Cover Competition & Book Giveaway!

Cover Competition & Book Giveaway!

As a thank you to all our subscribers Smartimes Magazine will be running an exclusive cover competition, which will only be open to Smartimes Magazine subscribers.

So here’s the deal, the next issue of Smartimes Magazine is on it’s way and as always we want the magazine to reflect the passion and enthusiasm of smart owners across the world.

The competition is straightforward; we want to place your smart art on the cover of the next issue of Smartimes Magazine.

We are placing no restrictions on what your smart art can be, as along as it can be submitted as a digital image. You may submit Photography, Illustrations, Paintings or anything you can think of just as along as it embodies what the smart way of life means to you.

The Prizes!

So what will you win? We will be selecting 3 winners from your submissions:

1st Place:

• Will be placed on the front cover of the next issue of Smartimes Magazine.
• You will also win 2 of the best selling smart car books, Smart: Small Car, Big Deal and The Little Book of Smart, which are valued over $45!
• You will also be featured within the magazine along with your artwork.

2nd & 3rd Place:

• Will win a copy of The Little Book of Smart.
• You will also be featured within the magazine along with your artwork.

Competition Requirements

• Orientation: Portrait
• Dimensions: 9 x 11.5 (minimum)
• Resolution: 300 Dpi
• All artwork must be submitted as digital files and emailed to: competitions@smartimesmagazine.com

*** Submissions must be made by Friday 11th of September 2009 ***

Please include your full name, address, contact details and the email address that you used when subscribing.

As an added bonus the Smartimes Magazine Team has extended our free issue special until Sept. 15th so if you haven’t already subscribed, now is the time to take advantage of this great deal and enter our competition.

See subscription details below:

Subscription Details:

• Click below to subscribe by September 15th, 2009
• Standard yearly subscriptions include four (4) editions of the printed and PDF magazine along with full access to the Smartimes Magazine website including current digital editions as well as all eighteen (18) back issues.
• You will receive five (5) issues for the price of four (4)
• To further celebrate the release of our printed edition for the US market, we have reduced our previous subscription rate to $20 and included shipping and handling.

PLUS

The first 1000 subscribers will receive as their free copy the Limited Edition Collector’s Spring 2009 Issue within 2 weeks of subscription.

Embrace the smart revolution today! Or at least by September 15th!

For Additional Information Please Contact: CustomerService@SmartimesMagazine.com

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Smartimes Magazine Printed Edition

*** SMARTIMES MAGAZINE UPDATE ***

We are proud to announce the exciting re-launch of the printed Smartimes Magazine.

Smartimes Magazine will still maintain it’s quarterly release schedule for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010 with plans of growing into a bi-monthly release by the end of 2010 based on growth and feedback from the smart market.

Both our website and digital edition will still continue to provide you with the most up to date, comprehensive smart news and features from around the world but with the added bonus of a high quality printed magazine delivered to our subscribers door every issue.

To compliment the release of the printed edition of the Smartimes Magazine we have also revised our pricing and subscription fees, as of now the new yearly subscription rates are:

• USA Yearly Subscription Price $20.00 USD
• Canadian Yearly Subscription Price $30.00 USD
• UK Yearly Subscription Price £16.00 GBP
• European Yearly Subscription Price €20.00 EURO

*All Yearly Subscriptions Include Shipping & Handling.

All yearly subscriptions will include 4 printed editions of the Smartimes Magazine along with full access to the Smartimes Magazine website including our digital edition, giving you the luxury of having the most up to date, comprehensive smart news and features from around the world delivered to your door plus the convenience of being able to browse our digital edition any time your by a computer or on your cell phone.

All existing paying subscribers will automatically be transfered over to receive the new printed edition of the Smartimes Magazine and be allocated additional bonus issues based on their subscription date to compensate for our pricing adjustment.

The Smartimes Magazine Team is currently in talks with many smart dealers from around the world to negotiate the allocation and sales of the Smartimes Magazine throughout the smart dealer network, so if you would like to see the Smartimes Magazine at a smart location near you please contact your local smart dealer for more information.

We would like to thank all of our subscribers and contributors for your support, you are the reason we strive to continue making the Smartimes Magazine the worlds leading smart car publication and we look forward to continuing this growth from strength to strength.

For more information visit www.smartimesmagazine.com.

