Smart car likely Omaha-bound

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 9:34 pm

Although Smart USA hasn't made an official announcement, the Smart car signs are expected to go up today at Omaha's Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership near 126th and Harrison Streets.

The highly anticipated Smart car is promised soon at Omaha's Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge
Tal Anderson, chairman of the Performance Auto Group, said his company is among the "first wave" of about 41 dealers in the United States to sell the pint-size Daimler-made cars. Ultimately, there will be 75 U.S. dealers.

Anderson said his dealership will be operating by Jan. 15, at the latest, and that his daughter, Angie Quinn, will be in charge. Tyrone Williams, general manager of Performance Chrysler, also will be general manager of the Smart car operation, Quinn said.
Anderson said all three models of the line's fortwo vehicle will be available to examine and to test drive.

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1 ... d=10222521

SRT84WD · Post by **SRT84WD** » Thu Jan 03, 2008 12:03 pm

I was in Paris last week and these things were everywhere. Â They're especially handy in downtown areas. Â Would be great to see them put the stand alone dealership closer to downtown than their current stores, but probably not likely.

Asten · Post by **Asten** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:24 pm

I'm not looking forward to the first SmartCar versus retardedly oversized penile-compensation SUV accident. Â Â It'll be like that Mythbusters epsiode where they pancaked a car between two semis.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 7:36 pm

[youtube][/youtube]

Basically, don't run it into a concrete wall at 70 MPH.

Frankly, I don't think you're any less F'ed in one of these with an Excursion or H2 rolling over you than you would be in another Excursion or H2. Â For my money I'll play the odds and save the planet.

-Big E

Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 7:42 pm

So just where do you put your golf clubs?

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:18 pm

[youtube][/youtube]

-Big E[/url]

Post by **Brad** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:15 am

You put the clubs in the passenger seat so all 4 of you have to drive separate cars to the course....

Just kidding, I would get one if its in my price range. Â

BTW.. Great video Big E, its been a while since I have seen that.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 9:01 am

They're not that expensive Brad. Considering I bought my used 2004 Hyundai for $11500 a year and a half ago.

The entry-level pure coupe has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $11,590. The passion coupe starts at $13,500. The passion cabriolet, a convertible, starts at $16,590.

Prices don't include a destination charge, estimated at $645, and other fees.

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:52 pm

PRESS RELEASE:

smart USA Announces U.S. Dealer Network

smart fortwo to debut at dealerships beginning this month

Bloomfield Hills, MI (January 14, 2008) – smart USA Distributor LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, Inc., (NYSE: PAG), is pleased to announce its dealership network of 74 smart dealerships across the United States. In the U.S., 68 dealers located in 31 states have been certified by smart USA as ready for business and are expected to begin retailing vehicles in January, subject to licensing and other required approvals. The remaining six dealerships are expected to commence retailing vehicles throughout 2008 upon completion of their facilities and obtaining licensing approval.

"We carefully selected dealers across the country who can best represent the smart brand," said Dave Schembri, president of smart USA. "Each dealer participated in our detailed qualification process, including an assessment of reputation for exceptional customer care. We are very pleased with our dealership network and we welcome our dealers to the smart family."

smart USA dealerships will be branded as "smart center" with the city name (for example – the dealership in Beverly Hills, California will be called - smart center Beverly Hills). The exterior will feature a distinctive black façade with a dramatic entrance featuring the smart logo overhead. Each showroom will showcase multiple vehicles and will sport the brand's signature black, yellow and white logo colors. The ceiling, walls and floor will be brilliant white so the cars are the center of attention on the showroom floor. Other dealership features include open sales consultation stations, a tridion safety cell and a smart boutique where customers may purchase the latest in smart merchandise.

Dealers will sell three trim levels of the smart fortwo. The pure coupe will retail starting at $11,590*, the passion coupe will retail starting at $13,590* and the well-equipped passion cabriolet will retail starting at $16,590*. Complete information about pricing, standard equipment and options can be found at http://www.smartusa.com.

Anticipated opening dates for authorized smart USA dealerships are indicated below and are subject to change. An updated list of authorized dealerships can be found on the company's website at http://www.smartusa.com. Please contact each individual dealership for additional information, including exact opening dates.

