thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010 Insert
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‘4site’ : Issue 16
September 2010
thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 16
September 2010
thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Welcome Welcome to Issue 16 of our ‘4site’ international smart magazine in this, our very special 10th Anniversary year. It was clear earlier this year that the middle of 2010 would see a huge amount of ‘smart’ activity following the Hambach, smartville trip in May. The awesome ‘smart times 2010’ event took place in Kaprun and Zell-am-See in Austria was held at the end of August - only days later saw the UK host The smart Festival at MercedesBenz World, Brooklands.
In this quarter’s issue of ‘4site: Club News How to join thesmartclub Our Membership Card Park & Go
Event Review smart times 2010 The smart Festival
Features Of course, you can find reviews and pictures from both these massive smart gatherings in this issue of ‘4site’ and I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank everyone involved ‘behind the scenes’ for making these two events so successful. 2010 is not over yet and a number of more local Events are taking place throughout the rest of the year and Issue 17 of ‘4site’ will carry a review of these in addition to a look forward to what’s happening in an even busier 2011. Within thesmartclub, we continue to develop a range of new services and partnerships. Although slightly later than planned, we are bringing you a range of official smart products via thesmartclub Shop complimenting the smartware and BRABUS products we already offer – remember that our Membership card holding members benefit from a superb 7.5% discount on virtually all the products in our Shop! This really does bring you great products at amazing prices.
Facebook – Tech Talk Homage to the Roadster Stuck for something to say Website changes
Mods & Maintenance Clutch Actuator (Roadster)
Motorsport Local Meetings smart Community Dealership News smart of Derby smart South West smart Brentford smart of Lincoln smart Brooklands smart jamboree smart Saarbrucken
News from Hambach News from smart Submit an Article
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Advertisers We have also been working hard behind the scenes and we are delighted to announce our formal association with smarts4youRacing Ltd. This organisation launches the UK’s first race car series for fortwos as part of the 2011 Brit Car series and you can find more information about this on page 20 of this issue. As ever, my thanks to you for your continued support of thesmartclub. Al Young Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd
thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
www.thesmartclub.com
Daimler Insurance Services Ltd Digitec Ltd 4two Cup Race Series Pure smart S2smarts smart Birmingham smart of Croydon smart Car Specialist smart Car Superstore smart Manchester smart of Wolverhampton smart Tow Spartan Wheel Rim Protector
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September 2010
thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Club News How to join thesmartclub Joining thesmartclub could not be easier and we have a number of options available to you.
Online If you have access to the internet, simply log on to our web site at www.thesmartclub.com and click the ‘Join the Club’ menu option. Here you will find two options, one giving web only access, the other giving you web access plus four copies of ‘4site’ and a Privilege Card!!
Offline (postal) We are very aware that many people do not have regular access to internet services and, as such, we offer an ‘offline’ membership service. You receive a copy of ‘4site’ delivered to your door each quarter, Event information and application forms by post and automatic entitlement to our ‘Privilege Card’. Of course you also benefit from full telephone and fax support. Simply write to us at:
NEW: Members of thesmartclub can save Money on Airport Car Parking by booking with Park and Go You can make savings of up to 60%, compared to the drive-up rates, when you pre-book your airport car parking online with Park and Go. You can use the secure online booking facility to pre-book your parking at over 70 car parks at all major airports across the UK. When your booking is complete you will receive easy to follow directions via email straight away. thesmartclub members who hold thesmartclub Privilege Card can save a further 10% off the cost of their airport car parking by entering a discount code when making a booking. Contact thesmartclub for full details!
thesmartclub ltd, PO Box 28549 Edinburgh, EH4 5WB, UK
Our Membership Card – smart saving!
Now in its 7th year, our ‘Privilege Card’ continues to go from strength to strength bringing you discounts on servicing and parts from multiple smart centres in addition to significant discounts from third party organisations. Plus you receive discounted pricing in thesmartclub’s Online Store and, better still, benefit from significant discounts on our Major Events prices. Full Membership of thesmartclub includes a Privilege Card as part of the ‘Pack’ and we also have a number of UK smart Dealerships providing Membership Packs with every new and used car purchased – contact thesmartclub for more details!
www.thesmartclub.com
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
number of licensed food and drink areas within the main marquee. This provided a perfect and relaxing start prior to the launch party.
2010 Event Review smart times 2010 Kaprun / Zell am See
Wow … following the huge success of smart times 2009, the 2010 Event in Kaprun and Zell am see in Austria had a lot to live up to! The pre event publicity was superb and, as you will have seen from our earlier issues of ‘4site’ magazine, regular communications, news bulletins, the vast range of details via smart’s social media site at ‘www.my-smart.com’ and via the smart times Facebook site, it meant expectations were high … very high … Although the ‘full’ event started on Friday 20th August, there were even a few days of ‘pre event’ activities including tours and cocktail parties for those enthusiasts arriving early.
