Daimlerchrysler Smarting From Slump

Automotive Industries, May, 1999

DaimlerChrysler's Smart micro-compact car subsidiary sliced its '99 sales goals to 100,000, from 130,000. And in an effort to reach its new goal, Smart has cut prices, added equipment and planned a three-month ad campaign. Smart added $275 of equipment to the basic car, including seat cushions, a 12-volt plug for accessories, better glass and a passenger hand grip.

Prices were cut by $90 to a base price in Italy and France of about $9,300. Nicholas Hayek, originator of the Swatch watch, developed the microcar.