Monday, February 14, 2011

A "Smart" move? Mercedes to take over Smart distribution

If you read my monthly sales reports, you'll know that Smart's ForTwo has been a very slow seller in the U.S. The Smart dealer network has been run by Penske since the car's introduction in the States, but that's about to change.

Penske has decided to no longer be in the Smart car business. That includes forfeiting distribution rights, sales, management, and marketing. So who's going to take over? Mercedes-Benz USA.

This could get interesting. Then again, maybe it won't ...

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Why buy 1/2 a car when for barely a grand more, you can snag a Yaris with a buttload more room and a few tweaks, just as good mileage?

Andy Lilienthal said...

Good point. I've always looked at Smarts as boutique cars, frankly.

D2M said...

I figured people short on parking space were the primary buyers. If you have limited room but still want a high end car, the Smart isn't a bad choice. (Even if it's expensive.)

Now my friend in Nevada wants one and I can't quite figure out why. She's got a HUGE dog and lives in a state and city with plenty of space. I was really doubting my friend's taste in cars when she told me she planned on buying a used one. I felt a little bit better about it then (as if my opinion matters, lol).

dholcombe said...

I have never really understood the smart car. If I ever got one it would be solely for commuting or taking out when I was going downtown or somewhere parking may be at a premium.

I can't justify the price given the limited use scenario, but could see myself buying one if they cut some features or whatever to get the price down to make it a viable additional car.