Smart ForTwo sales drop dramatically, can electric version lift the brand?
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, SMART, Green Daily, Lightweight
2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet – Click above for high-res image gallery
It’s really no secret that sales of the gas-powered Smart Fortwo have dwindled down to almost nothing in the U.S., but when you put some numbers up, the Fortwo’s slump becomes even more apparent. During the small car’s first 18 months on the market, Smart managed to move an average of 1,916 Fortwos per month. Since August 2009, sales have dropped by 66 percent, reaching an average of just 633 per month. The Fortwo recorded its lowest sales month on record in January of this year, selling only 278 units.
Drawing from a thorough analysis of sales figures, the team over at Green Car Advisor believes that the ForTwo’s initial appeal has worn off and Smart’s little wonder is no longer high on the consideration list of buyers. In order to regain sales, the company needs something new that will appeal to the typical Smart buyers, which Green Car Advisor defines as, “people who want to be seen as being different.” That’s where the just-detailed electric-powered Smart ED could become the company’s savior. Not only is the Smart ED a quirky, head-turning car, it’s also battery-powered. So, for those buyers wishing to be different, the Smart ED offers that familiar run-me-over size with battery packs that allows buyers to have that “something different” that they desire. The Smart ED may not be enough to pull the brand back up the sales chart, but when you’re only selling 633 cars a month, every little sale is sure to help out.
[Source: Green Car Advisor] Read more…
Can Ford Get Lincoln Right?
A colleague recently expressed skepticism about Hyundai’s plan to launch its large, luxurious Equus sedan here in the United States. When I suggested the Equus’ opportunity was that it absolutely nailed a market segment from which American marques like Lincoln had walked away, he frowned for a moment, then said: “You think the livery companies will buy the Equus, then?”
That low, rumbling sound you hear is Lincoln founder Henry Leland spinning in his grave.
Leland — who also founded Cadillac — always intended Lincoln to be an American luxury brand. When Lincoln got into financial trouble in 1922, Ford bought the company. Lincoln flirted with top-end, Rolls-Royce-style luxury cars, but in the post-war years settled into a comfortable niche, offering big, comfortable, well-equipped cars that were reassuringly expensive, but not so expensive that a hard working, modestly successful American couldn’t aspire to own one. Today Lincoln means a battered, rattling black Town Car serving as a (marginally) upscale taxi in Manhattan.
Nissan Juke pricing announced (UK)
Nissan has revealed the prices for its controversial Juke crossover, with the entry-level Visia 1.6 petrol costing from £12,795. All Jukes are linked to a 5 speed manual, 6 speed for 1.5 dCi & 1.6 DiG-T, which also receives a 6 speed CVT transmission.
Three engines will be available – along with the 115bhp 1.6, there’s a 109bhp 1.5 diesel and an all-new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine that produces 187bhp and starts at £15,695 for the 2WD model. The range-topping engine is also available in 4WD, mated to a continuously variable transmission gearbox (CVT) which costs £19,995.
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Aston Martin Project VH500 – new supercar model
British supercar manufacturer Aston Martin is working on a new version of the DB9, which will be stronger and lighter than the previous one. The debut model scheduled for 2013. As we originally reported that the company will not release a new version of the DB9 due to crisis and One-77 supercar.
The car under the working title Project VH500 passed program “for weight loss” in order to improve dynamic performance and manageability, as well as reducing fuel consumption. The main objective of the program – weight loss new DB9 to 10%.
It is expected that the 12-cylinder V-shaped unit mounted on the model will be completed, resulting in its capacity to grow, and fuel consumption will be reduced. It is known that the new Aston Martin DB9 borrowed some stylistic features of a One-77 supercar.
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Next Generation Suzuki Swift revealed in Hungary
The next generation Suzuki Swift slated for 2011 has been revealed in Hungary. The new Swift is ligher, longer and more spacious that its older sibling. The new Swift is also has better dynamics, increased performance and reduced CO2 emissions.
The wheelbase has been increased by mm and overall lenght by mm. The increase in wheelbase might create more space for rear passengers. Use of high strength steel has made the car chassis ligher and stiffer. Front brakes and Rear brakes are wider by 10mm and 5mm respectively.
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An EV issue: So few hybrid incentives, so few buyers?
Why buy a hybrid?
Will EVs be any different?
Back in 2005, when Anthony Pratt of JD Power made his hybrid powertrain forecast for 2010, I thought he was nuts.
2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Spider
Sporty can never be sportier with the 2010 Pininfarina Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta Spider that boasts of elegant curves, athletic angles, and mind blowing engine performance. The concept car is the monument to the winning history of Pininfarina and the far-famed victories of Alfa Romeo units.
Aesthetically speaking, the 2uettottanta is a confluence of muscle and delicate [...]
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