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Smart Money Is On The Success Of Microcars In The U.S.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 18, 2008

Hundreds of Fortwos arrive at dealers this week. Hundreds of - WHATtwos? You have to be Smart to know the answer.

Smart is a division of Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz brand, and its microcars have been sold for nearly a decade in Europe. The French-made vehicles are being sold through U.S. dealers that are part of Penske Automotive Group Inc.

The Smart's base price is more than $12,000, with destination charges included.

Smart has been contacting the 30,000 people from all 50 states who plunked down $99 to reserve the tall, round yet tiny two-seater during the past year. The first car was delivered to a New York buyer Wednesday.

Business, Page 6

•There are 68 dealerships in 31 states expected to open this month, the first one outside Detroit, to sell the 8-foot, 8-inch Smart Fortwo microcar.

•The 1,800-pound car gets 33 miles a gallon in the city and 41 miles a gallon on the highway.

•Roger Penske, a racing icon and chairman of Penske Corp., is chairman of Smart USA.

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