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Penske blindsided by Daimler’s decision to take over Smart USA?

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Smart, Earnings/Financials

Roger Penske blindsided by Smart

On or off the track, Roger Penske is a force to be reckoned with. His team has taken the victory lap 15 times at the Indianapolis 500 and his business ventures have made him one of America’s richest and most powerful entrepreneurs.

Sure, the dapper, silver-haired septuagenarian has had his failures, but they’re few and far between – so it came as a stunning surprise when word came that, just days after officials from the Penske Automotive Group expressed their commitment to stand by the struggling Smart, they were given their walking papers by Daimler AG, which produces the minicar brand.

Apparently, the person most surprised may have been Roger Penske himself, as all indications suggest he may have been blindsided by the decision to pull the Smart franchise.

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

[Image: Todd Warshaw/Getty]

Continue reading Penske blindsided by Daimler’s decision to take over Smart USA?

Penske blindsided by Daimler’s decision to take over Smart USA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Smart ForSpeed tries its best to look speedy

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Smart, Electric

Smart ForSpeed Concept

Smart ForSpeed Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Daimler has been so kind as to serve up a heaping helping of Smart ForSpeed photos ahead of the vehicle’s unveil at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. As you may recall, the concept packs a 41-horsepower electric motor that can whisk this topless wonder all the way to 37 miles per hour in around 5.5 seconds. For reference, those numbers make up a two second improvement over the standard, production version ForTwo ED. We aren’t into denying the fact that two seconds is no small gap, but we wouldn’t exactly go around calling this contraption quick, either.

The ForSpeed will hit the stage next month without a top, though Smart has been kind enough to include a toneau cover should the skies open up while you’re waiting to get to the vehicle’s top speed of 75 mph. The good news is that the ForSpeed carries a range of around 85 miles and can be quick charged to 80 percent of capacity in about 45 minutes.

Gallery: Smart ForSpeed Concept

[Source: Daimler]

Pics Aplenty: Smart ForSpeed tries its best to look speedy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smart ForSpeed concept revealed before Geneva debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Smart, Electric

Smart ForSpeed Concept

Smart Forspeed – Click above for high-res image gallery

Not every future Smart model is in trouble of vanishing – some will never see the light of production. To wit, Daimler’s minicar maker is bringing an all-electric, roofless version of the Smart ForTwo to the Geneva Motor Show, and the Forspeed concept looks surprisingly similar to the the Smart Speedster we got a peek at a few weeks ago.

Overall, the Forspeed echos the Smart Crossblade that was made in limited numbers in the early 2000s. Just to emphasize that the Forspeed is a pure concept, it comes equipped with some interesting taillights, no external door handles and since it’s sans-roof, there’s a toneau cover that can either coat the entire interior or just the passenger side if you get caught in the rain.

The Forspeed’s 41-hp electric motor can yawn the car all the way up to 37 miles per hour in 5.5 seconds and provide a top speed of 75 mph. That’s not excatly “speedy” as the name implys, but the boost button you see on the dash offers another seven ponies. More important is the ED part of the clumsy “ForspeED” name; it refers to the Electric Drive powertrain that we also find in the Fortwo ED. At least the concept hits 37 mph a second sooner than the standard Fortwo ED.

The range for the Forspeed is estimated to be 85 miles, with an 80-percent charge possible in 45 minutes. This is most likley under DC fast charging conditions, but we’re not sure. We’ll make sure to get more info when we’re on the ground in Geneva.

Gallery: Smart ForSpeed Concept

[Source: Autocar, Car And Driver]

Smart ForSpeed concept revealed before Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penske bails out of Smart distribution deal, Daimler takes over

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Smart

2009 Smart Fortwo – Click above for high-res image gallery

So much for Valentine’s Day. Penske and Smart have jointly announced that the couple is going their separate ways.

Penske is walking away from it distribution rights, management, sales and marketing duties, but that doesn’t mean the brand is going anywhere. From now on, the pint-sized city movers will be peddled by Mercedes-Benz USA, and Smart says the move is just one part of a greater growth strategy. In a letter to owners, Smart said that all warranties will still be valid and that all of the transition kinks should be ironed out by as soon as June of this year.

Talk about a quick rebound.

