SMART FESTIVAL IS GOING TO BE ELECTRIC

This year’s smart festival is on a charge to be the best ever thanks to exclusive test drive opportunities of the smart fortwo electric drive and an appearance by 2008 Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton.

Taking place on Saturday 4th September at Mercedes-Benz World, Weybridge, this year’s smart festival coincides with the 10th anniversary of the arrival of right-hand drive smart models in the UK.

The additions of the groundbreaking electric version and the Formula 1 superstar to what is the biggest single-day gathering of smarts are certain to add an extra dimension to the celebrations of the production milestone.

Test drives in the smart fortwo electric drive, which uses state-of-the-art lithium ion battery technology and can be charged via a standard 13 amp socket, will be available to visitors on a first come, first served basis. Lewis Hamilton will add to the excitement by presenting the winners of the ‘Most Modified’, ‘Best Kept’ and ‘Best Dressed’ smart competitions with their prizes.

Other attractions at the smart festival include smart arrows formation driving team, a display of models from the striking BRABUS tailor made collection and a host of driving games that include smart football.

The opportunity for visitors to test drive the cutting-edge model comes hot on the heels of the first London consumers taking delivery of their smart fortwo electric drive as part of the UK’s biggest electric car trial and the Plugged-in Report commissioned by smart to understand the UK perceptions around electric vehicles. The full report can be found at www.electricsmart.co.uk

Source: smart

Available now from Veloce!
the little book of smart – New Edition!
By Paul Jackson

In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, 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. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book. More info.

LONDON’S READY TO GO ELECTRIC

Last week the first London consumers taking delivery of their smart fortwo electric drives, as part of the UK’s biggest electric vehicle trial. Owners of Eco Age, an ethical store, design consultancy & green hub; Livia Firth and Nicola Giuggioli received the keys from motoring broadcaster and self-confessed electric vehicle fan, Quentin Willson.

Nicola Giuggioli, CEO at Eco Age; "For us, at Eco Age to be part of the smart electric drive trials is amazing and has such a great synergy with our business. The smart electric drive is the perfect city car, you can park it anywhere and it has zero-emissions so we can drive around guilt-free. I can't wait to see the face of our clients when we arrive for our eco surveys in our smart electric drive."

Quentin Wilson, motoring journalist and broadcaster comments: “The fact that Mercedes-Benz, the people who invented the car, say that the future of driving is with the advent of cars like the smart electric drive, is a monster milestone for electric vehicles.”

Funded by the Government’s Technology Strategy Board, the nationwide trial is the first of its kind with over 340 vehicles being trialled on the UK roads. The programme sees 60 smart electric drives exclusively tested by residents in London and the South East for 12 months. A further 40 will be trialled by residents in the West Midlands.

David Bott, Director of Innovation Programmes at the Technology Strategy Board said: "It’s great to see the smart fortwo electric drive being handed over to the first drivers. This London based experiment is part of a much larger UK–wide trial funded by the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Transport. Low carbon vehicles are being put into the hands of real drivers in eight different projects. Vehicle performance and user behaviour is being monitored by computers in over 340 cars and data from trials across the UK will be collated and published in an act of open innovation designed to support the development of Low Carbon Vehicle technology”

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “We are now on the brink of an exciting era of cleaner, greener electric motoring. London is already taking steps to ensure drivers in the capital will be able to embrace this new technology and plug in with confidence.”

The handover coincides with the publication of the smart Plugged-In report, commissioned to understand the UK perceptions around electric vehicles. The report reveals that the London consumer is ready to embrace the electric revolution with about two-thirds of consumers stating that they’re willing to consider an electric vehicle if the charging infrastructure is improved.

Source: smart

Coming soon! Electric Cars - The Future is Now!
By Arvid Linde
What if we all had to say goodbye to petrol cars tomorrow? Would you be ready?
There might be several reasons why you’re holding this book in your hand. Concern about the environment, determination to cut your fuel bill, or simply curiosity. Whatever the reason, the answer is within. This consumer guide is for housewives, petrol-heads, pedestrians, green activists, everyone – but most importantly, it’s for you. It will introduce the electric car to potential advocates and opponents, revealing all the pros and cons. Is such a vehicle really what it promises to be - the perfect answer to the fuel crisis and environmental issues? This book will help you find out. More info.

SMART FORTWO URBANSTYLE EDITION

The smart fortwo edition urbanstyle adds a whole new dimension to the iconic model’s reputation for being ‘big in the city’.

