Smart Car Interview with President Dave Schembri... You Asked, We Listened, Dave Answers!

TH: Why was there such a slow roll out of the Smart Fortwo in North America in the beginning?

DS: If you are asking why the Smart Fortwo did not go on sale in the United States prior to 2008 the answer is simple – we were waiting for the right time and that time is now. The Smart Fortwo is the right car in the right place at the right time.

TH: Why did Smart abandon the 4-door Smart version for commuters?

DS: The Smart Fortwo is the only Smart being sold new anywhere in the world. The Smart Fortwo defines the brand and a decision was made to focus on this vehicle.

TH: I have always been perplexed as to why Smart only sells the gas versions in the U.S., especially given the mileage is substantially less with the gas version. At the very least I felt they could be offering the choice to consumers. Was this decision based on U.S. safety or emission rules, cost, marketing, or lack of engine making capacity?

DS: It is important to offer consumers a vehicle that offers outstanding performance at a reasonable price. The Smart Fortwo offers the right balance to consumers. We do see future fuel derivatives offered in the future, the most likely option would be the electric drive.

Photo credit: Manfrys
TH: Given the Smart Fortwo's relatively low price point, how do you see the Smart Fortwo fitting into today's current economic situation? Does it represent a 'green' economic survival technique?

DS: Price is only one attractive attribute of the Smart Fortwo. You have to look at the entire package to better understand the success of the Smart Fortwo in the United States. Certainly the low cost of ownership is one reason for the success. The base model starts at under $12,000. You also have to look at the fuel efficiency, urban agility, environmental friendliness, design and practically for ones lifestyle. When you look at the entire package the Smart Fortwo provides solutions to many transportation issues facing Americans today.

TH: Do you imagine there will be a time where a Smart will be in every driveway in suburban America?

DS: That would be a fantastic scenario and as a society we would be far better off if everyone drove a Smart Fortwo.

TH: Even though Smart canceled production of other models outside the U.S., will there be a larger option available for U.S. consumers in the near future?

DS: At this time there are no plans to build a larger smart model.

Photo Credit: Smart USA
TH: What are your thoughts on the many aftermarket body kits for the Smart Fortwo? Is this something that Smart embraces? Would you like to see this turn into a subculture similar to the one that has developed for BMW's Mini?

DS: One thing we have discovered during the launch phase is that our customers are very passionate. The Smart Fortwo lends itself to personalization. Our owners’ cars are as unique as the owners themselves. Beginning in 2009, the Smart Fortwo BRABUS will be available. The BRABUS model offers a sportier appearance and dynamic styling. BRABUS accessories are available at all smart centers across the country.

TH: What is the actual lifetime of a Smart? 100000 miles? 200000 miles? Is there a recycling program in place for a Smart Fortwo that is no longer useful?

DS: The Smart Fortwo, if properly maintained, will offer many years and miles of reliable motoring. While we do not have any historical data in the United States yet, overseas the vehicles perform extremely well. Smart celebrated its ten year anniversary this year. Owners report the vehicles are dependable and have a low cost of ownership associated with them throughout their lifecycle.

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