smart Two-Seater to be Sold in U.S. by California's ZAP
While a novelty in Canada, where DaimlerChrysler's diminutive smart fortwo (lowercase intended) has been making tiny waves
A dock worker, dressed to match the unique red and black checkered paint scheme of the smart fortwo, poses beside the car as Canadian specification coupes and cabriolets arrive at a Halifax port on September 24, 2004. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
And that's after six years of sales, and an almost cult-like following in major European metropolitan centers such as London, Rome, Paris and Munich. Where parking is at a minimum and fuel costs make Canada's sub-dollar per liter gasoline seem bargain basement low, the smart fortwo with its 3.9 L/100 km (72 mpg) city and 3.1 L/100 km (91 mpg) highway fuel economy rating makes sense.
smart added spice to the lineup with the addition of a stylish roadster in 2003
Mercedes-Benz Canada opened the first smart showroom in North America at Mercedes-Benz Midtown in Toronto. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
If sales continue to grow then profits should follow, but so far the brand has only been a drain on its parent, DaimlerChrysler. smart was to break even this year, yet the opposite has occurred and losses have grown deeper.