After a considerable amount of hoopla at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2005, DaimlerChrysler has been somewhat aloof when the subject of the Smart car hitting the U.S. market came up. Well, we finally have an update. Today's New York Times reports plans are underway for distribution networks, advertising development and more with the ultimate objective of hitting the U.S. market by early 2008. The ultra small Smart Fortwo is the smallest vehicle in the world, measuring less than 10 feet, making BMW's MINI Cooper's look like a limo. I figure the main target for this car will be commuters in the larger cities (although, I don't know how comfortable I would feel driving into New York City everyday if I was in a Smart Fortwo surrounded by Chevy Suburbans on both sides...especially going down the FDR...but that is a different story). However, rumor has it that another secondary target will be young adults, not unlike the secondary target for Toyota's new Yaris and Honda's Fit, both of which received high marks from our panelists for looks, perceived quality and price. It is also no secret that among college students specifically, Toyota and Honda, respectively, have been the top two selling vehicle brands over the past two years, well ahead of Ford and Chevy. To me, 2008 seems pretty far out there, so who knows what could happen to Gen Y's vehicle tastes (and the price of gas for that matter) so we will wait a year and a half to see if Daimler's Smart Car can carve out in a niche in fast growing micro vehicle category.
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