Smart And UnitedAuto Group Agree To General Distributor Agreement

Auto Execs Get smart

Posted by www.eMercedesBenz.com on November 2nd, 2006

In U.S. smart-related news, Ulrich Walker, president of smart, and Roger Penske, chairman of UnitedAuto Group (UAG), agreed on terms and conditions for bringing the smart fortwo to the United States, both signing a General Distributor Agreement (GDA) yesterday. The GDA, which outlines the allocation of functions, market launch, sales activities, after sales, service and communications of the mini-car comes just four months after it was announced the smart would be coming to the states.

"This is absolutely the right car in the right place at the right time. It embodies the unique combination of a lifestyle and design oriented vehicle that is ecologically appealing,” says Ulrich Walker, president of smart. “smart is uniquely designed, offers the lowest cost of ownership and is very fun to drive.”

Although there's still no word what dealerships will be carrying the smart brand, official confirmation is expected to be given in the second half of 2007. Actual smart vehicles are expected to be available starting in the first quarter of 2008.

To learn more about the smart and its impending U.S. launch, visit www.eMercedesBenz.com for the full press release.