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.

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