| Smart is a subsidiary of Daimler AG that creates the | | | | remains though if the US market is ready for the |
| “smart” model, a two or four seat vehicle | | | | Smart car. |
| that is aimed especially for urban use. The first Smart | | | | Its supporters say it is the best city car in the world, |
| vehicles were produced by the Swatch Swiss watch | | | | as it is only 106.1 in long and it can be parked almost |
| manufacturer. | | | | anywhere in the city center. Its small engine is |
| They wanted a very small car that could be easy to | | | | powerful enough for urban needs, however it lacks |
| drive and park in the crowded European cities. They | | | | the power for long highway cruises. The smart car |
| also wanted the car to be cheap enough for young | | | | has a titanium structure, making it the safest mini car |
| people to afford it. From 2006 onward, all the Smart | | | | on the market. |
| models are being created and sold by the | | | | However, there are people that say the Smart has |
| Mercedes-Benz automobile group, while intended as a | | | | poor value as it has several disadvantages. First, it |
| cheap and affordable mini, the Smart was too | | | | can only carry two people (the driver and a single |
| expensive for young people and it became | | | | passenger), while some of its competitors car carry |
| somewhat as a fashion statement. There are several | | | | five people in full comfort. In the same time its |
| Smart models sold: the Fortwo, the Forfour and until | | | | relatively short wheelbase (73.5 in) means that the |
| 2005 there was a cabriolet model. | | | | smart car is very uncomfortable, especially on poor |
| In many parts of Europe the Smart, especially the | | | | roads. The first models were also speed limited, as |
| Fortwo model (as its name implies, it can carry only | | | | they could become unstable as high speeds. |
| two passengers) was a success, while the Fortwo | | | | However, the 2008 model is safer, more comfortable |
| model was taken out of production recently. | | | | and fun to drive. |
| However, many people are asking if the Smart car | | | | Its critics say that despite its 1L engine, the smart |
| could become a success in America, the home | | | | car does not boost a significant fuel economy and |
| country of full size SUVs and powerful V-8 engines. | | | | the Toyota Prius offers significantly lower fuel |
| Until recently, the Smart models could not be | | | | consumption, especially around town. |
| imported legally in the US as they did not meet the | | | | However, the Toyota Prius is a hybrid model and |
| American emissions regulations. All of the models that | | | | among the non-hybrids, the smart car has been |
| could be found on the market were modified so they | | | | declared the most fuel efficient car in the U.S. in the |
| could pass the emissions tests. | | | | Federal Government's 2008 Fuel Economy Guide. The |
| However, the Mercedes-Benz automobile group has | | | | smart car can be a very fun car to drive, especially if |
| developed new engines for their 2008 model, so it | | | | you do not consider being in such a small car a major |
| could be sold throughout the world. The question | | | | inconvenience. |