smart fortwo owners to be 'stuck' on new accessories

Any press release dated April 1 is a potential disinformation landmine, but news of Smart's latest attempt to make the ForTwo enticing seems legit. The diminutive Smart ForTwo has fallen on its face in the North American market, down 61 percent this March versus last year, and judging from the latest bit of groundbreaking marketing from Smart's UK outpost, the word is out that there's not much "there" there.

Adding stickers and interior customization options to a car that's having a tough time in the marketplace is the auto sales equivalent of adding a cute kid to the cast of a failing sitcom. Smart has gone there by collaborating with Germany's Timo Wuerz to design new foil stickers for the ForTwo's Tridion safety cell. Patterns include skylines, stars, and flowers. Everybody w00t as you tweet the news. Brabus has been sucked into it, too, affixing its name to a carbon fiber-look applique package for the interior. There's a Brabus LED daytime running light package as well, that's actually a functional option.

Stickers can't do a thing about the dismal driving experience the thing exhibits in U.S. trim, though. At least it'll look extra trendy parked nose-in to the curb somewhere.

via:autoblog






Press Release

smart fortwo owners to be 'stuck'
on new accessories

smart fortwo enthusiasts can now put the power into flower power, fly the flag for the iconic brand and even give their car wings with the new smart art stickers.

The new adhesive foil stickers comprise six striking motifs that enable owners to customise their smart with designs that include a classic black, white and blue racing pattern along with variations on flowers, skylines and even birds' wings and stars.

Designed by acclaimed German artist Timo Wuerz in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, the stickers are applied to the tridion safety cell to provide an attractive contrast to the other body panels. When correctly affixed the stickers last for approximately five years but they can also be removed at any time without leaving any traces.

The stickers are available from all smart retailers and are priced at £182 (including VAT). The retailer can apply the stickers on request and fitting takes approximately one hour.

smart owners can also personalise their car's interior with the new range of BRABUS interior contrast components. Featuring a carbon-fibre look, the eight-piece set comprises trims and covers for the dashboard instruments, steering-column stalk, instrument cluster, door handles and centre console. The package costs £256 (including VAT) and can be ordered and fitted at any official smart retailer.

more...


smart fortwo owners to be 'stuck' on new accessories...2

Completing the new additions to the stylish range of BRABUS accessories is the new BRABUS LED daytime driving lights. These can be retrofitted and not only look good, but enhance safety too. These advanced lights can be combined with all standard main headlights and smart owners can choose between two versions in chrome or black, both of which are priced at £486 (including VAT). The impressive lighting technology can be retrofitted at the back too, the BRABUS third LED brake light now being available for £178 (including VAT) and incorporated into the integrated rear spoiler.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars UK said: "smart owners love to personalise their cars and these accessories mean that they can make their smart ownership experience even more unique.

"Like the smart, these new stickers and BRABUS accessories are innovative in their design and made to a very high standard. What's more, all are completely reversible too, meaning that owners can easily change their car back to standard specification should their tastes change or if they are upgrading to another smart and wish to sell their existing model."

2010 smart fortwo cdi get 21% Power Boost

The 2010 model year car will also get some new optional equipment, like a folding armrest, hands-free system, and a color multimedia display. In Germany, the 2010 smart fortwo cdi coupe will cost €11,790, including tax. The price is up almost €200 from the '09 model.


Torque has also been boosted by 18% to 130 Nm. Never meant to be a speed demon, the fortwo cdi will go 0-100 km/h in almost 17 seconds. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions is kept relatively low at 88 grams per kilometer. Fuel consumption remains an efficient 3.4 liters per 100 km, or about 69 miles per US gallon (83 mpg in the UK).


A press release sent out by Daimler today indicates that the 2010 smart fortwo cdi will receive a significant increase in power. The tiny vehicle's three-cylinder engine will be bumped up to 54 horsepower, up from a hair over 44.


via:worldcarfans


Press Release

For model year 2010 the smart fortwo cdi has been given a clear power boost, yet it remains just as economical and environmentally friendly as before. In future the state-of-the-art three-cylinder diesel engine will produce 21 percent more power and deliver approximately 18 percent more maximum torque. Although this extra power makes the popular two-seater car noticeably livelier, it does not affect its exemplary fuel consumption. As before, it consumes just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km it continues to assert its leading position as the CO2 champion. In addition, from model year 2010 all versions of the smart fortwo including the BRABUS variants will comply with the strict emission limits of the EU5 standard.

The smart fortwo enjoys the worldwide reputation of a car that is perfect for the times we live in. Thanks to its unique concept it takes up minimum road and parking space, boasts low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and combines mobility, ecology and joie de vivre in a unique way. For the new model year smart is uncompromisingly continuing its philosophy and making the smart fortwo even more environmentally friendly and attractive.

