The once-popular Smart ForTwo microcar seems to have lost a lot of its initial luster. Once upon a time, Daimler could barely keep enough of these teeny-tiny, sporty cars in stock. To obtain a Smart car, you needed to go on a lengthy waiting list and all put beg and grovel for the first car that became available. Not anymore. According to a German publication, worldwide sales of the vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz’s parent company are tanking.
Daimler moved around one hundred fourteen Smart ForTwo cars last year, and reportedly will be lucky to sell even one hundred thousand this year, said the reports. American auto sales are terrible in general, with current numbers running at around one-third of what they were in the halcyon days of 2008, but the Smart cars’ falling popularity seems unprecedented even by current trends.
Smart is hoping that a revitalization of its line will be the shot in the arm needed to spark new popularity for its cars. Many critics have slammed the brand for becoming dated and not updating itself in recent years. In answer to that complaint, Smart has unveiled the Smart Expressions customization program for its autos. Allowing customers to choose from a wide range of customizations to the paint and graphics on their cars will hopefully give the brand a lift. Another complaint about Smart cars is that they only one in two-seater models. There is only so much of a market for cars that only fit two people, and Daimler has resisted the pressure to add a four-seater model.
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