 

Thanks,

The Smartimes Magazine Team

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smart fortwo Brabus electric drive

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smart fortwo electric drive

smart fortwo electric drive: smart tests electric drive in numerous cities around the world

• Motoring with zero local emissions
• Second generation smart electric drive with lithium-ion batteries
• Testing in London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Milan, Pisa and other cities

The smart fortwo electric drive has long since rung in the era of zero emission motoring with battery-driven vehicles. The electric smart concept celebrated its world premiere in 2006. As early as 2007 the first pilot phase of practical customer operation started for the smart fortwo electric drive with its quiet and highly efficient electric drive that produces no local emissions. Since then a fleet of 100 smart fortwo electric drives of the first generation has been tested in everyday operation in London.

The electric smarts are leased to private customers for four years and have to demonstrate that they can cope with the tough demands of daily city use in real-world conditions. smart regularly invites the customers to workshops where they report their experience, enabling smart to gather valuable feedback.

Encouraging results for the smart fortwo electric drive

The environmentally friendly sodium-nickel-chloride battery has a range of approximately 100 kilometres. After covering an average daily distance of 40 kilometres it can be fully charged again in four hours at any standard 230 volt socket. When the battery is almost empty the maximum performance is reached after a charging time of eight hours.

The battery installed under the vehicle’s floor supplies energy for an electric motor that is fitted at the rear of the vehicle in place of the usual three-cylinder combustion engine. This enables the smart fortwo electric drive to reach a top speed of 100 km/h. Even with the relatively high prices for electricity in Germanycompared with other countries costs of just two euros per 100 kilometres are incurred – less than the price for two litres of diesel.

Second generation with lithium-ion battery

The Londoncustomers have given very encouraging feedback on the first generation fortwo electric drive models which are still fitted with sodium-nickel-chloride batteries. This is why smart confidently presented the current smart fortwo series with a further-improved electric drive at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. This second generation of the smart electric drive is powered by a lithium-ion battery. Lithium-ion technology has decisive advantages over other types of batteries including better performance, shorter charging times, a longer life and high reliability. Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche says “From the end of 2009 we will start producing the smart fortwo electric drive with a lithium-ion battery”.

smart fortwo electric drive in major cities in Europe and the USA

The smart fortwo electric drive will initially be produced as a limited series. 

In addition to gathering further technical experience with the new battery, this phase will first and foremost be used to gather practical experience from customers who will then be incorporated in the further development of the zero emission vehicle concept.

In Europe the vehicles will initially take to the roads of Berlin, Paris, Rome, Milan and Pisa, with further cities planned. Several cities are also being considered in the USA.

e-mobility Berlin and e-mobility Italy

As electric vehicles are expected to spread rapidly (also from other manu-facturers), Daimler is actively engaged in extending the charging infrastructure in order to make widespread operation easy and straightforward. This is why the projects “e-mobility Berlin” in cooperation with RWE and “e-mobility Italy” in cooperation with ENEL have been set up.

In “e-mobility Berlin” with the support and cooperation of the Federal Government and the City of Berlin, the two companies aim to create ideal conditions in Berlinfor driving battery-powered electric vehicles that do not produce any local emissions. RWE is providing 500 electricity charging stations and Daimler is providing more than 100 electric smart and Mercedes-Benz cars. The aim is to create an intelligent overall system. Ultimately, intelligent communication between the electric vehicle and the power network should be made possible so that the battery can be automatically charged with low-cost electricity when the network is not being used to full capacity, for example off-peak electricity.

The project “e-mobility Italy” which will start in the cities of Rome, Milan and Pisa follows the same concept. Here, Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Italia and the Italian utility company ENEL are working closely together.

smart fortwo electric drive offers innovative driving fun with a clear conscience

With the small series production of the smart fortwo electric drive from the end of 2009, the various fields of application in population centres in major smart markets and the planned marketing of larger volumes from 2012, the car brand is underlining its pioneering role in developing environmentally friendly, sustainable concepts for individual mobility of the future.

[Source: Daimler Media]

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The smart Success Story

The smart success story: smart’s impressive track record on the way to a green future

Geneva – Sales of the smart fortwo rose by 39 percent in the past year, and by the end of the year the smart will be represented in 41 countries worldwide. smart is the intelligent combination of lasting, future-oriented technology and individual, urban mobility, with joie de vivre.

The smart story is a success story as the two-seater smart fortwo is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Last year sales rose to a record 134 700 cars - this corresponds to an increase of 39 percent on the previous year.

These figures are first and foremost due to the great success of the smart fortwo in the USAand two-digit growth rates in the established European markets. In the USA24 600 vehicles were delivered to customers in the first year of sales alone. This makes the United States the third largest market for smart after Italy (33 800) and Germany (32 000).

smart in 41 countries

More than a million smart fortwos have been delivered to customers since the launch of the first model in 1998. Today, customers on five continents and in 37 countries are able to enjoy the car. In the course of 2009 the smart fortwo will be introduced in China, Brazil, Denmark and Serbia. smart will then be 

represented in 41 countries around the globe.

