Welcome to Smart Cars

European Success Comes to America

Smart cars were first targeted at young Europeans. The Smart car provides room for two passengers with enough room for groceries. These cars are fuel efficient, powered by a 43 hp, 799cc diesel engine. Requiring very little space to park, these cars quickly became popular in Europe. In 2005, an American company called ZAP began purchasing purchasing smart cars from Europe, modifying them to sell to U.S. customers.

As worldwide fuel prices continue to rise, the little egg-shaped smart cars soon began to sell very well in Canada. Because of higher emission standards in the U.S. the car was unavailable to Americans.

Understanding the need for smart cars in US, Daimler announced that Smart cars will be introduced in US in early 2008. These cars will be equipped with a gasoline engine that meets the stringent U.S. emission standards.

Two persons with their groceries can travel comfortably in a Smart cars. The Smart comes in a solid-roof version or with a retractable cabriolet roof. Luxury features like leather-covered steering wheel, air conditioning, and glass roof are also provided as options on some models. A clutchless manual shift system that gives the driver the choice of shifting manually or automatically, safety features like hill start assistance and anti-lock braking system are also included in the smart cars. An acceleration skid control and electronic braking system are installed for safety.

Traditionally Americans have favored larger vehicles than Europeans. They love their large SUV's, family mini-vans and large cars. But now with the escalating price of oil world-wide, more and more U.S. drivers are looking for alternatives. As GM, Ford and Chrysler close truck plants, the Smart is poised to hit the U.S. market running.

The Smart basic model starts at around $15,000 and with options can be as much as about $20,000. That's not the least expensive car available. A decent small car that can give good mileage can be purchased for less.

Smart promises 40 miles to the gallon and they are expecting brisk sales. Smart is also developing an all electric version which will be tested in Europe and if successful will likely hit North America in 2010 or later. Energy efficient hybrid cars, like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid, are already very successful in the US market and Smart cars are going to face tough competition.

Something New under the Sun: Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Element Brand Makes ... - MarketWatch (press release)

Something New under the Sun: Starwood Hotels & Resorts' Element Brand Makes ... MarketWatch (press release) STAMFORD, Conn., Feb 21, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Florida sun is shining its light on a smart new lodging option for travelers, with the opening of Element Miami International Airport. Element, the trailblazing eco-wise brand of Starwood Hotels ... and more »

Fewer Florida teens are getting driver licenses; here are a few possible reasons - Palm Beach Post

Palm Beach Post

Fewer Florida teens are getting driver licenses; here are a few possible reasons Palm Beach Post I can contact you 10 different ways, I don't have to drive in a car to go see you." The Michigan study concluded that the drop in teen drivers could mean that virtual contact, via the Internet and smart phones, is trumping actual contact among teens. and more »

Retaining T ferries will help buoy Somerset boat manufacturer - Wicked Local

Retaining T ferries will help buoy Somerset boat manufacturer Wicked Local They keep cars off the roads, offer commuters a faster route into Boston and provide economic support for businesses near their docks. But there's another argument for retaining these boats: Unlike other vehicles in the MBTA's mass transit fleet, ... and more »

Rewind: That looks better - Charlotte Observer

Rewind: That looks better Charlotte Observer By Jim Utter DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet, leads the field into turn 1 during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, ... and more »

Pretrial Detention: Save Needless Jail Costs - The Ledger

Pretrial Detention: Save Needless Jail Costs The Ledger The Florida TaxWatch Center for Smart Justice and the American Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section have a plan to promote "pretrial justice." Today, the two groups are scheduled to launch their initiative, "Pretrial Detention in Florida: ... Editorial: Smarter justiceOcala all 2 news articles »