There’s a six-month waiting list for this two-seat car. And it’s small enough that two of them can fit into a single parking spot.
By Mitch Cochran <mitchcochran@hotmail.com>
Posted: Mar. 15, 2005
The Smart fortwo seats two, and is small enough that two can fit into an average parking spot.
Like Red Bull, iPods and Lance Armstrong bracelets, the Smart fortwo is the latest trend. These cars are like nothing else on Halifax streets.
That's why Gordon Melrose of Halifax ordered one of the cars last September. Melrose saw them in Europe, and was among the first to order one when they came to Halifax.
"It's a fun little vehicle to drive," he says.
Mercedes-Benz began selling Smart-brand cars in 1998 to a Europeans, who are more accustomed to compact automobiles. It was not until September 2004 that it decided the North American market was ready. Since then the demand for the trendy and tiny car has grown.
Stephen Klaus, sales manager with Isnor Motors on Kempt Road, says his dealership has delivered 15 of the two-seat Smarts to Halifax customers. With more than 50 Smarts pre-sold, the wait is at least six months. There are two models; one hard top, and another without.
Gordon Melrose says the Smart fortwo is fun to drive and people often honk and wave
There is an environmental awareness that comes with choosing a small car. Klaus thinks the recent implementation of the international Kyoto Protocol has helped push sales. "I think Kyoto and the cost of fuel are weighing on people's minds."
The Smart fortwo is a tiny car with room for two. As well, two of these cars can fit in a standard parking spot, with each just 2.5 metres long.
"If you can't park this car, you have to turn in your driver's licence," Melrose says, jokingly.
But it seems Mercedes-Benz is betting on size as the feature that will appeal most to potential buyers. The Mercedes-Benz site states the average vehicle commuting to work on a given day has 1.2 occupants, making even this car more spacious than many people really need. Melrose says the car is everything he needs for himself and his wife.
In addition, smaller often means greater fuel efficiency, and Klaus says this is certainly the case for the Smart fortwo.
"Absolutely, the most fuel efficient car in the market. Even more than the hybrids."
Although he says this car has got attention from all age groups, it makes a good student car.
"With the fuel savings in the car, it almost makes a payment." Klaus says one customer spent $7 in gas from Halifax to Sydney. Another calculated his fuel to Truro costing $2.30.
At $16,000 to $20,000, Klaus says they're comparable to the Chevrolet Sunfire and Cavalier, as well as the Toyota Echo, in size and price.
Nathan Fleury, a Halifax student, took a look at the car.
"I'd consider this car because I could park it anywhere, and take it anywhere," says Fleury. It's "very futuristic looking and pretty stylish."
Despite their small size, with compact trunk and bumper space, Klaus says they're not designed to crush like a pop can. He says a race car-like frame protects the driver.
Melrose is convinced they're a safe small car.
"I watched a head on crash (test video) with a Mercedes sedan, and (the Smart fortwo) fared as good if not better."
But Fleury says he likely won't be buying a Smart fourtwo anytime soon. He's not quite convinced a small car can be that safe.
"I'd be worried if I was hit. It looks pretty light." Plus, Fleury knows with the six-month waiting list, it might be awhile before he could have his own.
Melrose says he likes the novelty of having a unique car. He says it's fun to drive and people often honk and wave. But the fingerprints on his windows are piling up.
"The only problem (with the Smart) is the windex problem."
Once the fun of driving is over, Klaus says nearly 90 per cent of the Smart fortwo can be recycled. It's built to be disassembled and reused- to be built into the next trendy commodity.
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