Intelligent technology and low fuel consumption

The current models boast low fuel consumption and minimum carbon dioxide emissions. The smart model range also includes the smart fortwo cdi which is the CO2 champion with its unparalleled low emissions of just 88 g/km. Furthermore, since October 2008 the two smart fortwo mhd petrol models with 52 kW/71 hp and 45 kW/61 hp engines have been equipped with an intelligent and user-friendly start/stop system that further reduces fuel consumption. This means that 7 out of 10 customers in Europewho opt for a petrol model are able to take advantage of this environmentally friendly technology. The smart fortwo can therefore demonstrate an impressive track record on the way to a green future.

smart electric drive

A development focus for smart: in September 2008 the brand presented the second generation smart fortwo electric drive. From the end of 2009 a small series of the new electric vehicle featuring an innovative lithium-ion battery will roll off the production line.

Anders Sundt Jensen, responsible for the smart brand, describes the special position of the smart fortwo: “smart sets standards in many respects. The smart fortwo has not just become a popular car worldwide as the only 88 g/km CO2 city car with compact dimensions meeting urban mobility needs and an innovative concept combining functionality with joie de vivre - it has established an entire new class of cars and sets the benchmark that all others have to live up to.”

[Source: Daimler Media]

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smart fortwo edition limited three

A special edition of the smart fortwo will be celebrating its world premiere at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. The “edition limited three” boasts exclusive, elegant paintwork and a spring-like fresh interior design concept. Thanks to mhd technology as standard, the cult two-seater car combines a chic appearance with outstanding environmental friendliness. The smart fortwo “edition limited three” will be produced as a limited series.

smart is welcoming the spring with a special series featuring melon green metallic paintwork and extensive equipment, thus continuing the tradition of smart special models. The new special finish of the spring model injects a fresh shot of colour for the new season and harmonises with the tridion safety cell. The 15 inch alloy wheels in a sporty six-spoke design fitted with tyres measuring 175/55 R15 at the front and 195/50 R15 at the rear are a further eye-catching feature. The exterior look is rounded off by aluminium-effect “limited three” logos in the mirror triangle.

The interior boasts an unusual, fresh design concept in terms of colours and materials. Here, the melon green metallic colour scheme is continued in an exclusive fabric design with shades of brown creating a stylish contrast, for example on the seats and in the door trim. The instrument panel featuring dark brown leather-effect details also continues the fresh play of colours that contrast with the green fabric. The 3-spoke sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift is covered with dark brown leather, as is the gear knob. Shimmering matt silver trim parts round off the harmonious impression of the interior.

The new edition, which is available as a coupé and a cabriolet, is based on the “passion” equipment variant. Among other features it comes with softouch automatic gear programme, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control, and for the coupé a panoramic roof with sunblind. The standard equipment of the “edition limited three” also includes dashboard instruments and the radio 9. Power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment and the smart sound system with five high quality loud speakers and a smart MP3 interface are optionally available.

The special series of the new smart fortwo also places a focus on “green” when it comes to the environment thanks to micro hybrid drive (mhd) technology as standard with an intelligent and user-friendly automatic start/stop system. The control electronics shut down the 52kW /71 hp engine as soon as the driver brakes and the vehicle’s speed falls below 8 km/h - for example when approaching traffic lights. The engine starts again in the fraction of a second when the driver releases the brake pedal. The system is perfectly tailored to the automated manual transmission of the smart fortwo and is fully automatic - the driver does not need to do any clutchwork or gear 

shifting. The automatic start/stop system reduces the combined fuel consumption by approximately eight percent (NEDC consumption per 100 km: coupé: 4.4 litres, cabrio: 4.5 litres). It also reduces the CO2 emissions to 104 grams per kilometre for the coupé and 106 grams per kilometre for the cabrio version. Fuel savings of up to almost 20 percent are possible in urban traffic with frequent stop-and-go situations.

The special model “edition limited three” costs €15,470 as a coupé and €18,510 as a cabrio (German list price incl. VAT).

[Source: Daimler Media]

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The smart fortwo Hunts “The Pink Panther 2″ in Paris

smart fortwo with star qualities: smart hunts “The Pink Panther 2″ in Paris

The smart fortwo, pioneer of intelligent micro cars, masterfully plays the leading automotive role in the sequel to the successful cinema blockbuster “The Pink Panther”. In Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’/Columbia Pictures’ “The Pink Panther 2″ to be released February 6 in the US and 12 March in Germany, the two-seater demonstrates the advantages of its compact dimensions and its superior agility with a twinkle as the police car of the fearless, although somewhat clumsy Inspector Clouseau in a breakneck dash through the Paris city jungle. 

