A message from Tracey Matura, General Manager, smart:

Posted on July 29, 2011 by starlord

[from smart USA insider, used by permission]
These past few weeks have gone by in a blur since we have started with smart and I wanted to update you on two areas that we’ve seen a lot of questions about: the dealer network and our marketing plans.

As far as the retail network is concerned, this is a top priority for us. Our goal when we took over from the Penske organization was to have essentially the same footprint, i.e. 75 dealers. Those dealers are in place but we are keenly aware that there are gaps in coverage that need to be taken care of as well as areas of untapped opportunity. To that effect, we plan to add another 25 dealerships by the end of the year.

On a related note, I’ve seen several questions as to whether smart service, parts and/or accessories – or the fortwo itself — would be available at every Mercedes-Benz dealership. The answer to that is no: all sales and service will be at authorized smart dealerships where we will have trained personnel who can support smart to the level of your expectations.

From a marketing standpoint, our main goal will be to increase awareness of the smart brand and the fortwo. Beyond the fact that MBUSA has some top-tier platforms that we’ll be able to leverage to increase visibility of smart, our team is currently working with our agency team to develop a robust marketing plan that increases awareness and perception and reflects the iconic nature of the smart brand. This will include traditional advertising (yes, TV commercials), online presence, social media and events. Our goal is to realize a creative campaign that breaks through the clutter and brings to life not only what makes smart unique but also the right car for the right people. I think you’ll like it.

Obviously sites like [smart USA insider] will be undergoing change and a lot of that will be based on input from you. With that in mind, I’d really like to encourage you to share with us your thoughts, comments, questions and ideas. We’ve started a new discussion in the forum section ‘give us a shout’ to facilitate that. I can’t promise you that everything will be answered all the time but what I can promise is that everything will be seen and we will address as much as we can.

That’s it for now…we’ll be back at the page in the weeks ahead!

Tracey

A Message from Mercedes-Benz USA’s Tracey Matura, incoming General Manager, smart

Posted on June 9, 2011 by starlord

It’s a pleasure to be able to introduce myself and start a dialogue with smart owners and enthusiasts. I had hoped to meet some of you personally at the Midwest Rally in Wisconsin Dells but unfortunately there was a conflict. I’m confident, however, that the opportunity will present itself down the road. In my place, I’m sending members of my team to get the conversation going.

As you can imagine, things are a little hectic now as we prepare for the transition. There’s a very high level of activity because we want to ensure that this process is seamless for you and that there’s little, if any, inconvenience. At the same time, our top priority is to quickly deploy our resources to take what Jill Lajdziak and her team built over the past few years to continue growing the brand. They’ve done a terrific job laying the foundation and we want to build on that to elevate awareness of the smart brand and the products and build on the unique community and culture that’s been established.

While we’re at the very beginning of this process, I know that many of you have questions. Most of the questions I’ve seen are in areas that are our own top priority right now: the retail network and customer support, marketing and, of course, the product. In the weeks ahead we will be sharing information with you on each of these topics. I hope that you will continue to provide us with input and raise any questions. Once we transition over in July, we’ll make sure you have all the appropriate contact information.

In my first few weeks “on the job”, the enthusiasm and the passion that smart has evoked among employees, owners, enthusiasts and drivers at large, convinces me that the smart brand can be a thriving example of innovation and inspiration that paves a new road for a new millennium. I think it’ll be a fun drive for all of us.

Tracey Matura

smart USA Delivers First Retail Electric Drive Vehicle

Posted on January 26, 2011 by starlord

smart USA Delivers First Retail Electric Drive Vehicle
Washington, DC – Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske and smart USA President Jill Lajdziak deliver smart fortwo electric drive to Mindy Kimball of Silver Spring, MD

smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), today delivered the first smart fortwo electric drive to a retail customer in the United States. Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske and smart USA President Jill Lajdziak made the ceremonial delivery to Mindy Kimball at her home in Silver Spring, MD.

“This is a groundbreaking day for smart in the United States,” said Lajdziak. “We are extremely excited to add the smart fortwo electric drive to the smart product lineup, solidifying our position as a key player in transportation electrification.”

