Brand That Created the "Microcar" Segment Creates the "Affordable Electric Car" Segment

MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- smart USA announced today that it will bring in its third generation electric fortwo next spring at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,000, making it the most affordable production electric vehicle in the U.S.  A companion cabriolet model will retail at $28,000 when both models hit the U.S. market in the spring of 2013. Customers may also be eligible for federal tax credits (which run up to $7,500) or state/local tax credits, further reducing the cost.  Prior models were available for lease only.

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"A signature characteristic of the smart brand is its commitment not only to being green but to making people think differently about it," said Tracey Matura, general manager of smart.  "Green can be fun.  Green can be affordable.  And a lot of us don't really need a four-seater, or at least not for every trip.  smart is about rightsizing for your transportation needs and also for your wallet."

Based on the iconic smart fortwo, which just recorded its all-time highest sales volume month under Mercedes-Benz USA with sales up 95% year-to-date, the electric drive will have the smallest footprint of any car on U.S. roads and its cabriolet sibling will be the only convertible electric vehicle on the market.  Further setting the fortwo apart from other vehicles on the market is its unique patented tridion safety cell (which functions like a race car's roll cage), its infinitely customizable exterior (over 6,000 possible combinations) and its green credentials which start at one of the most eco-friendly automotive production facilities in the world.

Customers can now pre-register for a smart electric drive on the official smart USA website: http://www.smartusa.com/models/electric-drive/EV-pre-register.aspx.

About smart

smart, a Daimler AG brand, has its U.S. headquarters as part of Mercedes-Benz USA in Montvale, New Jersey. The smart model-line consists of five fortwo models:  the pure coupe, passion coupe, passion cabriolet and all electric drive versions of the coupe and cabriolet. The all-new third generation electric drive arrives in 2013. All smart models sold in the U.S. are covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty.

Classified as ultra-low emissions vehicles by the State of California Air Resources Board, smart models are just under nine feet long, 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide.  Despite their microcar exterior dimensions, smart vehicles are surprisingly roomy inside and have a full array of technological and safety features including the patented tridion safety cell which is designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.  All smart vehicles, designed to be 85% recyclable and over 95% reclaimable, are produced in the environmentally oriented "smartville" factory in Hambach, France.  Additional information on smart can be found at www.smartusa.com.

SOURCE smart USA