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Originally Posted by Merc1  I don't see this being a big hit here like the Mini is, but I think it will find a fair number of buyers especially in major cities. I think they're making a mistake though by giving us one of the weaker engines, it should have been the opposite. The turbo version should at least be an option.
M |
There are a lot people that are saying that Smart is going to fall right on its cute little face in the U.S. They insist that even all together, the combination of urban hipsters, Europhiles, and tree-huggers will not be enough to get Smart the sales it needs in the States.
I happen to think they'll do OK, at least for the first few years, and then it depends on what new product they have subsequent. I am not unique in this perspective as new-car dealers (not exactly a bohemian bunch) have lined up in record numbers to get a Smart franchise.
Just what are those numbers, the skeptical might ask?
Automotive News says that over 1400 new-car dealers have applied for the 30-50 slots Smart has available. Whatever you think of dealers as human beings, they are good business people, and they obviously think Smart has a pretty good future in the United States.