Arriving at the Zell am See venue on the Friday, we were met with impeccable organisation, a much improved layout (from 2009) and beautifully positioned marquees, trading areas and an impressive outside stage. The venue was already buzzing and we soon met up with our friends from smarts4youracing ltd and a number of ‘well known’ friends and colleagues from across Europe. Following an impressively slick Registration process we browsed the various Trader marquees as hundreds of smart cars and enthusiasts began to arrive in advance of the evening’s launch celebrations. smart laid on test drives of the impressive electric fortwo whilst the European Mobile Media Association (EMMA) started to check in the large number of competition entrants (performance, in car entertainment and more).
A great line up of music, information followed at the launch party preceded by the big build up to the unveiling of the new fortwo.
The music and dancing carried on into the early hours before it was time to return to the hotel for a well deserved rest ahead of the first FULL day of smart times 2010 activities. Saturday morning was a beautifully sunny day with temperatures climbing up to 32C with hundreds of cars arriving for the start of the main driving attraction, the ‘corso’. Yet again, organisation was impeccable and despite the increased area allocated for the cars lining up for the start, the numbers of cars arriving soon saw lanes and lanes of cars stretching and looping around the main airfield area. Seeing so many enthusiasts from so many countries all lining up hundreds smarts (fortwos, Roadsters, crossblades and forfours) is almost a unique experience. Owners cleaning and polishing panels and sharing news and experiences of their journey to the magnificent start venue.
Food and drink was available all day from a
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
2010 Event Review
Throughout the build up, our ever enthusiastic compeer ‘Werner Sejka’ not only kept everyone informed and entertained but also introduced the “Tyrolean Angels Cheerleaders”.
Following an impressive display of dance, gymnastics and some death defying human pyramid building (!) the girls lined up to launch the start of the 2010 official corso around the lake at Zell am See and surrounding countryside.
Over 600 cars left the airfield to start the tour – Austrian police having closed all road junctions en route to ensure a seamless and delay free journey to the halfway halt where water and refreshments were handed out to everyone as they arrived. The return journey took participants through the beautiful Austrian countryside back down to the lake and from there back to the airfield. The good weather, stunning scenery and closed road sections ensured a flawless corso from start to finish and meant everyone had time to grab some lunch within the main marquees. All this in advance of the afternoon activities and browsing of the many trade stands offering some spectacular smart parts and accessories
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During the corso, the Tyrolean Angel Cheerleaders managed a quick change of clothing to get ready for their attempt to set a new official World Record by squeezing more than 15 people in a fortwo. Mid afternoon the car was moved into place and the girls commenced a military style series of manoeuvres to start loading themselves into the car – not an easy (or comfortable) task given the blazing sun and high temperatures … It was hugely impressive to watch and with 7 girls already in the car, no seats had yet been occupied ….. but could 8 or 9 more people really fit into the car?
With 15 girls eventually in the car the current World Record was met but there needed to be one more girl in to achieve their goal – after a considerable amount of shuffling, 16 people were eventually in the car. Was that it? No .. the Regulations stated that the doors and windows had to be closed and then the car had to be driven a few meters down the track. This was a real challenge as the ignition key had to be turned, gear engaged and the car driven off. It was a tense moment – 16 girls in the car but could they find the key and start the car …. It took a further 8 minutes for a number of intricate moves to be carried out in the car all under the watchful eyes of independent observers before the car burst into life and drove 10 meters down the track. They had done it! An official Guinness World Record achieved – 16 people in a smart fortwo!
Our congratulations to the whole team involved for a superb new World Record!
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
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2010 Event Review
Competition Categories run by EMMA.
The afternoon continued with a number of activities and non stop music, entertainment and opportunities to test drive the new electric drive fortwo. But, far from winding down as the day progressed, people started to build up to the smart times party at the impressive Kaprun castle later that evening.
After a late night, Sunday morning was again a beautiful sunny day back at the airfield venue with test drives, music and a range of activities and attractions prior to the closure of smart times 2010 and the prospect of a new country and new venue for 2011.
