

or for 4 if later we decide to have another one.

Hope a slightly larger 4 door is in the works.

[snappyturtle]

2. I saw cars like that, that small i.e., in Switzerland in 1973! Well,

better late than never. My only fear in a car that smallis that I would be afraid of what could happen in an accident.

[zalinda]

6. Actually, I looked it up

and the frame is quite unique and is very strong. It stood up better than some cars twice it's size.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/smart-car1.htm

zalinda

[NMDemDist2]

3. I'm ready for it

better than a scooter or golf cart in bad weather, but perfect from my 7 mile trip into town for groceries

[Vincardog]

4. Smart will achieve about 40 miles per gallon with its 1-liter, 71-horsepower engine.

[NeoGreen]

5. I get the now with my...

2000 Honda Civic

[Vincardog]

7. But can you civic change doors easily?

n the mold of its funky Swatch watch heritage, Smart's styling, which includes the capability of easily switching out doors for a different color, will certainly look to draw on the style-conscience spirit of kids these days. But it will also strive to attract budget-minded buyers in search of low sticker prices and strong fuel economy.
It's that kind of cross-demographic appeal that could keep Smart relevant long after the first wave of buyers drive away from the dealerships. End of Story

[deadmessengers]

8. They've been available in Europe for years

I see them all over the place whenever I'm over there. Apparently, the biggest hurdle to getting them sold over here wasn't demand - it was regulatory. The "Big 3" American automakers have the system quite well-rigged to create a pretty big barrier to entry for foreign-sourced vehicles.

[codjh9]

9. I just saw a number of those in British Columbia a few weeks ago. N/T