Based on the 2010 passion model, the aggressively-styled edition urbanstyle will be limited to a UK production run of 230 coupé models – 160 units featuring the 71bhp (mhd)engine and 70 with the turbocharged 84bhp unit. A cabriolet version is available as a special order only.

With exclusive dark grey matt finish paintwork, which also extends to the attractive 6-spoke, 15” alloy wheels, and a tridion safety cell in gleaming black, the edition urbanstyle cuts a dash in the most fashionable of places.

The contemporary and sporty feel of the edition urbanstyle is also reflected in its stylish interior. Heated, nappa leather black seats with yellow double stitching and striking reflective stripes set the scene, while the 3-spoke steering wheel and gear shift knob are also finished in supple nappa leather. Door trims, knee pad and the instrument panel benefit from a leather-look finish and eye-catching matt silver details and yellow accents complete the interior’s ambience.

Navigating the bright lights is guaranteed to be an entertaining experience for the edition urbanstyle’s occupants too. In addition to the smart sound system, which provides crisp sound reproduction thanks to its 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range speakers, subwoofer and smart

MP3 interface, the model also has an integrated audio and navigation system. This advanced system incorporates a 5.8” touch screen, iPod®/USB connectivity, Bluetooth and radio/CD.

“The edition urbanstyle offers a unique fusion of cutting-edge style and a level of equipment that features infotainment technology rarely seen in this sector,” said Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars UK.

“smart has always been a trendsetter and the contemporary look and advanced specification of the edition urbanstyle reinforces the perception that the brand is very much a modern design statement.”
Source:smart

the little book of smart – New Edition!
By Paul Jackson.

In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, 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. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book. More info.

PUTTING 'ART' IN A SMART

smart is adding a huge splash of colour and personalisation to the ownership of its fortwo models with the launch of an exciting new product design service in conjunction with performance and styling specialists BRABUS.

The smart BRABUS tailor made concept which is being officially launched at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, will enable owners to design their own smart car from an array of special colours and bespoke interiors that will create thousands of combinations to choose from.

As part of the service, customers will be able to specify their car’s body panels and tridion safety cell from a palette of 18 vivid colours – each with a supercar/heritage theme. These include the vibrant Campbell Blue, which pays homage to the iconic Bluebird land speed record cars built and tested at Brooklands, the home of Mercedes-Benz World.

Interior detailing on items such as the door handles, instrument cluster, dials and light/wiper lever will also reflect the exterior colour chosen. There will be six tri-top roof colours to select from too, as well as nine leather/Alcantara upholsteries, which will feature in the seats and other areas including door panels, upper dash and in the floor mat edging.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “smart has always been regarded as an iconic and unique product and the launch of smart BRABUS tailor made will enhance that reputation. We offered a sneak preview of the range by showcasing four demonstrators at last weekend’s 2009 smart festival and the concept generated a phenomenal reaction.”

He added: “Business users have enjoyed tremendous success by using vinyl wraps on their smart cars to promote their companies and we expect the opportunity for individual retail customers to personalise their vehicle will be a huge hit too.”

The smart BRABUS tailor made service will be available this winter and offered at the point of purchase by smart retailers nationwide.
Press release/image:smart

A smart read from Veloce! the little book of smart – New Edition! by Paul Jackson.
In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, 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. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book. Click here for more info.

SMART LAUNCHES NEW SOCIAL COMMUNITY SITE

smart announces the launch of a new social community website: destinationsmart.co.uk.

This exciting new website gives smart owners, enthusiasts and fans the opportunity to register and interact with each other in a dedicated, smart-branded online space.

Registration on destinationsmart is free, and members can create a profile, upload videos and images, participate on forums, join groups and events and communicate with each other. A regular flow of interesting news features on relevant topics such as eco-driving can be shared using the full range of social book marking tools.

Members can interact directly with smart via the ‘Ask an Expert’ function. Through this unique facility, members can contact an expert directly with their questions about smart and receive a personal reply.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “smart is an iconic car which has a large fan-base: the smartclub in the UK for example has more than 30,000 members. We know from research that smart owners and enthusiasts like interacting online and it’s a valuable opportunity for us to get first hand insight into how our brand is perceived.”
PR Source: www.thesmartclub.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFER!

The first edition of the little book of smart by Paul Jackson is available at half-price from the Veloce website. Now at the giveaway price of just £3.99! That is a smart price!
Click here to find out more.

NEW SMART SCREENSAVER!

It's said the best things come in small packages, and that's definitely the case with the little book of smart!
To coincide with the release of the new edition in March of this fantastic little book, we've put together a screensaver featuring some of its great 'smart' shots!
Available from Veloce downloads page.

the little book of smart – New Edition! by Paul Jackson.
In stock March 2009!
In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, 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. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book.
Click here for more info about the book.

