Last week, I wrote my first blog about the Fortwo, one of the new smart cars soon set for delivery in the United States.
Within a few months, likely sometime in January 2008, economically minded buyers will be able to purchase the vehicle that's been available in Europe for eight years.
As I reported, it's not often The New Yorker takes on matters of automobiles (except in its advertising pages), so the piece on the president of smart (A Daimler/Chrysler product) driving around Manhattan exchanging barbs with "Nah-Yawkers" was a refreshing read.
Upon further searching, I found the Smart web site, www.smartusa.com. It's a straightforward site, easy to navigate and it answers a lot of the questions about the mini car that one might expect — price, safety, top-speed, estimated fuel mileage, availability, history, etc.
For example, what is smart? The answer:
"Smart is a member of the Mercedes Car Group. Smart vehicles are sold in 36 countries throughout the world. More than 750,000 fortwo (entry level) vehicles have been sold since its introduction. When the United States starts selling the smart fortwo it will become the 37th country."
If desired, you can build the car you wish via a nifty, interactive exterior-interior color schematic. The smart web site also has another cool feature, allowing buyers to reserve a vehicle. The reservation fee is $99. When you purchase a vehicle, the reservation fee goes toward the purchase price.
To view my previous smart car post, visit: smart car makes The New Yorker.
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