The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

smart USA Announces Pricing of smart fortwo Models


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

SEE ALSO: 14 Coupes Under $15,000
SEE ALSO: 36 Sedans Under $15,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich.--smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., , today announced the pricing of the all-new smart fortwo models that will be sold in the United States beginning in the first quarter of 2008.

The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels. The entry-level pure coupe will start at $11,590(a), manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP), with standard convenience features such as a 5-speed transmission that allows drivers to switch between automatic and manual driving modes with the push of a button, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. The well-equipped passion coupe, starting at $13,590(a) MSRP, includes a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with gear shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard. Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabrio, starting at $16,590(a) MSRP, featuring a fully automatic soft top that can be easily adjusted with a push of a button, and in addition to the standard equipment of the passion coupe, a premium sound system with an in-dash mp3 compatible 6-CD changer. The value-priced cabriolet model is believed to debut as the lowest priced convertible offered in the United States. All models are equipped with a 1-liter, 3-cylinder, 71-horsepower engine.

The smart fortwo offers a fantastic combination of fun to drive aspects, innovation, functionality and all for a great value, said Dave Schembri, president of smart USA. In addition, all smart fortwo models will come standard with four air bags and many other safety features found in many luxury vehicles.

An optional comfort package for the passion coupe and passion cabrio, at $850(a) MSRP, includes leather heated seats, electric power steering, rain/light sensors, and auto-off headlamps with exit delay.

Information about many other vehicle accessories and option pricing can be found on the smart USA website.

ABOUT smart and smart USA

The smart fortwo is manufactured by the Mercedes Car Group. This technologically advanced vehicle has been designed to achieve 40-plus mpg under normal driving conditions. The vehicle is 8.8 feet long, 5.1 feet tall and 5.1 feet wide and comes equipped with many standard functional and safety features such as electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and four air bags. The smart dealer network will be announced in the fall 2007. smart is currently sold in 36 countries, and over 800,000 smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

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.

ABOUT PENSKE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., operates 311 retail automotive franchises, representing 41 different brands, and 27 collision repair centers. Penske Automotive Group, 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 164 franchises in 19 states and Puerto Rico and 147 franchises located outside the United States, primarily in the United Kingdom. Penske Automotive Group is a member of the Fortune 500 and Russell 1000 and has approximately 16,000 employees.