Prices for the trio of electric vehicle products to be sold by smart in Canada have been released. smart electric vehicles will include the smart fortwo electric drive and the all-new smart ebike. The smart fortwo electric drive coupe will start at CDN$26,990 while the electric drive cabriolet will be priced from CDN$29,990. smart Centers
+ Read More
2011 Update For 2011, the Smart ForTwo has been slightly refreshed. Under the hood, the 70 horsepower 1-liter three-cylinder engine and Smart’s “automated manual” five-speed transmission remain unchanged. On the outside, the profile also hasn’t changed, but the front fascia has undergone minor cosmetic work to accommodate optional LED daytime running lights. Inside, there’s a
+ Read More
What’s it going to take to revive sales of the Smart ForTwo? The 2008 launch of the Smart ForTwo—the only conventional gas-powered car rated above 40 MPG on the highway—was well timed for rising gas prices. When gas hit $4 a gallon in June 2008, dealerships had a hard time keeping up with the demand
+ Read More
In Sept., 2008, German Chancellor Angela Merkel plugs in an electic-powered Smart car as Daimler head Deiter Zetsche and Matthias Wissmann, Chairman of the German Automobile Industry, look on. On Monday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold a summit on the electrification of the automobile, with senior executives from the major German auto companies, as
+ Read More
With all the recent buzz and federal dollars going to all-electric cars, the opposite—and more practical and affordable—end of the gas-electric spectrum is missing in action in the United States. Micro-hybrids, also known as start-stop systems, use regenerative braking and battery storage to allow cars not to burn fuel while at a stop. Cars using
+ Read More
In automotive circles, the name ‘Brabus’ does not evoke images of small, fuel-efficient cars. Just the opposite. The renowned German performance tuner is famous for turning high-end European automobiles from Mercedes and BMW into vicious street machines. So when SmartUSA recently teamed up with Brabus, there appeared to be a disconnect. In reality, Smart has
+ Read More
In a Daimler demonstration project, 100 all-electric Smart ForTwo minicars have been darting about London since the end of 2007. Those versions employ Zebra batteries and have about a 62-mile driving range. While they have been functioning and enthusiastically received, a Daimler engineer—who preferred not to be identified—told Hybridcars.com that the battery performance was far
+ Read More
If the diminutive Smart ForTwo is going to succeed in America, it will need to make a strong showing in New York City—where driving distances are minimal and parking opportunities are scarce. But according to New York Times reviews of the Smart car, the cute little two-seater from Mercedes is already dead in the water.
+ Read More
Despite its U.S. introduction earlier this year, the ultra-hip high-mpg Smart ForTwo is still a rare sight on American streets. It’s not for lack of interest from American car shoppers wanting the Smart ForTwo’s unique blend of style, efficiency, and affordability. More than 30,000 customers have placed an order and left a refundable $99 deposit.
+ Read More