30K Americans Ordered... This?

Daimler's new fuel-savvy car in high demand before 2008 release
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 4, 2007 6:30 PM CST
30K Americans Ordered... This?
Two of Daimler AG's Fortwo new smart cars, right, are shown parked in the spaced used for a regular sized vehicle in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where the cars where unveiled to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter of 2008, will...   (Associated Press)

American orders for a new fuel-smart car are already swamping its German manufacturer, the AFP reports. Some 30,000 Americans have already put down $99 on Daimler's Smart Fortwo in anticipation of its January arrival—but some analysts say the tiny two-seater will end up parked in a country that favors massive, hard-drinking SUVs.

Company chair Dieter Zetsche differs, saying US buyers are more climate conscious than ever; he hopes Daimler, like Apple, will appeal as a maker of "innovative solutions." Also like Apple, Daimler doesn't make solutions on the cheap: With optional features and tax, the car could cost up to $20,000. Seventy dealerships in major US cities will be selling them come new year's. (More Smart Car stories.)

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