PAUL JACKSON
What started off as an idea from Swiss watchmaker Swatch eventually evolved into the successful launch of the smart brand, now an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz family and in its first ten years achieving sales of more than three quarters of a million cars around the world.
It hasnt all been plain sailing for smart, though. Well publicised financial woes, the launch of at least one inappropriate model range and the subsequent rationalisation of the entire product line-up meant plenty of problems along the way. But throughout it all, fans of the smart concept have remained loyal to the brand and sales of the fortwo city car continued to prosper.
These days, the future looks rosier. An all-new fortwo model range was launched in 2007, along with the announcement of the long-awaited debut of the smart brand into the American market for 2008. The latest model is more sophisticated and more in tune with todays buyers tastes, while losing none of the inventiveness, practicality and sheer chic appeal of its predecessors.
In the little book of smart, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the entire history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, and on to today with the very latest fortwo line-up promising major sales worldwide and, of course, helping to pave the way for a future for smart in the USA. Its a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout.
Independent Reviews
Review by Gavin Chapman for onsmart.co.uk, January 2008
This is a diminutive book, as you can see below, but that, is so it'll actually fit in a fortwo! I joke, but it is a small book, packed with a lot of information.
It goes through the history of the smart from it's concept, through development, marketing, through to the latest model. It covers the fortwo, roadster, forfour and concepts like the crosstown and crossblade.
The book is written in a concise and friendly style, has lots of pictures, and goes into the modifying scene as well. The book is easily readable, and is pretty much essential for a smart enthusiast!
Additional Information
Also covers:
smart city-coupé
smart fortwo (to 2006)
Brabus city-coupé
Brabus fortwo
smart crossblade
smart roadster
smart roadster-coupé
Brabus roadster-coupé
smart forfour
smart fortwo (2007-on)
From watchmaker to car manufacturer, Swatch launched the successful smart brand - now part of Mercedes-Benz
- Sales of over 750,000 cars in ten years
- Coverage includes the city-coupé, fortwo, crossblade, forfour & roadster coupé: all smart cars produced since 1998
- Most up-to-date publication on smart
- Covers the all-new fortwo for 2007
- Announcement of the brand's long-awaited US debut
- Contains comprehensive details of smart clubs & specialists, plus relevant websites
- 128 pages packed with 100 colour pictures & entertaining text
