From: http://green.autoblog.com/2010/06/10/smart-fortwo-sales-drop-dramatically-can-electric-version-lift/
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.
____________________
I got my smart car!
|