Mindy Kimball is a 36-year-old early adopter of electric vehicle technology and a Major in the United States Army. Kimball chose the smart fortwo electric drive after thoroughly comparing and evaluating every electric vehicle available because she believes smart’s offering is the most modern electric car on the market. She has been a volunteer presenter with The Climate Project since 2007, educating the public about the science of climate change and the ways to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Kimball is also an active member of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) of Washington, DC, and she will display her new car in the EVA/DC booth at the 2011 Washington Auto Show. smart USA will have three smart fortwo electric drive vehicles at the auto show including the “Advanced Technology Superhighway” exhibit.

The smart fortwo electric drive is a zero-emission vehicle and the ultimate visual statement on conservation. It is powered by a 30 kW magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. According to the U.S. EPA LA4 test cycle, the smart fortwo electric drive can travel up to 98 miles on a full charge. In combined city and highway driving, the U.S. EPA estimates the range on the smart fortwo electric drive to be 63 miles. Using a 220 volt outlet, it takes only three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and about eight hours to reach full charge from a depleted battery.

This year, smart USA is strategically placing 250 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States with companies, municipalities, organizations and individuals interested in making a passionate statement on conservation and environmental awareness. Series production on next-generation vehicles for retail sale through smart USA’s dealer network is expected in 2012.

Mindy Kimball becomes the first member of “Team 250,” an elite club, featuring a concierge service, for all smart fortwo electric drive lessees. Each Team 250 member will have personal access to smart USA’s electric drive expert, 24/7 roadside assistance, receive electric drive communications, and be able to participate in dialogue around their electric drive experience. Members of Team 250 will also have the first opportunity to move into the next-generation smart fortwo electric drive vehicle.

The smart fortwo electric drive is available for lease through participating smart USA dealership locations at http://www.smartusa.com/electricdrive.

About the smart fortwo and smart USA
smart USA Distributor LLC, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo in the United States and Puerto Rico and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. The smart fortwo is a brand of and is manufactured by Daimler AG. The smart fortwo and the smart fortwo electric drive form a portfolio of sustainable, forward-looking technologies for urban mobility. The smart fortwo achieves an EPA estimated 41 mpg on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle, as certified by the State of California Air Resources Board. The smart fortwo is available in three trim levels starting in price from $12,490* to $17,690*. The smart fortwo electric drive is the ultimate zero-emission visual statement on conservation and environmental awareness and is available for lease. Both vehicles measure 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and come equipped with many functional and safety features. smart is currently sold in more than 40 other countries, and more than one million smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

*Excludes tax, title, registration, destination charge, options and other dealer fees.

About Penske Automotive Group
Penske Automotive Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 323 retail automotive franchises, representing 39 different brands and 25 collision repair centers. Penske Automotive, which sells new and previously owned vehicles, finance and insurance products and replacement parts, and offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it represents, has 172 franchises in 17 states and Puerto Rico and 151 franchises located outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom.

Penske Automotive, through its wholly-owned subsidiary smart USA Distributor LLC, is the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo vehicle and related parts in the United States. smart USA supports over 75 smart retail centers in the United States and Puerto Rico. Penske Automotive is a member of the Fortune 500 and Russell 1000 and has approximately 14,100 employees. smart and fortwo are registered trademarks of Daimler AG.

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release may involve forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements regarding the anticipated availability of future products. Actual results may vary materially because of risks and uncertainties, including external factors such as consumer credit conditions, adverse conditions affecting a particular manufacturer, macro-economic factors, and other factors over which management has no control. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with additional information about our business, markets, conditions and other uncertainties, which could affect our future performance. These risks and uncertainties are addressed in Penske Automotive’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This press release speaks only as of its date, and we disclaim any duty to update the information herein.

For additional information, visit www.smartusa.com or www.penskeautomotive.com

electric smart car available to consumers through Hertz

Posted on December 6, 2010 by starlord

HERTZ Global EV and smart usa PARTNER to OFFER

SMART FORTWO ELECTRIC DRIVE FOR CONSUMER USE

– smart’s Electric Car to Join Hertz’s EV Fleet –

PARK RIDGE, NJ – December 6, 2010 – The Hertz Corporation (NYSE:HTZ) and smart USA, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG), today announced a joint partnership to bring smart fortwo electric drive vehicles to Connect by Hertz car sharing and Hertz Rent A Car locations in New York, Washington DC, and San Francisco. The vehicle placements are part of the Hertz Global EV program, which will offer a variety of 100 percent electric and plug-in hybrids to car sharing and rental customers worldwide. The smart fortwo electric drive will be available for rent through Connect by Hertz car sharing in New York City beginning December 15.