* Expected prices exclude tax, license, registration, destination charge and options.

Official smart USA Dealers

smart center Chandler – Approx. opening date mid-January
7450 West Orchid Lane
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 421-4341

smart center Beverly Hills – Approx. opening date mid-January
9250 Beverly Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 248-4219

smart center Santa Barbara – Approx. opening date mid-January
401 S. Hope Ave
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 563-4206

smart center Laguna Niguel – Approx. opening date mid-January
One Star Drive
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 347-7627

smart center West Covina – Approx. opening date mid-January
2010 East Garvey Avenue South
West Covina, CA 91791
(626) 430-3710

smart center Riverside – Approx. opening date mid-January
8505 Indiana Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
(951) 688-3332

smart center Universal City – Approx. opening date mid-January
4227 Lankershim Boulevard
North Hollywood, CA 91603
(818) 762-7875

smart center Sacramento – Approx. opening date mid-January
2625 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 643-7300

smart center San Francisco – Approx. opening date mid-January
500 8th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 553-4268

smart center San Jose – Approx. opening date mid-January
3940 Stevens Creek Boulevard
San Jose, CA 95129
(408) 247-9034

smart center San Diego – Approx. opening date mid-January
4750 Kearny Mesa Road
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 569-6900

smart center Denver – Approx. opening date in February
2855 S. Broadway
Englewood, CO 80113
(503) 372-7539

smart center Hartford – Approx. opening date mid-January
650 Connecticut Blvd.
East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 290-6134

smart center Fairfield – Approx. opening date mid-January
80 Commerce Drive
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 368-6725

smart center Jacksonville – Approx. opening date mid-January
7018 Blanding Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32244
(904) 726-3359

smart center Sarasota – Approx. opening date mid-January
4821 Clark Road
Sarasota, FL 34233
(941) 924-3019

smart center Weston – Approx. opening date mid-January
3500 Weston Road
Davie, FL 33331
(954) 377-7400

smart center Palm Beach – Approx. opening date mid-January
3974 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
(561) 248-1186

smart center Coral Gables – Approx. opening date in February
272 Valencia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 445-8593 x477

smart center Tampa Bay – Approx. opening date in February
3800 W Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 870-0010

smart center Clearwater – Approx. opening date in February
19820 US 19 North
Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 432-1122

smart center Orlando – Approx. opening date mid-January
8675 Commodity Circle
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 992-3250

smart center Buckhead – Approx. opening date February
2799 Piedmont Road
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 846-3500

smart center Lake Bluff – Approx. opening date mid-January
775 Rockland Road
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
(847) 283-8256

smart center Lincolnwood – Approx. opening date mid-January
4255 West Touhy Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
(847) 933-7823

smart center Indianapolis – Approx. opening date mid-January
4000 East 96th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 580-6801

smart center Merriam – Approx. opening date mid-January
9400 West 65th Street
Merriam, KS 66203
(913) 677-3300

smart center Louisville – Approx. opening date mid-January
2400 Blankenbaker Parkway
Louisville, KY 40299
(502) 499-5006

smart center Germantown – Approx. opening date mid-January
19750 Germantown Road
Germantown, MD 20874
(301) 601-5573

smart center Annapolis – Approx. opening date mid-January
324 Sixth Street
Annapolis, MD 21403
(443) 875-0444

smart center Boston – Approx. opening date mid-January
259 McGrath Highway
Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 666-4100

smart center Lynnfield – Approx. opening date mid-January
385 Broadway
Lynnfield, MA 01940
(617) 666-4100

smart center Bloomfield – Approx. opening date mid-January
1765 S. Telegraph
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 648-2453

smart center Bloomington – Approx. opening date mid-January
Bloomington, MN 55431
(952) 837-6363

smart center Creve Coeur – Approx. opening date mid-January
11830 Olive St. Rd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 919-8002

smart center La Vista – Approx. opening date mid-January
7010 S. 124th Circle
LaVista, NE 68128
(402) 339-3131

smart center Englewood – Approx. opening date mid-January
24 Grand Avenue
Englewood, NJ 07631
(201) 567-1400

