New look for the smart fortwo

Stuttgart. The spring of 2012 will see the smart fortwo making its mark in a striking new look, featuring an upgraded exterior and a fresh leather/fabric mix in the interior. The smart fortwo is available for ordering now. The first vehicles will reach dealers at the beginning of April.

The substantially revamped smart fortwo sports a markedly more dynamic appearance, featuring a larger radiator grille with integrated logo, striking front aprons in a new design, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, muscular side skirts and modified rear aprons. “The way in which the fortwo now displays the smart logo more prominently stands for the brand’s new self-confidence,” notes smart boss Dr Annette Winkler.” The smart fortwo has long become an icon that is a defining feature of urban traffic throughout the world.”

The chrome-coloured logo is now positioned directly in the black radiator grille. The air inlets under the number plate have been combined into a single unit, lending the smart fortwo a bolder appearance. The new, optionally available LED daytime driving lights are now arranged horizontally. There is also a choice of three new alloy wheels: the smart fortwo passion comes with a new 9-spoke alloy wheel; two additional alloy wheels fitted with wide tyres and featuring a 3-spoke and 3-twin-spoke design respectively round off the range. The choice of colours comprises seven options, including matt anthracite for the first time. The smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive is

now also optionally available in white. In addition to the three soft top colours for the smart cabrio which were previously available from the smart programme (black, red, blue), the smart BRABUS tailor made programme offers six other soft top colours.

While the main focus of this facelift is on the exterior, there are changes inside the car, too. These include a new, high-quality interior package in crystal grey, comprising a fresh leather/fabric combination for the seats, an imitation leather/fabric mix for the door trims and black imitation leather for the instrument panel in combination with a grey knee pad.

The pulse and passion equipment lines are generally more colourful options than the basic pure model. pulse and passion highlight the frame of the front grille and the rear trim strip in silver, for example, while the front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron are painted in the car’s exterior colour. The door mirror caps are finished in the tridion colour. On the smart pure, these components are black.

The five lines – pure, pulse, passion, BRABUS and BRABUS Xclusive – are to be retained. Similarly, the smart fortwo will continue to be available as a coupé and cabrio version and with six engine and motor variants. The spectrum ranges from the particularly environment-friendly electric power train in the fortwo electric drive and the efficient micro hybrid petrol engine through the powerful turbo petrol engine to the fuel-efficient cdi turbodiesel. Prices begin at € 10,275 for the smart fortwo 45 kW mhd pure.

The new model generation for 2012 represents the continuation of a unique success story for smart: as a trendsetter the smart fortwo has been redefining individual urban mobility for more than ten years now. It combines responsibility to the environment and high ecological standards with joie de vivre and a high fun factor. With its compact dimensions the two-seater takes up less road and parking space than any other car around.

More than 1.3 million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the first model was launched in 1998. 101,996 smart fortwos were handed over to customers worldwide in 2011 – 4.6 percent more than in the previous year.

The car2go mobility service is also attracting growing numbers of fans. Over 2000 smart fortwos are currently in operation for 60,000 customers in seven cities around the globe. car2go is already successfully up and running in Ulm and Hamburg (Germany), Austin and San Diego (USA), Vancouver (Canada), Vienna (Austria) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). car2go will be launching in Lyon (France), Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Washington D.C. and other cities in 2012.

Source Daimler Global Media Site. Stuttgart, Feb 01, 2012

This is a vehicle that follows in the smart tradition and is a mini-micro pickup designed to carry two-passengers. However, it is substantially larger than the company’s mainstay – the fortwo coupe. The increased bulk makes the For-Us approximately three feet longer, rendering it just a few inches short of a Mini Cooper. Additionally, the pickup bed of the For-Us is sized and setup to transport 2 all-new smart electric bikes, while being able to charge them – on the move. This makes the For-Us much like the Geely IC current model.

The quirky and appealing smart For-Us utilizes the identical lithium-ion battery along with the same electric drive in the smart ED electric-powered car due this spring.

But the question about this smart offer is becoming a recurring concern – Is this one more terrific smart concept car that will never make it to the street?

smart GmbH has produced or attempted manufacturing no fewer than 8 distinct models. These have consisted of the smart crossblade, forfour, Roadster as well as the 4-door forfour. None of these models is manufactured any longer and can only be assessed as total financial calamities.

Additionally, there were the engaging concepts of the smart concept vehicles. Beginning with the crosstown, the formore SUV, forvision, and finally the ForspeED. All came and exited without a plan for implementation or success. As a result, all must be considered as failed attempts for the automaker to grow and diversify.

The core auto for smart, has always been the original fortwo design. We believe, like the majority practical consumers – why not get the first one right? It would then be possible to proceed to greater and improved models.

Mercedes-Benz USA is now in charge of sales and service for the fortwo in the USA. Plans were for a re-launch of the smart car U.S. with potent marketing campaigns behind it. However, it appears the company is providing us with yet another reproof concept flop which was displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit called the For-Us.