“Hertz’s partnership with smart USA is another strategic element of our long term plan to provide consumers with electric vehicle access on a global scale,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With its worldwide recognition, smart was a logical choice for our program and we’re excited to begin offering the smart electric drive to our customers later this month.”

“The smart fortwo electric drive is the ultimate statement on conservation, from materials to space to natural resources, and further defines the independent spirit of smart” said Jill Lajdziak, president of smart USA. “We are thrilled to place vehicles with Hertz and offer consumers the opportunity to experience the joy of driving a smart fortwo while showcasing the benefits of electric technology.”

As announced in September, Hertz Global EV is championing an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem, incorporating transportation options and a charging station grid for ease of use. Hertz Global EV will be the first company to provide a range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and charging stations on a car sharing and rental basis at global scale. The smart fortwo electric drive joins EVs from other manufacturers as part of Hertz Global EV’s diverse fleet. The smart fortwo electric drive vehicle is engineered to package advanced technology while maintaining the car’s design history. It is powered by 30 kW drive magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Using a 220V outlet, it takes only three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and less than eight hours to fully charge it.

Hertz is uniquely positioned to introduce multiple groups of consumers – urban drivers, university students, travelers and corporations – to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As part of its Global EV strategy, Hertz is forming partnerships with manufacturers, charging station providers, municipalities, NGO’s, corporations and other stakeholders. To-date, the company has ordered vehicles from CODA, Nissan, and smart USA, and has signed an agreement with NRG Energy Inc. to support development of a charging infrastructure and services for electric vehicles (EV) in Texas.

smart USA is strategically deploying a fleet of 2011 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States. Vehicle placement is nationwide, targeting early adopters of electric drive technology who are helping define new alternatives in transportation for the United States and interested in making a passionate statement on conservation and environmental awareness. Series production begins in 2012 for sale through smart USA’s dealer network.

During the next several months, Hertz Global EV will leverage the company’s car sharing and rental locations as bases for vehicles and charging stations, and tap into its technology – including sophisticated fleet management tools and the consumer-facing NeverLost GPS system – to help form an EV grid.

For more information on Hertz Global EV, visit www.hertz.com. For more information on smart USA and the smart fortwo electric drive, visit www.smartusa.com.

About Hertz

Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand operating from more than 8,500 locations in 146 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 81 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold(R), NeverLost(R) customized, in-car GPS system, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company’s Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. The Company also operates the Advantage car rental brand at 26 airports in the U.S. and the global car sharing club, Connect by Hertz, in New York City, Berlin, London, Madrid and Paris. And, Hertz operates one of the world’s largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, and new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers from approximately 325 branches in the United States, Canada, China, France, Spain and Italy.

About the smart fortwo and smart USA

smart USA Distributor LLC, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo in the United States and Puerto Rico and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. The smart fortwo is a brand of and is manufactured by Daimler AG. The smart fortwo and the smart fortwo electric drive form a portfolio of sustainable, forward-looking technologies for urban mobility. The smart fortwo achieves an EPA estimated 41 mpg on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle, as certified by the State of California Air Resources Board. The smart fortwo is available in three trim levels ranging in price from $12,490* to $17,690*. The smart fortwo electric drive is the ultimate zero-emission visual statement on conservation and environmental awareness and is available for lease. Both vehicles measure 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and come equipped with many functional and safety features. smart is currently sold in more than 40 other countries, and more than one million smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

*Excludes tax, title, registration, destination charge, options and other dealer fees.

About Penske Automotive Group

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 321 retail automotive franchises, representing 40 different brands and 25 collision repair centers. Penske Automotive, which sells new and previously owned vehicles, finance and insurance products and replacement parts, and offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it represents, has 170 franchises in 17 states and Puerto Rico and 151 franchises located outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom.

