Is the US Finally Getting SMART?

"We're being invaded by clown cars!!" That will inevitably be the headline of all the major newspapers in 2008 when the famed SMART brand goes on sale in the U.S. The minicar that has been prowling the streets of Europe with its tiny 3-cylinder engines and rough diesels has finally been approved to enter the U.S. market at what seems to be the perfect time.

Since Hurricane Katrina ripped through the rural towns of Louisiana and Mississippi, oil prices skyrocketed sending gasoline past $3 a gallon. Now, almost a year on, gas is still hovering around $3.10 a gallon and people are finally taking notice. Over the past two or three years, there has been an obvious trend away from the massive SUV's and pickups of the early 20th century, evidenced by sharply falling sales figures. This year is poised to be one of the most incentive laden summers as dealers push to empty their lots for the 2007 model year. There is a new segment popping up that has drawn millions around the world for their economy and utility. These are the subcompacts or B-cars. Just last year Honda, Nissan, Dodge, and Toyota released brand new subcompacts with the intent of providing the fuel economy of a small 4-cyl with the utility of a small SUV, perfect for urban users or anyone on a tight budget. If this trend continues, I see a great future for the SMART brand.

In Europe, SMART has thrived selling many of it's trademark FourTwo hatchs and soft tops with a 660cc 3-cyl engine driving the front wheels. The brand has tried to diversify though all other models have eventually failed. The Roadster/Coupe with its light and strong chassis and RWD provided a spirited driving experience though never caught on with enthusiasts. Also, the ForFour hatch, while providing ample space for 4 adults, never accumulated the sales to sustain itself. And the planned ForMore small SUV never even got the green light for production.

Just as SMART is predicted to finally turn a profit, SMART's future in the U.S. seems brighter than ever. In 2008, Daimler-Chrysler has made a deal to sell its SMART ForTwo in United Auto Group dealers, a chain owned by Roger Penske. Sales will begin in the most heavily populated areas in big cities where the size and maneuverability of the ForTwo will be most appreciated. Also, when it enters the U.S., it will have just gone through a thorough redesign including new styling inside and out to supposedly "make [the SMART ForTwo] more appealing to U.S. tastes" (WhatCar? via Autoblog).

But not everyone is so excited about the SMARTs debut. Many believe that with our highways clogged with huge SUV's and 18-wheelers, they would feel unsafe. Many are afraid that if they were ever hit by an SUV hard while driving the SMART, they would have no chance for survival. One hopes that Mercedes (a Daimler-Chrysler brand) will contribute some of its advanced safety technology.

What do you think of the SMART introduction? Would you be interested in purchasing a SMART and if so why? Let us know how you feel about the SMART car as well as what you think could be improved upon.