Mercedes-Benz (Daimler) is coming off its best year in the past decade, but their smart GmbH division remains a challenge – The initial smart car was manufactured and sold nearly 13-years ago. Even diehard smart followers are confused about the future of smart.

The fact is that, before and after the smart fortwo’s official introduction in the U.S. in 2008, the marketing and promotion for the line was painfully neglected by Penske, the first U.S. distributor for smart. This contributed to lackluster sales of the smart and made the U.S. one of Daimler’s most significant problem areas. Smart car sales last year hardly made a blip on the radar at just over 5,000 cars.

In 2012, the third-generation Fortwo will be launched as a 2013 model, and will be based on the Forvision concept vehicle that recently debuted in Frankfurt. Current information is that the update will be primarily cosmetic, although third-generation electric models will definitely offer increased range and performance. Of more importance, the new model will be available for purchase rather than only on a lease.

Lots of people are beginning to question exactly how “smart” the smart car is, and how creative will Mercedes-Benz USA marketing get in promoting this model entry? Will they finally put the appropriate amount of marketing muscle and dollars behind the line to make it a success?

The smart ebike is going into series production. With this step smart as a pioneer of local emission-free electric mobility is expanding its e-product portfolio.

smart ebike to go on sale in 2012: Urban electric mobility from smart – now also on two wheels

The smart ebike is going into series production. With this step smart as a pioneer of local emission-free electric mobility is expanding its e-product portfolio.

A near-series version of the smart ebike will be on display at the “Eurobike” show in Friedrichshafen (31 August – 3 September 2011) and at the Frankfurt Motor Show (13 – 25 September 2011). The smart ebike is being developed and built in cooperation with the renowned e-bike manufacturer GRACE, based near Berlin.

The ebike will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will initially be marketed by dealers in Europe and North America.

smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says “The smart ebike is a true smart – but on two wheels. It’s not just an extremely well designed bicycle that is sure to draw admiring glances in the city – it’s also really practical and child’s play to ride. Anyone can zip through town on it with or without exerting themselves – depending on their fitness level and as the mood takes them. And it’s even easier to find a parking space than with the smart fortwo.”

Power-assisted mobility on two wheels is in. According to the association of the two-wheeler industry (ZIV) sales figures in Germany alone rose from 70,000 in 2007 to 200,000 in 2010. In 2018 the ZIV predicts that e-bikes will make up 15 percent of all bicycle sales in Germany. And in Europe as a whole sales are booming even more. In 2007 approximately 200,000 people opted for an electric bicycle and according to the ZIV by 2009 this figure had already risen to 500,000. And in 2010 around 700,000 e-bikes were sold throughout Europe – a plus of 40 percent compared with the previous year.

With an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards that are demonstrated by the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package among other features, the smart ebike has an exceptional position.

A Visionary Sees the Future

Let’s travel back to 1972, when a project leader for Mercedes-Benz named Johann Tomforde conceptualized a vehicle to complete his vision of an ultimate urban transporter. This car would fulfill the role of an inner city commuting vehicle which was only a few feet long, and had room for two adults.

Eighteen years later, in 1990, two design concept vehicles went into development. The first model was the “Study A” prototype. This resulted in production of the Mercedes A Class.

The second model culminated in the production of the Mercedes City Car, which was also known as the MCC (Micro Compact Car). This was an electric-powered vehicle which was only 2.5 meters in length.

In 1991, Mercedes Benz turned over the project to its ADS (Advanced Design Studio.) This facility was headquartered in Irvine, California. Here, a group of engineers and designers began working on the engineering and design.

This prototype was give the moniker – smart MCC (Micro Compact Car). Designers at the ADS simply called it “MCC 01.” Metalcrafters built the first physical rendition in 1992.

Moving forward a few years, Nicholas Hayek, innovator and creator of Swatch contacted Mercedes about their mission. He wanted to apply his manufacturing techniques, which involved modular manufacturing processes used in Swatches to manufacturing cars.

Hayek had already led a revolutionary movement in the watch industry by reinventing watches into fun and inexpensive fashion statements. He wanted to pursue doing the same things with cars and approached Mercedes.

Hayek differed from many in the smart project – he was a visionary also. His concept was to create an economical and fun city car that would be powered by either a hybrid or electric system. Mercedes executives, although concerned with the urban environment for automobiles, didn’t view the market the same way.

Knowing the story of the smart car is fun to get to know. It allows for greater familiarity with the interesting story and development of smart. It is not surprising to find the car was surrounded by intrigue, broken promises and deception, since its inception.

Further adding to the intriguing story is billions of dollars in losses for share-holders supporting smart.

So the real story of smart began a decade and one-half ago. Two highly recognized companies known for innovation and breaking new ground called Swatch and Mercedes Benz decided to build a very small car for Europe.

All of this and more – long before those of us the US even conceived of the need to develop, manufacture or drive such a car … Read the whole story

In 1993 Swatch watch inventor, Nicolas Hayek, took his ideas for an “ultra-urban” car to Mercedes-Benz and a joint venture is born. Although his participation in the smart program was comparatively brief, that fundamental approach has been retained. Currently, a smart fortwo is the fourth most fuel efficient car. The newest generation smart will be available in 2014.

