May 14, 2007
More than 12,600 consumers have put down a $99 deposit to be among the first Smart car drivers in the U.S.
United Auto Group Inc. (UAG), the nation's second largest auto retailer reports that in just over five weeks it has received those deposits from people who want to buy the two-seat Smart "fortwo" mini car when it hits U.S. showrooms in 2008.
United Auto Group owns the Smart USA division of DaimlerChrysler's Smart unit and began a program in March that offered buyers the opportunity to be a Smart "insider" and get on a waiting list in return for a refundable $99 deposit.
Smart cars are about the size of a large golf cart but are technologically advanced and certified with four-star crash worthiness.
United Auto is unsure how many people who have given deposits will follow through and actually buy a Smart two-seater. The company plans to sell just 16,000 Smarts next year in three models, the base "Pure" model, the upgraded "Passion" model and the "Passion" cabriolet.
The automobile sales company expects increased consumer interest for the little car in California, New York, Washington D.C. and even in Michigan.
The initial popularity of Smart comes at a time when mini cars are not even on sale in the U.S. The so-called sub-compact, or B-segment, currently represents the smallest vehicle class in the U.S.
