LONG BEACH, Calif., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart-Automobile LLC
announced today its proprietary technology has been successfully applied
in the modification of the Smart For Two Coupe / Convertible for direct
importation to the United States.
Smart-Automobile is part of a venture to independently bring the fuel-
efficient Smart Car to the U.S., where the popular car has not been available
since its introduction in 1998. Smart-Automobile has contracted for the
exclusive distribution of the Smart Cars to publicly owned automotive company
ZAP of Santa Rosa, California, to be marketed to consumers through a ZAP
authorized dealer network. Registered import company G&K Automotive
Conversions of Santa Ana, California, has been contracted for the conversion
of the cars to meet U.S. standards.
Smart-Automobile President Thomas Heidemann announced that he is pleased
to reach this milestone, having invested significant capital and several years
in bringing the fuel-efficient car from Europe to the United States where gas
prices are reaching record levels.
"There has been a great deal of excitement about the Smart Car coming to
the United States, and I want to congratulate our partners and future
customers for their hard work and patience in reaching this point," said
Heidemann.
"With such a unique new car in the U.S. market and so much demand, we want
to reassure the public that we strive for excellence in providing the highest
level of service and support," said the German-born entrepreneur. "Such demand
has concerned the government with the possibility of illegal Smart Cars
entering the country, and we want to assure everyone that Smart-Automobile
will do everything in its power to make sure the cars are sold in a proper
manner through an authorized dealer network, with certified technical training
and legally imported cars."
Under its contract, Smart-Automobile is supporting the venture in hosting
exclusive training programs for ZAP Authorized Dealers as well as the
licensing of the proprietary Smart diagnostic systems used in maintaining the
cars and ensuring they operate to U.S. standards of safety and emissions.
Smart-Automobile owns the OBD II technology as well as the tool molds,
software and factory inventory housed at G&K.
Heidemann added: "I want to clarify this business venture with the public,
because it has been quite unique in the today's auto industry. We have,
independently of the manufacturer, obtained full U.S. safety and emissions
compliance with the Smart Cars. Usually imported cars are brought into the
U.S. through exemptions. In this situation, ZAP owns the exclusive
distribution rights regarding our contracts to sell the Smart Car converted
through SA and G&K in the USA."
Heidemann said that they will continue to obtain non-compliant cars
through wholesalers, brokers and other entities worldwide to supply vehicles
for the U.S. market. Smart-Automobile will only service cars with VIN numbers
provided through ZAP and will give notice to EPA and DOT on every car it
delivers. These VIN numbers will be kept on file by ZAP Authorized Dealers to
ensure that all Smart Cars driven in the country meet government regulations.
Contact:
Smart-Automobile LLC
Thomas Heidemann
(562) 252 1644 ext. 212
http://www.smartcar-usa.com
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information,
visit http://www.ereleases.com.
SOURCE Smart-Automobile LLC
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Related links:
http://www.smartcar-usa.com
CONTACT:
Thomas Heidemann of Smart-Automobile LLC,
+1-562-252-1644, ext. 212
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