In „The Pink Panther 2“ Steve Martin as bumbling Inspector Clouseau chases criminals for the second time. At his side is his unrivalled police car, a red smart fortwo coupé. “smart is the optimal company car in the movie”, says Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars. “smart and the main character stand for unusual ways of thinking, irresistible charm and cleverness – and therefore have extraordinary success.”

In an exciting sequence of the film Clouseau steers his smart fortwo coupé - in the equipment line passion with a 52kW/71 hp petrol engine - in a wild dash across Paris. Here, he benefits from the exceptional agility of the environmentally friendly, intelligent two-seater car. Not even finding a parking space at the chronically busy airport of the French capital poses a problem - the compact smart fortwo simply parks perpendicular to the flow of traffic. 

Amateur detectives can pick up the trail of the pink diamond themselves on the internet. Under the motto “Stay on the trail”, since 02 February 2009 anyone can enter the film world of Inspector Clouseau at www.smart.com/pinkpanther and follow the precious gem across Paris. Participants who track down the diamond in this exciting internet game have a chance of winning a smart fortwo.

“The Pink Panther 2”, the sequel to the 2006 worldwide hit, stars Steve Martin as he reprises the role of intrepid-if-bumbling French police detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther Diamond, Chief Inspector Dreyfus (John Cleese) is forced to assign Clouseau to a team of international detectives and experts charged with catching the thief and retrieving the stolen artifacts. Martin is joined by his co-stars Jean Reno (as Ponton, his partner) and Emily Mortimer (as Nicole, the object of his awkward affections). The investigative dream team is played by Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, Yuki Matsuzaki (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Lily Tomlin also stars. The story is set in Paris and Rome. The film is directed by Harald Zwart and produced by Robert Simonds. The screenplay is by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber and Steve Martin. The story by Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber. Based on the Pink Panther films of Blake Edwards. Based on characters created by Maurice Richlin & Blake Edwards. 

smart Success Story

After ten years on the market, the smart fortwo can report impressive performance. Since the introduction of the first generation in 1998, smart celebrated its 10th anniversary last year with over one million delivered models. Having initially been offered only in Germany and eight other European countries, the smart fortwo is now available in 37 countries worldwide. After the market success in the US in 2008, smart will also be launched in China, Brazil and Denmark in 2009. 

As one of the youngest car brands, smart stands for innovation, functionality and vitality. Above all, smart appeals to customers that are seeking new, forward-looking and intelligent solutions within the automobile sector. smart fortwo drivers are defined more by their attitude than by their age, profession or gender. They are open-minded, they question conventional wisdom and are in-touch. They choose the smart fortwo because it is special and because it sets them apart from the masses. And most certainly - because it is fun.

 

[Source: Daimler Media]

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Smartimes Spring 2009 Contribution Request

Dear Contributors,

I hope that everyone has had a great start to 2009.

As always I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your interesting and much appreciated contributions in the last issue of Smartimes Magazine and for those of you that were not able to contribute last time nows your chance.

We are now approaching the release of our Spring 2009 issue and I wanted to send this message out to encourage all of you to continue your contributions as there are so many exciting smart related events throughout the world that our readers would love to hear about.

For those of you out in the smart world that have never contributed to the Smartimes Magazine I welcome you to give it a try, whether you are an amateur writer, photographer or just an enthusiast in general, we would love to hear from you and so would the rest of the smart world.

I have included the following paragraphs to give you some direction and guidance as to how the magazine is structured.

Please consider which areas you might be interested in:

• Smart News - A starter section for readers containing the latest breaking news stories about smart car happenings all over the world.

• Smart Talk - A section composed of stories by contributors that will be of keen interest to our readers. These stories should reflect the enthusiasm shared by the worldwide community of smart car owners. They should be educational and entertaining for the reader. Each correspondent will be asked to submit their own photos.

• Smart Class - A section with information and photos submitted by readers featuring innovative or out-of-the-ordinary smart cars and their owners.

• How Smart - A how-to section containing technical information about the smart car relating to maintenance and modifications.

• Product Reviews

• Regional Sections - Containing information from each of the largest smart car markets in the world, including Canada, the U.K., the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia.

• A question and answer section for readers.

• A diary section containing anecdotes about memorable moments in the life of a smart car owner submitted by our readers.

The new issue is due out March 2009, and we need all materials no later than February 8th 2009. Please send e-mails to editor@smartimesmagazine.com and all contributions to contributions@smartimesmagazine.com.

