All Cars, All the Time

More smart Fodder

Automotive News has an article regarding DaimlerChrysler bringing smart to the USA. What I found interesting is the clarification of the Goldman Sachs issue. It seems that DC has received unsolicited offers for smart and Dieter retained Goldman Sachs to review the offers. This mean Dieter's official stance that smart has until 2007 hasn't changed, he is just doing his fiduciary duty and checking out the offers. Whew! The article goes on to say that DC is looking at three scenarios for smart in the USA: through Mercedes-Benz dealers, through Chrysler dealers and through a third party network (which as been speculated to be Roger Penske). Also comforting is the fact that Paul Halata, Mercedes-Benz USA CEO, hasn't "Changed my tune about this. I believe that a car like this could be sold in certain parts of the United States." I believe that things are really looking good for a smart launch. DaimlerChrysler has come to several important revelations: 1)there is a market for smarts in the USA 2) smarts shouldn't be sold everywhere, only in large metropolitan markets such as those found in the east and west coasts and 3)smarts will not generate enough volume to warrant stand alone dealerships. Time will tell, but I'm forecasting a launch announcement by the end of April with cars hitting the USA no earlier than the fall of 2007.