The most important change: the smart fortwo cdi with a length of 2.69 metres is redefining economy and driving fun. Its reengineered diesel engine now has an output of 40 kW/54 hp - seven kW or 21 percent more than its predecessor. Moreover, the new three-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 130 Newton metres (an increase of 18 percent). This makes the car that is brimming with lifestyle appeal even more agile and fun to drive. Thanks to the power boost it now sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in just 16.8 seconds. However, the increased liveliness does not affect the outstanding fuel consumption and emission figures of the trendy two-seater car. The combined fuel consumption still stands at 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres and the extremely low CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km mean that the smart fortwo cdi is still the CO2 world champion among all production cars with combustion engines.

The 21 percent power increase is primarily realised through modified pistons in conjunction with adjusted injection and charge pressure parameters. Furthermore, thanks to the increased torque it was also possible to lengthen the gear ratios of the third and fourth gears by ten and eleven percent respectively, and to lower the shifting points in the automatic programme. This reduces the rpm level in speed ranges used particularly frequently - with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and noise level. The smart fortwo cdi is equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter and emissions are below the limit values laid down in the EU5 standard.

Thanks to optimised engine and transmission management the petrol models of the popular two-seater car also comply with the demanding EU5 exhaust gas standard. Not only does this help the environment - in many countries it entails clear tax advantages.

New contrast components in shiny pearl black, which further upgrade the interior of the smart fortwo, and a new folding armrest available as an option, provide for increased comfort.

Further optional equipment includes the smart hands-free system with a colour display and extensive multimedia functions. It features the sassy design typical of the brand, a Bluetooth® interface, voice control and optional iPod® connection and is perfectly integrated in the vehicle electronics and the audio system. It is simple and safe to operate via a wireless controller on the centre console.

All updated smart fortwo variants can be ordered now. The prices for the petrol models are unchanged. In future the 40 kW/54 hp smart fortwo cdi will cost €11 790 as a coupé in the pure equipment line (German price incl. VAT).

2010 smart fortwo cdi get 21% Power Boost

The 2010 model year car will also get some new optional equipment, like a folding armrest, hands-free system, and a color multimedia display. In Germany, the 2010 smart fortwo cdi coupe will cost €11,790, including tax. The price is up almost €200 from the '09 model.


Torque has also been boosted by 18% to 130 Nm. Never meant to be a speed demon, the fortwo cdi will go 0-100 km/h in almost 17 seconds. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions is kept relatively low at 88 grams per kilometer. Fuel consumption remains an efficient 3.4 liters per 100 km, or about 69 miles per US gallon (83 mpg in the UK).


A press release sent out by Daimler today indicates that the 2010 smart fortwo cdi will receive a significant increase in power. The tiny vehicle's three-cylinder engine will be bumped up to 54 horsepower, up from a hair over 44.


via:worldcarfans


Press Release

For model year 2010 the smart fortwo cdi has been given a clear power boost, yet it remains just as economical and environmentally friendly as before. In future the state-of-the-art three-cylinder diesel engine will produce 21 percent more power and deliver approximately 18 percent more maximum torque. Although this extra power makes the popular two-seater car noticeably livelier, it does not affect its exemplary fuel consumption. As before, it consumes just 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (NEDC). Furthermore, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km it continues to assert its leading position as the CO2 champion. In addition, from model year 2010 all versions of the smart fortwo including the BRABUS variants will comply with the strict emission limits of the EU5 standard.

The smart fortwo enjoys the worldwide reputation of a car that is perfect for the times we live in. Thanks to its unique concept it takes up minimum road and parking space, boasts low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and combines mobility, ecology and joie de vivre in a unique way. For the new model year smart is uncompromisingly continuing its philosophy and making the smart fortwo even more environmentally friendly and attractive.

The most important change: the smart fortwo cdi with a length of 2.69 metres is redefining economy and driving fun. Its reengineered diesel engine now has an output of 40 kW/54 hp - seven kW or 21 percent more than its predecessor. Moreover, the new three-cylinder engine delivers maximum torque of 130 Newton metres (an increase of 18 percent). This makes the car that is brimming with lifestyle appeal even more agile and fun to drive. Thanks to the power boost it now sprints from 0 - 100 km/h in just 16.8 seconds. However, the increased liveliness does not affect the outstanding fuel consumption and emission figures of the trendy two-seater car. The combined fuel consumption still stands at 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres and the extremely low CO2 emissions of just 88 g/km mean that the smart fortwo cdi is still the CO2 world champion among all production cars with combustion engines.