Daimler handles Smart distribution the world over, so the move makes sense for the troubled brand here in the States. Hobbled by low fuel prices, Smart sold around 100,000 units globally last year. In comparison, the company managed to move 114,000 vehicles amidst the world-wide recession of 2009. A paltry 5,927 Fortwos were sold in the U.S. in 2010.

Rumors have cropped up around a number of planned new models for the company, including a ForTwo+2 as well as a five-door hatch. Hit the jump for the full press release as well as the company’s letter to current owners. Thanks for the tip, Vince!

Gallery: Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo

[Source: Smart]

Continue reading Penske bails out of Smart distribution deal, Daimler takes over

Penske bails out of Smart distribution deal, Daimler takes over originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: With two new models coming, “There is a future for Smart”

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Hatchback, Smart

2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive – Click above for high-res image gallery

Smart has delivered its first ForTwo Electric Drive and the 2011 ForTwo is equipped with a suite of first-time features such as cruise control, navigation and eight airbags. But no matter the advances heaped upon the brand’s sole ambasador now, the question many have is: does it have a future?

“There is a commitment to the Smart brand by Smart USA and Daimler’s also committed,” Rick Bourgoise, Smart’s Director of Communications, tells Autoblog. “There are two paths to product expansion: the Daimler alliance with Nissan-Renault to provide a small car platform as part of the next Smart ForTwo as well as a four-seat model to arrive mid-decade.” That car could be, or at least have something to do with, the scale model four-door ForTwo+2 spied recently in Europe. That car is being engineered by Mercedes-Benz and built by Daimler.

“That was good in the near term,” said Bourgoise, “but we needed additional product in the short term.” When he says “we,” he’s referring to Smart USA, which is Penske’s distributorship operation that has the U.S. and Puerto Rico territories for Smart.

“Smart USA agreed with Nissan of the Americas to get a five-door, five-seat hatch that will arrive sometime in Q4 of 2011.” That car refers to the Memorandum of Understanding that Smart signed with Nissan for a B-segment entrant last October. That means the car has officially been given the go-ahead. The platform is assumed to be that of the Micra, since it’s “a global vehicle for Nissan that’s not selling” here, and they’re putting it together in one year. The design of that car is a collaboration between Smart and Nissan, but “it will be a Smart, will have Smart styling cues and stay true to those brand attributes,” such as a tiny footprint and high efficiency and recyclability. Burgoise also confirmed “it will come in a standard manual and automatic transmissions.” Bourgoise tells AB the unnamed car will be revealed sometime in late Q1 or Q2.

Gallery: 2011 Smart ForTwo Electric Drive: First Drive

Chicago 2011: With two new models coming, “There is a future for Smart” originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan unwraps chocolate Smart ForTwo for Valentine’s Day

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Smart, Design/Style, Luxury

Chocolate Smart ForTwo by Q-Pot

Chocolate Smart ForTwo by Q-Pot – Click above to watch the video after the jump

In Japan, Christmas Eve is a romantic holiday during which couples eat special cakes. So what’s Valentine’s Day, then? An occasion for women to buy men chocolate, of course. Or chocolate cars, as the case may be.

Okay, so the Smart ForTwo you see above isn’t actually made of chocolate, it just looks that way. Specially prepared for the holiday by designer Tadaaki Wakamutsu of Japanese luxury jeweler/chocolatier Q-Pot, the unique Smart city car features a special chocolate-themed paint scheme. It’s priced at 2.36 million yen (equivalent to about $28k), which places it at a considerable premium over the standard Smart ForTwo’s 1.84 million yen MSRP ($22k) in Japan. Follow the jump to watch the video report, or head over to the Q-Pot website for a closer look.

[Source: Q-Pot via AP]

Continue reading Japan unwraps chocolate Smart ForTwo for Valentine’s Day

Japan unwraps chocolate Smart ForTwo for Valentine’s Day originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler reportedly patents new Smart roadster design

Filed under: Convertible, Smart

Smart Roadster Patent

Smart roadster patent drawings – Click above for high-res image gallery

We aren’t quite sure what Daimler is working on here, but these patent drawings of what appear to be a Smart Fortwo-based roadster were submitted for trademark approval on November 16, 2010. The folks at Carscoop suggest that this could be a redux of the automaker’s Crossblade cabriolet, sold in the early 2000s with very limited production (just 2,000 were made). Us? We aren’t so sure.