The castle again provided an ideal venue for the evening’s activities however we had all been promised a very special announcement at the start of the evening’s celebrations. An amazing sound and light show started with the castle walls providing an ideal screen for multiple images accompanied by a soundtrack that reverberated around the arena. Video showed the last 10 years of smart times events. Some superb memories and all leading up to the big announcement for 2011. The music built up, flags for European countries appeared on the walls, images of fortwos zoomed around the castle ramparts and eventually, three streams of bright light in green, white and red swept around the walls followed by the image of a fortwo bursting through the walls covered in the Italian flag! After 10 years in Austria, smart times will start its European journey by moving across the Austrian border to Riccione, Italy in 2011.
The evening continued with multiple rooms within Kaprun castle hosting a number of individual discos and music throughout the night preceded by the presentation of prizes to the winners of the
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There can be no doubt that smart times 2010 was THE best smart times yet. With enthusiasts from 20 countries and 26 smart clubs including smart club Deutschland e.V. , smart club Niedersachsen e.V., smart club-HH, smart-forum.it, smart club france, smartclub.be, smartmania.gr, smart club Bayern, vivilasmart.it, smartistas (Portugal), smart club Roma, smartmembers.ch, smart club Tschechien, smart club Poland, Danmark smart klub, smarties (Deutschland), smart roadster club (Italien), smart club Österreich, RMS (Deutschland), rhein-ruhr smarts, neurosmart club italia, smarte Münchner, smartforum.nl, smart-ruhrgebiet.de, smartklub.hu and of course, thesmartclub ltd. Our thanks go to Daniel Nussbaum and our friends and colleagues in both smart Stuttgart and in smart Austria for such a great Event. To the superb team at Lautstark in Vienna including Christian Kohler and the amazing Dr Francesca Guidetti who coordinated the entire 2010 programme. Our thanks also to Barbara and Nadine Pippan for their support and assistance over the weekend and to Isabella Andric for her invaluable help, cooperation and work during the event and on the mysmart.com web site prior to and following the 2010 event. The smart times concept was launched 10 years ago in Austria and quickly grew over the years from a local smart Austria event to become the annual primary event for smart car owners and enthusiasts across Europe and beyond. The move to Riccione, Italy in 2011 sees what we are sure is the start of a new dimension to smart times events attracting even more enthusiasts to share smart experiences. thesmartclub will, of course, be in Riccione and we will be working closely with the organisational teams across Europe to bring you the latest information and plans. Meantime our sincere thanks to all involved in Austria for all their help and success over the past 10 years in making smart times what it has become today.
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
The smart Festival
The smart Festival 2010 on 4th September not only attracted clear skies and sunshine, it also brought a huge number of smart car enthusiasts and members of the public, some new to the smart brand, to Mercedes Benz World, UK for a day of entertainment and activities.
Festivities started at 10am with a superb display by the ‘smart arrows’ team sharing panel paint and some ‘near misses’ as they performed an impressive series of synchronised moves in front of the main Mercedes-Benz World complex. It was a display of impeccable timing and driving skills. No sooner had the performance area cleared than a set of goal posts were put in place and a ‘World Cp’ style football competition was launched – the teams being ‘English’ smarts on one side versus the rest of the world.
It was tense match with England ahead by one goal at half time and seeing England eventually winning the match despite having a ‘car’ sent off in the second half … and yes, there was some questionable refereeing! Great fun and genuinely exciting for the hundreds of spectators surrounding the main display area. Of course, having Mercedes-Benz World as the main venue meant space for activities
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inside the building including the ‘smart studio’ where guests sat in a smart and sang their chosen song to a backing track which was then available to take away on CD. A virtual electronic graffiti wall allowed for those with creative flair to ‘spray’ with electronic cans on to a large screen whist a display of smart cars demonstrated the development and history of the cars from concept through to the present day.
The latest range of smart clothing was put on show, not in a static display but by way of a fashion show with superb audience participation voting for their favourite clothing and accessory range. That audience participation continued during an innovative musical segment early in the afternoon where over 100 people equipped themselves with plastic tubing to accompany an energetic piece of synchronised rhythmic music!
The main grass strip next to the display areas had again been set aside for a number of third party traders and a wide range of food outlets serving a variety of hold or cold food and drinks. Better still, everyone arriving at the event received a free ‘goodie bag’ on entry containing food and drink vouchers that could be used to partially or fully offset the cost of these refreshments. As the afternoon progressed, the temperature continued to rise and it was great to see some of the event staff handing out free small bottles of sun-screen lotion for both adults and children!
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‘4site’ : Issue 16
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
www.thesmartclub.com
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TECH TALK
The annual competition categories for ‘Best Kept’, Most Modified’ and Best Dressed’ were well supported and attracted considerable interest with voting in each category being carried out by those attending the event. Star of the afternoon was none other than Lewis Hamilton who had kindly agreed to participate in the prize giving ceremony in advance of him participating in the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy later that day. It was a real honour to have Lewis involve himself so proactively and so enthusiastically in the smart Festival that day.