For additional information, visit www.smartusa.com or www.penskeautomotive.com

smart USA and Nissan to Collaborate on re-incarnated “ForFour” model for US Market

Posted on October 7, 2010 by starlord

In the “Memorandum of understanding” category, smart USA announced this press release which appears to be the next-generation version of smart’s gasoline engined “ForFour” vehicle targeted for the US market! No word on the fuel cell or electronic variants that were in earlier test runs with Mercedes and Mitsubishi, but hey:

Bloomfield Hills, Mich., (October 6, 2010) – smart USA Distributor LLC (“smart USA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (“Nissan”) for the collaboration of a new vehicle for sale in the United States.

Pursuant to the terms of the MOU, smart USA would obtain the rights to procure and distribute a five-door, gasoline powered, B-segment vehicle from Nissan for sale through the smart USA retail dealership network in the United States. The new vehicle is expected to be available for retail sale in the fourth quarter of 2011. A sketch of the proposed vehicle can be viewed at the smart USA Media Newsroom.

smart USA President Jill Lajdziak said, “The new vehicle will expand smart USA’s product lineup, offering five-seat capacity while maintaining the core principles of efficiency and conservation.”

Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske added, “We are proud to be a partner with both Daimler and Nissan, two companies focused on bringing high-quality, fuel efficient products to the U.S. market.”

Further details of the non-binding MOU are not being released at this time. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the completion of definitive agreements.

ABOUT smart USA
smart USA Distributor LLC, headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is the exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo and related parts in the United States and Puerto Rico and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc. smart USA supports approximately 75 smart retail centers in the United States and Puerto Rico. smart and fortwo are registered trademarks of Daimler AG.

ABOUT PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP
Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG), headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 325 retail automotive franchises, representing 40 different brands and 25 collision repair centers. Penske Automotive, which sells new and previously owned vehicles, finance and insurance products and replacement parts, and offers maintenance and repair services on all brands it represents, has 173 franchises in 17 states and Puerto Rico and 152 franchises located outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom.

Caution Concerning Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this press release involve forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements regarding smart USA Distributor LLC or Penske Automotive Group, Inc.’s ability to complete the transaction noted above. Actual results may vary materially because of risks and uncertainties, including completion of binding documentation, performance by certain vendors and suppliers, and other conditions many of which may be outside of our control. These forward-looking statements should be evaluated together with additional information about Penske Automotive’s business, markets, conditions and other uncertainties which could affect Penske Automotive’s future performance. These risks and uncertainties are addressed in Penske Automotive’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This press release speaks only as of its date, and Penske Automotive disclaims any duty to update the information herein.

For additional information, visit www.smartusa.com or www.penskeautomotive.com

PS: Note that sources say the name has not yet been determined, but this is definitely not a “ForFour” as you can clearly see by the concept photos!

smart adds iPhone integration and app

Posted on August 11, 2010 by starlord

[from smart USA, August 11, 2010]

Introducing the smart drive kit for the iPhone

All the features you need, in a single app.

The new smart drive app transforms your iPhone into a connected information and multimedia system. It’s the first multifunctional app developed by a car company. Check out smartusa.com/drivekit for more details.

Features:
. Listen to your favorite music
. Tune in to web music stations and podcasts from around the world
. Identify songs with the ID Song feature
. Make phone calls
. Avoid traffic jams
. See your position on the map
. Get directions
. Find the nearest gas station
. Find restaurants
. Remember where you parked your car
. Get roadside assistance through the smart hotline
. Google 411 to connect to any business

The smart cradle for iPhone: functional and stylish.

The smart cradle charges your iPhone and mutes the radio during phone calls and voice nav instructions. Its built-in microphone makes hands-free calling possible through your smart fortwo’s sound system.

Here’s how to get your smart drive kit for the iPhone.
The smart drive kit-the smart cradle, control unit and microphone for the iPhone-can be purchased from and fitted by your smart dealer. The smart drive app can be downloaded from the App Store, with the annual upgrade needed for navigation to be purchased via in-app purchase.

For more information, contact your nearest smart center.
Visit smartusa.com/dealerlocator

You can follow and network with smart USA via twitter, facebook, flickr, and youtube

Woo!

smart USA Launches the “smart USA Advance Program”

Posted on July 21, 2009 by starlord

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI, July 13, 2009

smart USA announced today the launch of the “smart USA Advance Program”. Under the terms of this program, smart USA will advance to dealers the applicable credit under the government-funded Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) when an eligible vehicle is traded-in with the purchase of a smart fortwo.

