I've seen figures between 60 and 70 mpg quoted (higher for Canadian gallons). So, they use roughly half the fuel that a 5-speed Cooper uses. Not sure about the emissions, but MINIs don't exactly shine in that area.

I'd get a Smart roadster or coupe but that's about it. It'd be a good middle ground between our MCS and Honda Insight - although I don't think I could give up either . Daimler probably did a smart move by cutting the program since all they would sell is a large version of Smart's largest vehical. Smart is about small economical cars and the US really isn't. If they do come to the US, I think they need to stick to their guns and bring the whole range over.

James, I think the main issue is MB is not making money with Smart in Europe, never mind trying to make it in the US.

The problem with small cars is there is not much profit in them compared to larger models. The cost of building, shipping, and warranty work is nearly as high as more expensive cars. And customers have a high expectation for quality, even at lower prices. Mini has not figured out how to make money yet either.

When one division drains profits from all the others, it's hard to convince stockholders to hang in there. I'm amazed that Saturn is still in business.

I'll agree with you on that one - Saturn is the biggest pile of crap I have ever seen. Terrible designs, parts quality, materials, performance, PRICES, resale, standard features, the list is endless...it makes you wonder if Saturn buyers did ANY research before hand?? Maybe it's simply the 'no-haggle' policy that draws in the meak and mild.

And according to ZAP's self promotion it announced on March 22 it had $200 million in orders for the Smart and on April 5 it had $431 million for the Smart. Forget about the Smart. Just invest in ZAP. Perhaps we will learn that ZAP was created by Dr Hayak as well.

LOL. Yeah, well, gas prices driving demand? Even if the car sells well here it makes no sense if the company loses money. It could be there simply are no economies of scale to gain in volume sales of the current Smart car design.

I missed this post. Thanks for the information. 60-70 mpg is commendable. Definitely worthy of consideration.

I agree. Yet one way it could make sense is if a company knows it can tap into a government program. I hate to mention it and am not a believer in conspiracies, but I wonder something is going on in the background at ZAP.

Back to another matter, I recall reading that Porsche's business plan was to maximize profit instead of gross revenue. So has it yet become the world's smallest car company by sales?