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Hatchbacks Smart Car Article Comments 2008 Smart Fortwo First Drive
110 messages, Last post on Aug 07, 2008 at 8:31 AM
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Article comments for First Drive: 2008 Smart Fortwo - The 2008 Fortwo is larger than its predecessor, but it's still outrageously small, some 40 inches shorter than a Mini. In real life, it looks like an artist's impression of what a car might look like if we all drank skinny lattes. (more)
Full Test: 2008 Smart Fortwo Passion - Bottom Line: Hugely versatile as a city-only car, but perhaps not the best choice for those who go farther or need to carry more. (more)
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Feb 28, 2007 8:43 pm)
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Replying to: joe131 (Feb 28, 2007 8:49 pm)
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Feb 28, 2007 9:15 pm) I never asked a question about its functionality. I never said it was not functional. The Smart will generally be viewed as a toy in the U.S. and flop as a transportation device. Flop means the Smart will not sell profitably enough for the make/model to stay on the U.S. market for very long. Flop also includes the idea that it could not be sold, on average, for the manufacturer's minimum target price and/or minimum desired unit sales volume. And if you call that toy comment one of functionality, then it, as well as some of my other posts, already did address the issue anyway.
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I can think of a few segments that would LOVE to have it. - Pizza delivery companies. - Courier companies.(parking alone is a huge mess - this fits almost SIDEWAYS in a spot) - Students and first-time buyers. ABS, Traction control, side airbags... It's like a 2 person Honda Fit or 2 person Mini. Way better than an Aveo or Yaris hatchback. - People who want high mileage/eco freaks/etc.(Prius crowd who don't want to pay $20-25K for one) The first two, though, will be the bulk of sales, like they were for the Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift. Plus, it's perfect to advertize on - people can't help but stare at it. 
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Replying to: plekto (Feb 28, 2007 11:09 pm) Pizza delivery drivers are about the most taken advantage of worker group as there is in the U.S. Couriers are probably not much better. Probably the same arrangement for them at their jobs. A Smart is not going to help them much, and will make no difference to the pizza joints or courier companies. |
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Almost every shop here in Los Angeles that does deliveries has their own small car with a big sign on it. It may be different out where you live, but here's it's a prime Smart Car environment. It's way easier to have a company car for them as a writeoff. Now, some places like the major chains(Domino's and such) as well as the crummier courier companies - yeah they pull crud like that. But even for couriers, it's all about MPG - and 40-50mpg is a huge deal for them.
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Replying to: plekto (Feb 28, 2007 11:36 pm) |
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Replying to: joe131 (Feb 28, 2007 9:29 pm) You said it was "A tiny 2 seater Smart with little luggage space is just a toy to most US drivers." which is a comment on the functionality. I commented that most people with a second car for commuting only have one person in the car and carry very little stuff with them. No where did I mention profit or if it was a flop or not. Just that if people gave it a chance and not listen to naysayers it might make it.
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And a Goldwing is also a toy to most... oh, wait - they sell like crazy, don't they? Think of it as a Goldwing with a shell around it and two more wheels. It'll sell very very well.
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Replying to: snakeweasel (Mar 01, 2007 5:01 am) My posts already put those to rest. Next?
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