In the midst of all the negativity, ZAP, a California-based independent importer of smart, has reported taking in over $55
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| ZAP, a California-based independent importer of smart, has reported taking in over $55 million USD worth of orders for the fortwo two-seater. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Earlier last week, a ZAP spokesperson said: "This tiny, classy car is defying all the experts - even our own projections. We hoped the smart car would be a hit with rising gas prices, but everything we heard from the industry was that the micro-car was dead in the United States. There has been a 'super-size' mentality in the United States over the past few decades that bigger is better, but really smarter is better - and the smart car proves that. We think that the smart car will make a big impact on our society like the Beetle did 50 years ago."
This trend appears to prove the firm's analysts and Morgan Stanley wrong: tapping into the car-crazy culture of the United States
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| Whether or not smart will be shut down is something that only time can tell; however, DaimlerChrysler's top executives are standing by the brand. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Whether or not smart will be shut down is something that only time can tell; however, DaimlerChrysler's top executives are standing by the brand. Interviews by magazines such as Auto Motor und Sport, Autobild, Spiegel (Mirror) and Frankfurter Allgemeinen Sonntagszeitung (Frankfurt General Sunday Paper), show the support of smart boss Ulrich Walker, Mercedes-Benz boss Eckhard Cordes, and DaimlerChrysler CEO Jürgen Schrempp.