smart center Edison – Approx. opening date mid-January
910 U.S. Route One
Edison, NJ 08817
(732) 549-6600

smart center Cherry Hill – Approx. opening date mid-January
2151 Rte 70 West
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
(856) 663-3200

smart center Albuquerque – Approx. opening date mid-January
1220 Renaissance NE
Albuquerque, NM 87107
(505) 999-2500

smart center Latham – Approx. opening date mid-January
1111 Troy-Schenectady Road
Latham, NY 12110
(518) 724-1015 x124

smart center Buffalo – Approx. opening date mid-January
8185 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 633-0088

smart center Manhattan – Approx. opening date mid-January
536 W. 41 Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 629-1610

smart center Roslyn – Approx. opening date mid-January
1600 Northern Blvd.
Roslyn, NY 11576
(516) 625-1600

smart center White Plains – Approx. opening date mid-January
460 Tarrytown Road
White Plains, NY 10607
(917) 817-7944

smart center Smithtown – Approx. opening date mid-January
463 Middle Country Rd.
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 265-2204

smart center South Charlotte – Approx. opening date mid-January
950 N. Polk Street
Pineville, NC 28134
(704) 889-4455

smart center Cary – Approx. opening date mid-January
2400 Auto Park Blvd.
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 876-5432

smart center Winston-Salem - Approx. opening date mid-January
691 Jonestown Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 760-4580

smart center Bedford – Approx. opening date mid-January
99 Broadway
Bedford, OH 44146
(440) 359-1560

smart center Easton – Approx. opening date February
4300 Morse Crossing
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 291-2007

smart center Tulsa – Approx. opening date mid-January
9393 S. Memorial
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 249-9393

smart center Portland – Approx. opening date mid-January
9215 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 372-7539

smart center Devon – Approx. opening date mid-January
215 West Lancaster Avenue
Devon, PA 19333
(610) 848-7627

smart center Pittsburgh – Approx. opening date mid-January
4709 Baum Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 683-5000

smart center Warwick – Approx. opening date mid-January
1557 Bald Hill Road – 2nd Floor
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 824-2252

smart center Knoxville – Approx. opening date mid-January
10131 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37922
(865) 777-2222

smart center Dallas – Approx. opening date mid-January
6113 Lemmon Avenue
Dallas, TX 75209
(214) 443-8211

smart center San Antonio – Approx. opening date mid-January
10739 I-H 10 West
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 558-1500

smart center Sugar Land – Approx. opening date mid-January
15625 SW Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(281) 207-1550

smart center Houston North – Approx. opening date mid-January
17510 I-45 North
Houston, TX 77090
(972) 628-4652

smart center Round Rock – Approx. opening date mid-January
2132 North Mays – Suite 930
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 493-9122

smart center Lindon – Approx. opening date in February
530 S. Lindon Park Drive
Lindon, UT 84042
(801) 222-4400

smart center Tysons Corner – Approx. opening date mid-January
8601 Westwood Center Dr.
Vienna, VA 22182
(703) 564-6400

smart center Alexandria – Approx. opening date mid-January
1605 Fern Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
(703) 647-1276

smart center Virginia Beach – Approx. opening date in February
5193 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 490-1111 x2080

smart center Seattle – Approx. opening date mid-January
311 Baker Boulevard
Seattle, WA 98188
(206) 243-1455

smart center Milwaukee – Approx. opening date mid-January
11340 West Metro Blvd.
Neenah, WI 53224
(920) 725-4444

Expected smart center Locations

Birmingham, Alabama - Second Quarter 2008

Torrance, California - Second Quarter 2008

San Rafael, California - Fourth Quarter 2008

Jackson, Mississippi - Second Quarter 2008

Las Vegas, Nevada - Second Quarter 2008

Charleston, South Carolina - Third Quarter 2008

omahastylee459 · Post by **omahastylee459** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:51 pm

i saw a smart car in the 114th and dodge area a couple nights ago, i wonder how sales are going in the metro area.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:55 pm

omahastylee459 wrote:i saw a smart car in the 114th and dodge area a couple nights ago, i wonder how sales are going in the metro area.