“Based on the incredible consumer interest to our industry-leading, $99 per month special financing offer, we felt the next logical step was to allow consumers to begin taking advantage of the CARS program immediately,” said Dave Schembri, President, smart USA.

Previously, smart USA announced to consumers a $99 per month financing option, just after the government-funded CARS program was passed into law. The $99 per month offer is not a lease; rather it is an affordable way for consumers to purchase a smart fortwo. Under the offer, eligible customers will pay $99 per month for 35 months with a lump sum due at the end of this period. Consumers will own their smart fortwo, benefit from its low cost of ownership, and have the option of using the residual value of the vehicle toward the final lump sum payment.

Eligible smart fortwo buyers with a trade-in meeting the applicable CARS program requirements are expected to receive the $4,500 maximum credit allowed under the CARS program as the smart fortwo has a combined fuel economy rating of 36 mpg.

smart USA has set aside a limited number of vehicles for immediate delivery in conjunction with this program. Interested consumers can learn more about the smart USA $99 per month* offer and can locate their local smart center by visiting www.smartusa.com , or by calling the smart1 customer care center at 1-800-smartusa.

Update your smart!

Posted on February 27, 2009 by starlord

Coming soon will be a service announcement to bring all 2008 model smarts up to the 2009 ECU spec … there are bug fixes and enhancements, the most notable improvement will be with the paddle shifters. Starting with the 2009 model you don’t need to flop the gear shift knob over to the left to stick it into manual mode, you simply flick the downshift paddle and boom you are in manual shifting mode. If you want to go back to full auto, you just hold one of the paddles for a few seconds and it will automagickally go back into the D drive position. Neat huh? Expect to see some recall/update information coming your way from smart USA soon. I’ll take mine in and let folks know how it goes… Can’t wait though, that’s a great feature to add to the car… Keeps your hands on the wheel as well

smart USA attends National, regional, and local auto shows!

Posted on November 26, 2008 by starlord

The 2009 smart fortwo will be touring the country beginning this fall at a series of auto shows around the United States.

The first of the national shows is the Los Angeles Auto Show at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The public show runs from November 21-30, including Thanksgiving weekend. At the show, smart USA is displaying the new 2009 models, including the new rally red and gray metallic bodypanels. And even more exciting news: smart unveiled the 2009 smart fortwo BRABUS model, which will go on sale in early 2009. For more details about the LA Auto Show, visit http://www.laautoshow.com.

The smart fortwo will also be on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in January, as well as the Chicago Auto Show in February and the New York International Auto Show in April. To find out if the smart fortwo will be on display at a local or regional auto show in your area, please contact your local smart center.

[Editor's note: smart is a featured brand at the San Francisco International Auto Show, receiving top placement in a high-traffic area of the show]

smart USA response to top EPA rating

Posted on November 26, 2008 by starlord

We all know that the smart fortwo is not just all about fun, but also about being green: environmentally friendly production, low emissions and high gas mileage. It makes a difference when an organization like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks the 2009 smart fortwo as the most fuel efficient, non-hybrid vehicle in the United States in its 2009 Fuel Economy Guide. In fact, the guide places the smart fortwo as fifth overall in the ranking for fuel efficiency.

[Editor's note: No, it's #3 overall, this is a typo that has followed every writeup from smart USA.]

The 2009 smart fortwo achieves an average of 41 miles per gallon on the highway according to 2009 EPA regulations. This is because the smart fortwo is powered by a state-of-the-art, compact, and very efficient three-cylinder gasoline engine. The vehicle already exceeds the goal set by Congress for the vehicle fleet and is classified as an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). It is also certified by EPA as a “Smartway” vehicle, which indicates good environmental performance, placing it among the “greenest” vehicles on the market.

The ecology of the smart fortwo extends into its component materials and the manufacturing processes used to produce it. The “smartville” factory in France, where the vehicle is produced, is one of the most modern and environmentally friendly plants in the world. And the smart fortwo embodies this down to the smallest part. Not only does the vehicle use recycled materials for the bodypanels, dashboard and wheelhouses, but also up to ninety-five percent of the smart fortwo is recyclable at the end of its lifecycle.

Being green has never been easier for a smart fortwo owner!

SOCSF™

the Smart Owners Club of San Francisco – aka the smart owners group of northern california :P

Category Archives: smart USA update