The smart car fortwo’s next-generation may have a longer body and powertrain alternatives including a mild hybrid and a new smart car fortwo all-electric car.

About 1994 Nicholas Hayek and his Swiss Corporation formed Micro Compact Car (MCC) AG, with a 51/49 ownership split. In 1994 MCC France was established for the purposes of locating a plant, smartville, in Hambach, France, which had its production launch in 1997, the same year that the production version of the three-cylinder smart city coupe was revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Earlier that year, Hayek had accepted a buyout. In 1998 Daimler-Benz had control over the business that was renamed Micro Compact Car smart GmbH. In 2002, the company was renamed again, smart GmbH.

smart, GmbH the manufacturer of the smart is a division Daimler. Its produced in Hambach, France. Since the first smart rolled off the production line it’s always been marketed as the “smart” in all lower-case.

Mr. Hayek, unlike many involved in the smart project was a visionary, his concept was to create an economical and fun city car that would be powered by either a hybrid or electric system. Sadly, Mercedes executives although concerned with the urban environment for automobiles didn’t see things

The history of the smart car is not only helpful allowing you to get better acquainted with smart cars, but many of you maybe surprised to find the car was surround by intrigue, broken promises and deception. Not to mention billions of dollars in losses for share-holders.

If you’ve noticed while watching your TV recently, the US is under attack. It’s a good attack and long overdue, but we are unquestionably under attack.

Making big waves for being such pint-sized performers, smart cars are gaining a foothold in the US, just as they have in Europe and Asia for the past several years. Forward-thinking Americans are discovering what motorists in other parts for the world have already known for nearly a decade – smart cars fuel economy is clever and  smart cars are here to stay. Perhaps of more importance – it appears they are here for the long term.

Let’s explore the whole idea of the smart car. Here’s what other people have discovered that many in the US are now realizing:

You don’t have to have 2+ tons of steel and the power of 300 horses to get you where you want to go – especially in inner-city commutes. Driving from points A to B doesn’t have to be difficult or as costly – or so well-planned. Yet for years, we’ve been convinced with almost brain-washing intensity about the myth that we had to have these fast,, luxury mega-cruisers to get where we wanted to go.

Smart Car = Myth Destroyed

The smart car is small, sexy, and intelligently-powered and designed transportation. It is for people that want good, reliable transportation that doesn’t require a new mortgage to buy or drive daily.

Smart cars work their charms and function like urban champions in the inner city – that’s what the objective was from the beginning – this is what smart cars are. People are curious and intent about considering this class of cars because their coming has been long overdue.

The purpose of the smart car – from its conception – was to be a wise choice for the intelligent driving consumer to be able to make quick, short, point-to-point trips. It was conceived and born to efficiently operate at 33 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.

And it achieves all this while being ultra-easy to drive and park in yesteryear’s spaces that can accommodate up to 3 smart cars of most designs.

Breaking the land speed record was never even a passing consideration – neither was putting in mink interiors.

There’s a very good reason why Jennifer Lopez is doing her sexy spot for the latest entry to market – the Fiat 500.

And she’s highly convincing while driving the pint-sized, sexy minicar through Brooklyn – of all places. She looks like she’s having a blast doing it.

The car “fits” her and JLo is a smart, shrewd cookie when it comes to endorsements.

If she didn’t truly believe smart cars were fun, sexy and stylish – she wouldn’t be a spokesperson for Fiat.

After all, she does have a few million fans that are of the younger generation. If it wasn’t cool – she simply would not be doing spots for them. There’s too much other stuff she could sell – very well.

Smart cars are here …

And it appears they are here to stay and impact the subcompact, urban commuter market in a big way. This is one of those things we always knew was badly needed and everyone seemed to look the other way. There was always a demand for this kind of car in the US, but manufacturers couldn’t remove their gazes from the sexy, fast, stylish – high dollar – market.

Global gas availability and prices forced a new paradigm. …

If you like the idea of serious inner-city commuting that’s downright thrifty and uncomplicated, you are starting to have some seriously good options for smart cars.

The smart fortwo has been a pioneer and was one of the first entries to market. This company (smart) operates under the powerful Daimler auto engineering and manufacturing umbrella. It has been developing a healthy market in the US since just after the mid-2000s.

Other entries may have a direct impact on how much more market the smart can gain. As already mentioned, Fiat has a powerful new model to the smart market with its 500 series.

The Chevrolet Aveo and Honda Fit also compete in the same market as the smart fortwo and Fiat 500. In a market that was virtually non-existent less than a decade ago, this one is starting to heat-up.

Look for more model entries with even sexier, better-engineered and styled interiors, exteriors and drive trains. The beneficiaries of all this will be the cost-conscious, smart consumer who will have a car of the same namesake.

Smart cars are indeed attracting smart consumers. The market is just heating-up.