Smart USA launches its first U.S. nationwide lease incentive

Smart USA Website

 
Smart USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group, announced earlier this week that it is launching its first nation wide lease incentive in partnership with Daimler Financial Services.

“Our new lease program allows customers added flexibility with financing options and allows smart customers to enjoy leasing benefits such as low monthly payments, driving a new vehicle every two-to-three years and hassle-free vehicle turn-ins,” said Jill Lajdziak, President, smart USA. “We have continued confidence in the brand based on the volume of vehicles sold since the Smart ForTwo went on sale and two years of residual value data to offer a lease option.” 

Well-qualified Smart ForTwo buyers may lease a Smart ForTwo pure coupe for $169 a month on a 36-month, 10,000 miles-per-year lease. Smart says that qualified customers must provide $999 down, $595 acquisition fee and first month’s payment at the time of lease.

The incentive will run through February 28, 2010.

Since its debut in the U.S., Smart has sold 40,000 ForTwo units through its 77 Smart centers located in 36 states.

via Smart USA launches its first U.S. nationwide lease incentive.
URL: http://www.egmcartech.com/2010/01/16/smart-usa-launches-its-first-u-s-nationwide-lease-incentive/

 SOM: Interesting to see that Smart USA is run by Penske Automotive. I still consider it a strong signal that Americans buy a small vehicle such as the Smart. Although it had been considered already years ago, the U.S. market simply would not have been ready for such a car. And it certainly would have been a financial and probably even marketing and brand strategy disaster for Daimler. I do not have the figures of the US sales forecast at hand, but to me 40,000 sold units is not bad at all! Keep rollin‘, Smart!