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If you're intrigued by the idea of the Smart ForTwo, the Mercedes-made runabout so small it can fit sideways in a standard parking space, get in line. It'll be a long wait. And bring $99.
That's right. Smart USA, the dealer network that will begin sales in early 2008, has decided it will take reservations.
Visitors to the Smart USA Web site can choose models that start under $12,000 to a convertible at less than $17,000, select options and colors, pony up a credit card and receive an e-mail confirmation of their registration.
Smart USA calls it a good way to judge potential demand for the car, versions of which have been sold in Europe since 1999. Since launch, more than 750,000 have been sold in 36 countries.
The car is attracting attention for more than its size: Its body panels are configurable in combinations of colors.
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A limited number of Smart cars have already been available in some parts of the U.S. via the gray market -- imports without the authorization of the manufacturer and with substantially higher price tags.
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All choices made in the reservation process are nonbinding, the company says. Dealers will call reservation holders later in the year to confirm orders and select details. The $99 is refundable if the buyer backs out.
Smart USA expects that the tiny, two-seater coupe will get 40 miles per gallon in everyday driving. At 8.8 feet long, the ForTwo is more than 3 feet shorter than a Mini Cooper. At 1,600 pounds, it weighs half of what a Honda Accord does. It seats two and has a small area for cargo behind the seats.
The unusual marketing campaign will be followed up by a 44-city road show that will give reservation holders a chance to test-drive a car.
The car isn't being sold through traditional DaimlerChrysler-Mercedes channels (in fact, by early next year, it's likely that Daimler and Chrysler will once again be separate companies) but by UnitedAuto Group, a well-established chain of 310 auto franchises. The company expects to have as many as 70 Smart dealers ready to sell the cars by next year.
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