The 21 percent power increase is primarily realised through modified pistons in conjunction with adjusted injection and charge pressure parameters. Furthermore, thanks to the increased torque it was also possible to lengthen the gear ratios of the third and fourth gears by ten and eleven percent respectively, and to lower the shifting points in the automatic programme. This reduces the rpm level in speed ranges used particularly frequently - with benefits in terms of fuel consumption and noise level. The smart fortwo cdi is equipped with a closed diesel particulate filter and emissions are below the limit values laid down in the EU5 standard.

Thanks to optimised engine and transmission management the petrol models of the popular two-seater car also comply with the demanding EU5 exhaust gas standard. Not only does this help the environment - in many countries it entails clear tax advantages.

New contrast components in shiny pearl black, which further upgrade the interior of the smart fortwo, and a new folding armrest available as an option, provide for increased comfort.

Further optional equipment includes the smart hands-free system with a colour display and extensive multimedia functions. It features the sassy design typical of the brand, a Bluetooth® interface, voice control and optional iPod® connection and is perfectly integrated in the vehicle electronics and the audio system. It is simple and safe to operate via a wireless controller on the centre console.

All updated smart fortwo variants can be ordered now. The prices for the petrol models are unchanged. In future the 40 kW/54 hp smart fortwo cdi will cost €11 790 as a coupé in the pure equipment line (German price incl. VAT).

Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S.

So far this year, Smart USA has sold just 7,451 Fortwos, which is down nearly 16% over the first five months of 2008. May sales, though, were down an alarming 56.6% to 1,169 units. To stem the rushing tide of order cancellations and slow sales, Penske has decided to offer its first-ever incentives on the Fortwo. From now until the end of July, buyers may qualify for 4.2% financing through Daimler Financial Services for the purchase of a new 2009 Smart Fortwo.


Penske Automotive Group, distributors of the Smart Fortwo here in the United States, recorded an impressive 24,622 total sales of the diminutive city car in 2008 and dealers widely reported that they could have sold even more had they been available. With that in mind, the nascent company set what seemed at the time like a realistic sales target for 25,000 units in 2009. That may have been a bit optimistic.


If this incentive has a positive impact on sales, expect it to be extended a bit longer. Further, Penske is considering making it possible for dealerships to order new cars without accepting the refundable $99 reservation from a customer that's currently required, which could have the desirable effect of placing more new vehicles on dealer lots for buyers to choose from.
More Photos

Fortwo 4 Less: Smart offers first incentives in U.S.

So far this year, Smart USA has sold just 7,451 Fortwos, which is down nearly 16% over the first five months of 2008. May sales, though, were down an alarming 56.6% to 1,169 units. To stem the rushing tide of order cancellations and slow sales, Penske has decided to offer its first-ever incentives on the Fortwo. From now until the end of July, buyers may qualify for 4.2% financing through Daimler Financial Services for the purchase of a new 2009 Smart Fortwo.


Penske Automotive Group, distributors of the Smart Fortwo here in the United States, recorded an impressive 24,622 total sales of the diminutive city car in 2008 and dealers widely reported that they could have sold even more had they been available. With that in mind, the nascent company set what seemed at the time like a realistic sales target for 25,000 units in 2009. That may have been a bit optimistic.


If this incentive has a positive impact on sales, expect it to be extended a bit longer. Further, Penske is considering making it possible for dealerships to order new cars without accepting the refundable $99 reservation from a customer that's currently required, which could have the desirable effect of placing more new vehicles on dealer lots for buyers to choose from.
More Photos

Greek court rules against Daimler on China SUV

There's an old saying that "justice is blind," an adage which has taken a literal meaning thanks to a Greek court's decision to dismiss Daimler's lawsuit against a Chinese copy of the Smart fortwo.


Although the case looked promising for Daimler early on, a Milan court ruling in mid-December 2008 in favor of Shuanghuan in the BMW case seemed to have put the nail in Daimler's coffin. The court found that visual and price differences between BMW's X5 and Shuanghuan CEO were enough to prevent consumers from confusing the two. After winning the case against BMW, Shuanghuan resumed the sale of its CEO SUV in Italy.


The Greek court determined that "an informed buyer would not confuse the Noble with the Smart Fortwo." They also stated that because the two vehicles offer different technical specifications, any exterior styling similarities are irrelevant and almost inevitable because they're both mini-cars.


Chinese auto makers reportedly have 'borrowed' inspiration from BMW's X5, Daewoo's Matiz and the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Various legal challenges have been mounted, some successfully and others less so.


Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. started to sell Smart Fortwo, the classic low-emission car under Daimler's Mercedes-Benz brand, in China on April 8 this year.
Source: gasgoo via World Car Fans

Greek court rules against Daimler on China SUV

There's an old saying that "justice is blind," an adage which has taken a literal meaning thanks to a Greek court's decision to dismiss Daimler's lawsuit against a Chinese copy of the Smart fortwo.