Following the first ‘Tech Talk’ session on June 1st where thesmartclub was privileged hold a two hour session on the subject of “smart Motorsport – Safety & Performance”, we were delighted to see three further sessions taking place. The thing that makes these following sessions so special was the in depth knowledge and expertise offered by each of the guest presenters making this international online session so interactive and informative. June 29th featured the talents and knowledge of Mike Northeast from Sasho smart car Specialist (UK) on the subject of “smart car engines, tuning, faults and repairs”. This organisation has some of the best experience and in depth knowledge of smart engines and it was a great session in which to participate. July 13th saw Pitt Moos, one of Daimler AG’s experts on the smart fortwo electric drive, discussing the car’s development, environment and future initiatives. Pitt’s regularly available via the social media sites and has an enviable knowledge of the product and car’s background
As with all previous major events (smart Festivals, Destination Brooklands and the earlier London to Brighton events) it is a testament to the support of Mercedes-Benz UK and smart that admission to this year’s event continued to be FREE of charge to all attendees. In the current economic climate it was not only encouraging to see such a high attendance from across UK and parts of Europe, but the fact that this event could again be provided to all attending on a ‘no charge’ admission basis is a real benefit. Our thanks go to all the Traders present, to Jane Robertson and the entire team at smart for a superb day, to Laura and Lorraine and her team for all the logistics, to all at Mercedes-Benz World and to Steve Deeks and Andrew Coley for the great commentary throughout the day.
www.thesmartclub.com
Then, just prior to the smart times 2010 Event, a Tech Talk session was held on August 10th with Thomas Binder, designer from Daimler AG, who described the work of a designer from the sketch to the final car. This was again a fascinating insight into the challenges a car designer faces. With online participation from smart owners and enthusiasts from across the world the two hour online sessions are filled ‘end to end’ with debate from the minute each session starts. These ‘Tech Talk’ sessions have been very well received and our continued thanks goes to Isabella Andric and the smart times’ team for their support and development of this initiative. To find out more about the above Tech Talk sessions, access the smart times Facebook page at:
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
www.thesmartclub.com
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Features
Stuck for something to say?
A homage to the smart Roadster Bernhard Reichel has produced what has to be the definitive, collector’s book about the smart Roadster.
Currently only available in German, this superb hardback book covers the launch, development and all models of the smart Roadster including the BRABUS V6 bi-turbo development. This is no ordinary book however – outstanding high quality full colour images supplement beautifully descriptive text that covers every aspect of the smart Roadster. The book takes you on a journey from the external aspects of the car, the internal developments, engine and functionality. In addition, every model and every variant of the Roadster is covered in this 172 page book. For those people attending smart times 2010, you may have been lucky enough to have grabbed a special smart times limited edition signed book of which only 300 were produced! We believe that this is probably the best, most definitive book currently available about the smart Roadster and we equally believe that there will be sufficient interest and demand for the publishers to produce a version in English for the UK, North American and other geographies. If you have a smart Roadster, this is a book for your collection – if you do not have a smart Roadster, it’s a superbly collectable book to acquire simply to add to your smart collection. Find out more at www.hollinek.at, email office@hollinek.at or phone +43-223-167365
www.thesmartclub.com
Following the amazing attendance at the 2010 smart Festival and the equally huge number of visitors to thesmartclub marquee, we were delighted to see the popularity of our four different ‘in car’ stickers for you and your smart. Each of these stickers is designed to be displayed on the inside of your windscreen, rear window or any other glass surface and are easy to apply and remove.
Stickers measure 50mm high and are 250mm wide and are priced at £2.99 each (2,99 GBP) plus postage and packing. They will be available in our Online Shop mid October 2010 or are available now by calling thesmartclub on +44-845-299-0332.
Continuing to be “the place for all things smart“TM Just over ten years ago, thesmartclub launched its first MessageBoard Forum to cater for the needs and discussion requirements of a handful of UK smart owning enthusiasts. Since then, our online services have grown exponentially and we now serve Members and enthusiasts in 52 countries around the world. October 2010 sees the first of a number of major changes to our web site bringing you a crisper, easier web site but still packed with information and access to official smart news, cars, Dealership offers and Member information. Plus we’ll have more details on international events and some great offers from our Online Shop.
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Mods & Maintenance! Roadster – Inside the clutch actuator Content and images courtesy of FQ101 Most people are aware of what the actuator does, but few are aware of how it actually works. In this article, our colleagues at FQ101 demystify the inner workings of this key component in your car. The principle of the actuator is to automatically push the clutch release arm (and hence clutch) to remove drive from the engine to the gearbox. This action is simply taking the place of a clutch cable and your foot in a conventional setup. The actuator motor is held on with 2x T30 torx bolts. These will be held on extremely tight as the actuator is typically a non-serviceable item.
