smart Puts formore Crossover on Hold

Altogether Zap plans on signing up 150 dealers next year alone, an ambitious undertaking considering DaimlerChrysler may want

With the brand losing money globally, it's hard to predict which cars smart will decide to bring to North America. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

to market its smallest car through its own dealership network when the smart brand enters the U.S., especially if Zap is successful first.

Incidentally, Zap doesn't buy its fortwos directly from DaimlerChrysler, but rather purchases through Smart-Auto LLC, which buys the cars from dealerships in Europe and then ships them to the America after modifying them to meet U.S. standards.

With the formore SUV potentially out of the picture, the brand's lightweight, frills-free roadster could also be popular with buyers who are looking for a fuel-efficient, minimalist mid-engined sportster, while many urbanites could easily be interested in the practical, charismatic forfour.

With the brand losing money globally, however, it will remain to be seen if smart will bring its entire range to North America, despite the vastness of the market and the need of vehicular diversity.