Thank you,

Trevor
Editor, Smartimes magazine
www.smartimesmagazine.com

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Penske Is Smiling Over Smart’s U.S. Start

Roger Penske, left, surprised Dieter Zetsche, right, with the number of Smart ForTwos that were sold in the U.S.

DETROIT — Was it Roger Penske’s golden touch that sold so many Smart microcars in the United States last year, or the right product at a time when consumers crave fuel economy?

It was probably a bit of both. But even Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche says he’s surprised that 24,622 Smart ForTwo cars were sold in their first year of U.S. sales. Daimler produces the cars, and in the United States Penske Automotive Group is the sole distributor, responsible for sales and marketing of the brand.

Smart At A Glance

• 2008 goal: 16,000 units
• Sold: 24,622
• 2009 sales projection: 25,000
• Total reservations: 100,000 @ $99 each
• Current reservations: 40,000
• Projected 6-month residual value: 58%*
• Dealers: 74 in 35 states; 6 to be added in 2009
• Brand awareness: 18% at beginning of 2008; 80% at year end
• Future models: Brabus high-performance in 2009, all-electric in 2012

[Source: Automotive Lease Guide]

A Little Amazement

Penske, who is chairman of Penske Automotive Group Inc. — the country’s second-biggest public dealership group — appears a little amazed at the sales numbers. That’s evidenced by the big smile on the face of the silver-haired, impeccably dressed racing mogul and entrepreneur billionaire.

“We were contemplating 15,000 to 16,000 in our first year, and as we entered into probably the most unique marketing of any brand coming into the market — Smart with a $99 reservation system — the Internet became the medium for us to build to a brand,” Penske said in an interview last week at the Detroit auto show.

Smart did no traditional TV or print advertising. Instead, it relied on the Internet and a 50-city road show where more than 50,000 customers took test drives.

Will sales hold up in Smart’s second year? Penske says 40,000 people who have put in a $99 reservation through the brand’s Internet ordering system are clamoring for a Smart. Sales are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Based on 2008 data, Penske says he expects 55 percent of the reservation holders to take delivery of a car. An additional 8 percent of sales is expected to come from so-called orphans — vehicles that customers ordered and then didn’t buy.

Based on the number of reservations and fourth-quarter demand, Penske thinks Smart could sell 25,000 cars this year.

The Smart reservation and order system has enabled Penske to “stay connected to the customer because dealers don’t have that direct contact.”

For 2009, the company has set up Smart Express. In markets with heavy reservations and a long waiting period, Smart finds orphans from other markets and pairs them with reservation holders.

Adding Dealers

Smart has 74 dealers and likely will expand to about 80 this year, says Penske. Each dealer spent about $600,000 on the store.

“The value proposition for the dealer has been very realistic. There is no cost pressure, so their ability to invest is possible,” Penske says.

About 18 percent of the cars ordered become orphans. Dealers can sell those cars out of their showrooms but cannot charge over list price.

Penske says Smart is staying with the Internet reservation and ordering system because of the added benefit of staying in touch with customers and potential buyers through surveys and follow-up services.

Service and information calls from Smart customers come in by telephone to Penske Truck Leasing.

“We open a repair order when you call,” says Penske, “I know how many cars are down every morning or the issues, and we can get the dealer involved. I look at the service calls every day.”

For 2009, Smart imported the sporty Brabus model — which is tuned by Brabus GmbH in Germany. This year’s allocation of 1,500 units was gobbled up in eight hours. Smart got an additional 500-unit allocation from Germany, and those sold out in eight hours, Penske says.

He says future models include an electric car and enhancements to the current ForTwo.

And how does the man who can own any car he wants feel about driving a Smart? Penske owns two and says: “I have never driven a vehicle when I get more thumbs up.”

[Source: Automotive News Europe]

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Smartimes Magazine Goes Mobile!

      

The Smartimes Magazine is now ready to go wherever you do.

We know the life of a smart car owner is a busy one and you don’t always have time to sit down at your computer for the latest smart car news and updates.

With this in mind we have just made some updates to our site which will allow our mobile web browsers more efficient browsing of our site via a dedicate streamline navigation system and layout specifically for mobile browsing.

Nothing has changed as far as our domain name, you will still be able to view the Smartimes site from your computer or phone at:

www.smartimesmagazine.com

Combine our new mobile site along with our newsletter to ensure you always have the latest most comprehensive smart car news on the go, to sign up just enter your email address below:

Enter your email address:

 

Smartimes Magazine is also available on the go in bite size updates via www.twitter.com, you can find us at:

http://twitter.com/smartimes

Don’t forget to sign up for your own twitter account to follow the Smartimes updates on the go.

Regards,

The Smartimes Team

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