Vehicles Go USA – UnitedAuto Group Selected as Future Exclusive Distributor
Detroit, Michigan, USA / Böblingen, Germany, June 28, 2006 - Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management DaimlerChrysler AG (NYSE: DCX) and head of Mercedes Car Group today announced that the unique and urban-friendly smart brand will enter the U.S. market. Beginning in 2008, the successor to the smart fortwo will be available in U.S. markets in three models. The U.S.A., as the world's largest automotive market, will be the 37th market for smart.
The Parties have agreed on the framework for the exclusive distribution of smart vehicles by international automotive retailer UnitedAuto Group, Inc. (NYSE:UAG). UnitedAuto will be responsible for awarding potential dealers and developing and maintaining a smart vehicle dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman of the Board of Management and head of Mercedes Car Group Dieter Zetsche said, "Following the success of the smart fortwo in our first North American market, Canada, and the increasing demand for affordable and fuel efficient small cars in the U.S.A., we are now bringing this new kind of mobility to U.S. cities. The time has never been better for this – and I am convinced that the smart fortwo as an innovative, ecological and agile city car will soon become just as familiar a sight on the streets of New York, Miami or Seattle, as it is today in Rome, Berlin or Paris."
Like its predecessor, the smart fortwo successor will have all the important features that make customers feel safer and more comfortable. As part of the Mercedes Car Group, the smart vehicle will be equipped with unique technology, including the “hard shell” tridion safety cell, ESP and various airbag systems.
UnitedAuto Chairman Roger Penske remarked, "We are thrilled with the opportunity to represent the smart brand in the United States and Puerto Rico. Through our international diversification, we’ve seen the benefits the smart brand provides in Europe. We believe the U.S. market will embrace the smart vehicle with its exceptional fuel economy, environmentally friendly features, and advantageous price point. We look forward to a successful launch of this vehicle over the next several years."
About smart
Since October 1998 the smart fortwo has attracted more than 750,000 customers in 36 countries. As a brand of DaimlerChrysler, smart benefits from the parent corporation's technical expertise and extensive experience in the automotive business. The successor to the smart fortwo will be launched in Europe next year and will be available in the USA for the first time the following year.
The two-seater egg-shaped cars get 46.3 miles per gallon in the city to 70.6 mpg on the highway, according to some estimates, although Singhartinger points out that if the brand is brought to the United States, it will be the next generation of the vehicle which is due to be rolled out in Europe in early 2007.
With U.S. gasoline prices near $3 a gallon, and lagging sales of the large SUV's and pickups that DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler unit depends upon, it would appear to be the right time to bring Smart cars to the U.S. market.
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