Although the case looked promising for Daimler early on, a Milan court ruling in mid-December 2008 in favor of Shuanghuan in the BMW case seemed to have put the nail in Daimler's coffin. The court found that visual and price differences between BMW's X5 and Shuanghuan CEO were enough to prevent consumers from confusing the two. After winning the case against BMW, Shuanghuan resumed the sale of its CEO SUV in Italy.


The Greek court determined that "an informed buyer would not confuse the Noble with the Smart Fortwo." They also stated that because the two vehicles offer different technical specifications, any exterior styling similarities are irrelevant and almost inevitable because they're both mini-cars.


Chinese auto makers reportedly have 'borrowed' inspiration from BMW's X5, Daewoo's Matiz and the Mercedes-Benz SLK. Various legal challenges have been mounted, some successfully and others less so.


Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. started to sell Smart Fortwo, the classic low-emission car under Daimler's Mercedes-Benz brand, in China on April 8 this year.
Source: gasgoo via World Car Fans

Hayabusa Powered Smart Car Photos & Volvo

Eat this, Ken Block! In today’s podcast, Lieberman and I were talking about the forthcoming Brabus tuned Smart car, and I mentioned having seen some vids of insane Hayabusa powered Smart cars. I appreciate that Hayabusa is the “go to” engine for making a total monster out of your light car, motorbike, ATV, Ariel Atom, or whatever else. This ain’t exactly brand new, but it’s still wickedly cool. Check the vid after the jump, and look closely at around 0:57 of the video for a snazzy trick.
via:Autofiends

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Smart car2go car rental project Testing in Germany

Daimler has initiated a pilot program that offers a future-oriented answer to increasing traffic volume in urban areas. The Smart car2go mobility concept is basically a car rental service that offers the possibility to rent a Smart via cell phone or internet. The pilot Smart car2go project will start in October in Ulm, Germany, with 50 smart fortwos.


The Smart car2go service uses an electronic chip located on the customer's driving license that enables the access in the car. The customer can rent a Smart in several different ways: spontaneous 'passing' rental, wherever a customer finds a free smart, they can hire it 'on-the-spot' or they can book it with 24 hours in advance. The Smart car2go service offers the possibility to locate a free car via the internet or a telephone service hotline. more detail. ...







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smart car blasts away opposition in Cannonball Run

A smart fortwo gave its high-powered opposition plenty of 'fuel for thought' when it sprinted to victory in the Cannonball Run – a 3,000-mile dash across Europe inspired by the famous 80s film starring Burt Reynolds.

Life-long friends David Ward and Adrian Hull, from Essex, beat a long list of six-figure supercars in their five-year-old, second-hand smart fortwo BRABUS, which was the smallest car in the 40-vehicle field.

The event, which started at Sandown Park and took in France, Portugal and Spain with a finish in Brighton, saw the duo awarded first place for completing the route at the exact stipulated requirement of an average of 61mph.

It was the smart's impressive fuel economy that really provided the edge for the 46-year-olds and their Union Jack-liveried smart. The performance version of the iconic smart range, which features a 700cc, 74bhp, three-cylinder turbo engine, is capable of 53.3 miles per gallon when driven on the combined fuel cycle – a factor that enabled the car to spend less time at the petrol pumps than its thirstier rivals.

"The downfall of the bigger cars was that they were forced to stop so often, so while they kept overtaking us, we eventually went past them at the next petrol station when they needed to fill up again," said David, who runs an estate agency in South Woodford. "We kept at a decent speed and still averaged around 35 miles per gallon."

What made David and Adrian's victory even more remarkable was the fact that their smart has all of its original specification apart from a re-mapping kit and upgraded suspension. Competing in their first event of this kind, they were also the only entrants without an in-car satellite navigation system – preferring a traditional European road guide instead.

"Having entered for fun and to raise money for the NSPCC, it's fair to say that we were surprised to win and I suppose there is a 'David and Goliath' element to our victory," admitted David. "I think the other drivers initially thought it was a hoax that a smart had entered but they gave us more and more credit as the week went on and, at the end, they were genuinely pleased that we won.

"Whilst I think I've converted quite a few of them to the merits of smart ownership, the event has just strengthened my admiration for the car," added David. "The ride and economy are outstanding, you can park it anywhere and there is room for my golf clubs – it's just a great little car."

David and Adrian have automatically gained entry into next year's Cannonball Run but are now planning further adventures in their smart car including next year's Gumball Rally from Los Angeles to Miami and a drive from Land's End to John o'Groat's in just 12 hours.
Source: Smart


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