THE SMART WAY FROM LONDON TO EDINBURGH

The ASA have ruled in favour of smart, the iconic automotive brand, by supporting the brand’s London to Edinburgh television advertisement.



The ad shows a time-lapse sequence of the two-seater car driving from London to Edinburgh. The voiceover states that, “on one tiny 33 litre tank, a smart car can do 433 miles”.



The ASA has investigated and rejected claims that the ad is misleading.



In their adjudication the ASA stated: “We considered that the VCA* figures in conjunction with Mercedes’ evidence was sufficient to support the claim that a smart car could do 433 miles on one tank of petrol. We concluded that the ad was not misleading.”

Source:newspress



Coming soon! the little book of smart – New Edition! By Paul Jackson.

In the little book of smart, now featuring a brand new extra chapter, author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, 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. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book. Click here for more info about the book.

NEW SMART MODEL IN 2009

smart widens its appeal going into 2009 by launching a new model which gives customers even more value for money and continuing its drive towards a greener future.

On the back of the recently launched smart mhd (micro hybrid drive), which offers fuel savings of up to 24% in stop-start situations, the eagerly anticipated smart cdi, goes on sale in March 2009. The smart cdi returns a staggering 83.1 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car at just 88g/km.

The smart brand has also been buoyed by the latest new car registration figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) which show smart is bucking the trend, despite the current economic doom and gloom. Registrations in 2008, at 7,526, were 43.3% improved on the 2007 figure.

A pioneering market trial of 100 fully electric smart fortwos is also underway in the UK. The smart ed emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance. It has a top speed of 60mph (electronically limited), a range of 70 miles on a single charge, can achieve the equivalent of 300mpg, and is charged by simply plugging it directly into any UK mains 3 pin plug socket.
source:newspress


Coming very soon! the little book of smart – New Edition! by Paul Jackson.
*Brand new chapter brings this book right up-to-date for 2009.

Author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, 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. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book.
Click here for more info about the book.

A DRIVE ON THE WILD SIDE - ALISTAIR WEAVER INTERVIEW ON AUTO-LAB

If the video doesn't display click here



Available Now! A Drive on the Wild Side – Twenty extreme driving adventures from around the world by Alistair Weaver.

Written by award winning journalist and television presenter Alistair Weaver, and illustrated by some of the world's leading automotive photographers, A Drive on the Wild Side, takes you on a fascinating journey across some of the world's most challenging roads. Experience the heat of the Laos jungle, the loneliness of the Arctic and the bullet-marked streets of Beirut from behind the wheel of some of the world's finest cars. Find out what it is really like to drive a Ferrari 612 across the forgotten wastelands of western China, or to chase poachers on the slopes of Mount Kenya. This book tells the fascinating, hair raising and moving stories experienced during a career-spanning automotive adventure in style, with 400 stunning photos. This is a book that will appeal to car and travel enthusiasts across the world.

Click here for more info about the book.

SMART2VENICE ITALIAN JOB

A smart owner has masterminded his own fundraising mission to Italy making over £5,500 for charity.
Nathan Kift, who was accompanied by his step-brother Craig Jackson, drove his 2003 smart fortwo pulse coupé over 2,100 miles to Venice and back in aid of Gloucester Royal Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
The duo were inspired to take on the seven-day driving marathon after Nathan’s son spent time in the care of the SCBU.
The smart fortwo was said to have performed superbly, especially when it came to fuel economy and crossing the Alps.

Find out more about smart cars in the Veloce book the little book of smart by Paul Jackson.
A fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. Click here for more info.

SMART CAR2GO

Daimler is launching a new mobility concept, providing a future-oriented answer to increasing traffic volume in urban areas. The scheme, known as car2go, will allow people to rent a smart anywhere and anytime, at a moment's notice, with all costs going to a pre-registered credit card or monthly bill. Users will be charged by the minute, and can leave their car anywhere within the city limits for the next customer.

On 24 October 2008 the first pilot phase will start in the southern German city of Ulm, where car2go will be tested in real-life conditions. “car2go is an intelligent and creative solution that provides a simple, flexible and value-for-money approach to mobility with environmentally-friendly vehicles” is how Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, describes the objective of the project. Although there are good intentions in car2go and it would provide a convenient solution for some, will motorists ever be able to sacrifice having their own personal vehicle?



New! the little book of smart by Paul Jackson.

Features:

- 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

click here for more info