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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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30K Americans Ordered... This?

Daimler's new fuel-savvy car in high demand before 2008 release

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(Newser) – 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.

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...
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...   (Associated Press)
Daimler AG Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche speaks in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where he unveiled his company's new smart car, Fortwo, to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter of 2008, will be $11,000. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Daimler AG Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche speaks in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where he unveiled his company's new smart car, Fortwo, to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will...   (Associated Press)
The interior of Daimler AG's new smart car, Fortwo is seen during a media preview in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter of 2008, will be $11,000. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
The interior of Daimler AG's new smart car, Fortwo is seen during a media preview in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first...   (Associated Press)
Daimler AG's new Fortwo drives on a street in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where it was unveiled to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter of 2008, will be $11,000. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Daimler AG's new Fortwo drives on a street in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where it was unveiled to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter...   (Associated Press)
Daimler AG's new smart car Fortwo is seen in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where it was unveiled to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter of 2008, will be $11,000. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Daimler AG's new smart car Fortwo is seen in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, where it was unveiled to the media. Starting prices for this compact car which will go on sale sometime in the first quarter...   (Associated Press)
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