I don't know about sales, but it was one of the "big hits" at the autoshow this weekend. Â People were lining up to sit in it, and there were as many people taking pictures of it as some of the exotic sports cars on show...

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 2:09 pm

All the cars coming into Omaha are pre-sold as there is a waiting list.

http://www.smartcenterlavista.com/reservations.php

I sat in the one at the car show and even at 6'4 I felt there was plenty of room for me. Also talking with the salesperson there are a couple already in town but he said people had brought them in from other countries

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:49 pm

Check this out:

http://www.chevrolet.com/fuelcell/

and this:

http://www.chevrolet.com/electriccar/

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:23 pm

OK so Omaha has had a Smart Car dealership for a while now and you see one around ever once in a while. Â They still make people look and probably will for some time but today I actually pulled over. Â

I was on my way to Lincoln to watch the Husker basketball game and took HWY 6 out to the interstate. Â Was headed out about 11:30 AM. Â As I got to the intersection where Hwy 6 and 31 split and 6 goes off towards Ashland I noted at the stoplights there were 4 or 5 Smart cars sitting at the light to turn. Â I mentioned it to my daughter and she said WOW what is going on. Â I hit the light and had to stop and ended up pulling over and noticed that it was more than 4 - 5 and they were still coming down Hwy 6. Â By the time they were done turning towards Gretna and I assume on into Omaha we counted 25 Smart cars one behind the other. Â It was really a neat site. Â With all their different color combinations it was cool. Â Even impressed my Freshman yr. daughter. Â Must have been a rally in the area.

Bosco55David · Post by **Bosco55David** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:06 am

I think I'll help my Mustang GT Â :mrgreen:

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:41 am

A car that size should be more than 41 mpg.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:37 am

Stargazer wrote:A car that size should be more than 41 mpg.

Agreed. Â They either need to get 75 MPG, cost less than $7000, or have enough passenger space for the two girls you would pick up every time you drove it around town.

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 12:20 pm

It looks to have about the same turning radius...

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 10:12 pm

I am on their mailing list

We have 73 dealerships operational in 35 states that have delivered over 21,000 smart fortwos to new customers. Â The 2008 smart fortwo coupe received the highest ratings for front and side crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Â The EPA named the smart fortwo as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle in the United States today. Â We have been featured in almost every major national publication and television news show. And smart USA debuted our brand new model, the smart fortwo BRABUS, at the LA Auto Show on Thursday, November 20.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 5:02 pm

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone! While I was in Omaha this weekend along Dodge St, I saw three Smart Cars. One outside the Starbucks in Pepperwood Village at 156th and Dodge, one on the go on Dodge St, then I saw that Cox Communications at 116th and Dodge also has a company car in their lot. I am seven feet tall and I can't even imagine fitting into one of those things!

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 4:56 pm

You say you saw some Smart Cars while visiting Omaha? Â Reminds me of the time I saw a Bugatti Veyron on Rodeo Drive while visiting L.A. Â :shock:

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 8:47 am

I saw an Aston Martin parked in the OM last week.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:05 am

my neighbor has an '88 olds parked in his driveway. Â It's paid off, and he hardly ever drives it. Â Net mileage for him on a tank of gas is pretty good, seeing as how he probably filled it up the last time gas was near $1

Â That's a smart car, to me ;)

Bosco55David · Post by **Bosco55David** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:47 am

I prefer one of these bad boys.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:55 am

my car of choice is...

many say a corvette is a corvette...but not this time

(the zr1 is bad |expletive|)

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Fri May 14, 2010 12:51 pm

Iowa suing Smart Car for deceptive advertising practices:

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/93788919.html

Seth · Post by **Seth** » Fri May 14, 2010 1:10 pm

Sounds like the typical car and furniture store gimmicks and scams.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri May 14, 2010 4:17 pm

This has nothing to do with the Smart brand who makes the tiny little cars. Â Smart Automotive, who is getting sued, is something entirely different.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Fri May 14, 2010 5:29 pm

almighty_tuna wrote:This has nothing to do with the Smart brand who makes the tiny little cars. Smart Automotive, who is getting sued, is something entirely different.

That's exactly what I was about to say.