An auto group in Seattle recently announced the arrival of the first factory-authorized Smart Cars in the state. The announcement paves the way for car buyers to own a certified United States version of the Smart Car which comes with an auto warranty and manufacturer’s authorized service.

 

It is a significant announcement for anyone looking to purchase a Smart Car, manufactured by Mercedes Benz, but was scared away by the inconvenience of having to purchase a gray market version of the car.

 

Over 30,000 deposits have already been taken in anticipation of the US version of the Smart Car’s arrival.  Mercedes Benz has carefully selected dealers across the country who they feel can best represent the Smart brand.

 

During the past year, a number of European-model, gray market Smart Cars have been sold as unauthorized, which means the do not come with any type of auto warranty.  These gray market versions also must be converted to US specs to be operated legally on US highways.  The conversions are very expensive and are done by non-factory trained mechanics. One converted, they actually sell for almost twice as much as the authorized versions.

 

The Smart Cars are expected to be an excellent fit for a many types of drivers.  The cars appeal to consumers will include first time buyers with limited budgets and consumers who have to deal with tight parking dilemmas.  I am excited to watch this mini car market segment as it grows in the US.  Hopefully the extended warranty industry will come up with an auto warranty to fill these new buyers’ needs.