Photos: Will America drive small and Smart?

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  • Smart cars

    Smart cars

    About the only way to see a Smart ForTwo car in the United States--for now--is to go to the movies to watch "The Da Vinci Code" or "The Pink Panther." But in 2008 DaimlerChrysler and Mercedes Car Group hope to change that with plans to sell three models of the successor to its Smart ForTwo (seen here in red) to American customers.

    Currently Smart ForTwo cars are sold in 36 countries including Canada. UnitedAuto will be in charge of assembling a Smart dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Smart ForTwo cars currently sell in Europe for around 8,000 euros, or $10,300.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • traffic

    traffic

    The most obvious advantage of the Smart car is its manueverability on city streets. As you can see, two eight-foot Smart ForTwo cars take up almost the same space as one taxi. Gas mileage is estimated 46.3 miles per gallon in cities and 70.6 on the highway, according to DaimlerChrysler. And imagine the parking possibilities.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • Passion coupe

    Passion coupe

    One of the current models is the Smart ForTwo Passion Coupe. DaimlerChrysler describes Smart car owners this way: "Smart people are open minded, question the existing and live consciously."

    The three new models to be sold in the United States are expected to be announced near the end of 2007.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • door change

    door change

    Tired of your Smart car's looks? Just change the body parts.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • body change

    body change

    With a new hood, it looks like a new Smart car.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • body

    body

    The automaker touts the tough frame of the ForTwo as a critical safety feature. Given that it's not much bigger than the hubcap of a large SUV, it would have to be.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • "Pink Panther" game

    "Pink Panther" game

    In the publicity run-up for the movie "The Pink Panther," teams of Inspector Clouseau wannabes qualified online for a chance to win a Smart ForTwo. The game featured an online search for missing diamonds where clues were linked to the final event in Paris.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

  • interior

    interior

    Here's a look at the simple interior of a Smart ForTwo.

    Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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DaimlerChrysler plans to sell the successor to its itsy-bitsy Smart ForTwo car in the United States in 2008.

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Smart cars

About the only way to see a Smart ForTwo car in the United States--for now--is to go to the movies to watch "The Da Vinci Code" or "The Pink Panther." But in 2008 DaimlerChrysler and Mercedes Car Group hope to change that with plans to sell three models of the successor to its Smart ForTwo (seen here in red) to American customers.

Currently Smart ForTwo cars are sold in 36 countries including Canada. UnitedAuto will be in charge of assembling a Smart dealership network throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Smart ForTwo cars currently sell in Europe for around 8,000 euros, or $10,300.

Caption by: Bill Detwiler

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