While the design of this recent patent submission looks like it could preview the next-generation design of the Smart family, we doubt that any sort of roadster is in the works for the immediate future. Could this show up as a concept at one of the 2011 auto shows? We won’t rule it out, but for now, we won’t be holding our breath for any sort of Smart-branded roadster in the not-too-distant future.

Gallery: Smart Roadster Patents

Smart Roadster Patent

[Source: Carscoop]

Daimler reportedly patents new Smart roadster design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 19 teenage girls cram into Smart ForTwo for new world record

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Smart

19 girls in a Smart Fortwo

19 girls in a Smart Fortwo – Click above to watch the video after the break

It’s the question that’s been racking the brains of the best and brightest the world over, and finally, we have an answer: 19. No, it’s not the answer to life, the universe and everything… it’s the number of teenage girls that have managed to cram themselves inside a Smart Fortwo in Pakistan.

Because you’re dying to know, we’ll gladly inform you that the previous record, set in Australia, saw 18 girls – crucially one fewer than 19 – poke and prod their way into a Fortwo. Naturally, the event was witnessed by representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records, so we can all expect to see the new record in the next installment of the group’s massive book of ridiculous achievements.

Video? Come on now, did you really have to ask? Find it after the break. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: ePakistanNews via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 19 teenage girls cram into Smart ForTwo for new world record

Video: 19 teenage girls cram into Smart ForTwo for new world record originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Renault

The door metaphorically adjoining the offices of Msr. Ghosn and Dr. Zetsche swings both ways. The two executives – heads of Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance respectively – signed a deal that would see the two auto groups collaborating on future products. So far all the reports appear to be benefiting Nissan – including the latest on AMG engines in Infiniti Performance Line models – but the latest indicate a measure of reciprocation.

According to the wire coming in from across the pond, the next generation of Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class hatchbacks will be powered by Renault-Nissan’s new 128-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel four. Beyond that, the two auto groups will reportedly begin developing a new range of small engines, similar to the engine program between BMW and PSA Peugeot-Citroën.

Their displacements will, according to reports, range from 1.2 liters to 1.8, cylinder counts from three to four and coming in both gasoline and diesel formats, to be used in a broad range of small cars bearing Mercedes, Smart, Nissan and Renault badges.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Renault-Nissan engines to power future Mercedes, Smart models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac Aera Concept, Smart 454 tied for Top Concepts at LA Auto Show Design Challenge *update

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style

Cadillac Aera Concept wins LA Auto Show Design Challenge

Cadillac Aera Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The focus at the LA Auto Show is on new production vehicles as well as concepts that hint at an automaker’s direction for the very near future. One aspect of the show however, looks further into the distance and pushes designers to create their vision of a supplied theme. The LA Auto Show Design Challenge has entered it’s seventh year, and for 2010 the designers had to create a 1,000-pound car that was stylish and performance oriented yet also capable of carrying four passengers. The GM Advanced Design team stepped up to the plate and, with their Cadillac Aera Concept, took the top spot. The podium must have been crowded though because the Smart 454 also claimed a victory as the judges declared the competition a tie.

This marks the third time that the group from General Motors has won this challenge, giving them the most wins out of all automakers that enter. The Cadillac Aera Concept hit on all areas that the judges were looking for and, despite the futuristic styling, still carries some recognizable lines from Cadillacs of today.

smart 454 WWT The Smart 454 took a different approach to this contest, compared to the dark and dramatic Aera. The 454 refers to the weight of the vehicle in kilograms, and it is described as being constructed, or rather knitted out of carbon fiber, by “Smart Granny Robots.” Those robots, or SGRs, can turn the carbon fiber into complex shapes, which allows for the varied forms created to be super strong. Even the wheels are carbon fiber, which would allow for less unsprung weight and a strong rolling platform for the 454 WWT to roll on.

You can read more about both the Cadillac Aera Conceptn and the Smart 454 by reading our preview of the design challenge, and you can see them for yourself in the galleries below.

Gallery: 2010 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Winner: Cadillac Aera Concept

2010 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Winner: Cadillac Aera Concept

Gallery: 2010 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Winner: Smart 454 WWT

2010 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Winner: Smart 454 WWT

[Source: General Motors, LA Auto Show]

Continue reading Cadillac Aera Concept, Smart 454 tied for Top Concepts at LA Auto Show Design Challenge *update

Cadillac Aera Concept, Smart 454 tied for Top Concepts at LA Auto Show Design Challenge *update originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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