Once these have been removed, you need to release the locating bracket by pushing up, and pulling the locating lug out. Again, this will be on very tight.
When adjusting the clutch, the Star (and Winstar) machines have the ability to adjust the position of the actuator by decimals of a millimeter. This is achieved by utilising a series of tiny steps in the gear on the end of the motor shaft as you can see from this close up image:
The motor itself is a simple DC motor with the coils on the rotor and permanent magnets on the stator. If you are only servicing your actuator, do not attempt to take the motor apart. This is just to show you what it looks like inside.
The actuator motor is now free. You will have to use a bit of force to remove it from the actuator case. You can see the helical gear on the end of the motor shaft gives uniform and consistent control over the actuator movement.
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
The actuator pin is secured on a simple ball joint which will remove by pulling hard. You can see the reason for this is to take up and small deviations in the path due to the arc angle taken by the actuator cog.
A new actuator can be ordered from your smart dealer under with the following part number: SQ000 3226 V016 0000 00. However, they are around 200 GBP new, so make sure it has failed before you hand over your hard earned cash! Under the cover, you will see the internal workings of the actuator. The following picture shows the actuator parked in the 'engaged' position. The pin is retracted fully so it is not pushing on the clutch release arm. The clutch will be engaged as a result.
Looking inside, you can see the ball joint socket. If your actuator has become lethargic in operation, flood this with grease.
The worm gear on the end of the actuator motor connects into an arc gear mounted in the main unit. This pivots on an axis creating the linear movement. If servicing the actuator, flood this area with grease as well.
WARNING: The next steps show you the inside of the actuator assembly. If your actuator does not work following a simple service, it is likely that you need a new actuator. We do not advise opening the actuator assembly as the internal return spring is under high compression. Certainly do not attempt to refit an actuator once the cover has been removed.
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Due to the position of the arc gear, the actuator spring is fully compressed, but the force is acting towards the arc gear pivot point. As a result, the arc gear cannot rotate and the actuator is stable. Upon changing gear, the actuator motor will begin to rotate. The arc gear will start to turn around its pivot point. The pin will start to move out linearly.
As the arc gear turns, the force of the actuator spring no longer acting towards the arc pivot point and it can assist in turning the arc gear. This is useful as the motor alone does not have enough force to push the clutch release arm.
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Smart way to visit the Festival! For the fifth year in succession, smart of Wolverhampton invited some of their customers to join them to form a convoy of smarts to travel down to Mercedes-Benz World, Brooklands, for this year’s smart festival. As in previous years, it was an early start for the intrepid travellers. They met at smart of Wolverhampton at 7.30am on the Saturday morning, to be greeted by the Wolverhampton team bearing mugs of tea and
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bacon sandwiches. Then it was into their smart cars to form the convoy before heading south. Smart of Wolverhampton General Manager was delighted with the convoy. “It makes a real day of it, and we certainly turn a few heads on the motorway! Many of our customers return for this event each year, and our staff give up their weekend to take part”
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If you understand moments, you can see the actuator motor is positioned further away from the arc pivot point than the spring. This allows the motor to overcome the force of the spring when returning the actuator to the 'engaged' position. These are the individual components that make up the actuator: The spring continues to thrust the pin out in a very quick action. It needs to be quick as delayed operation of the clutch release arm will lead to clutch wear (similar to 'riding the clutch' in a conventional setup). In this position, the clutch is disengaged.
Future issues of 4site will include additional DIY hints and tips from FQ101. For any specific questions regarding the above instructions, please contact thesmartclub directly or visit the FQ101 web site at: www.fq101.co.uk
www.thesmartclub.com
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of the most competitive fortwos you’ll find. And being road legal, there’s rarely been a better way to own a competitive yet practical BRABUS!
Features thesmartclub – Motorsport
We’ll be keeping you fully updated with developments between now and April when the series starts and then throughout 2011.
thesmartclub is delighted to announce its formal association with smarts4youracing ltd. Although there had been a fortwo race series in Belgium and Italy in previous years, the concept of a smart based race series has been given a new lease of life thanks to the team at smarts4youracing. Based on the new BRABUS fortwo, the 2011 race series will be run under the Brit car series and offers you, what has to be, the most cost effective competitive entry into a superb race series for 2011. The team at smarts4youracing have years of professional motorsport experience behind them and have spent months developing the car. It is now, without doubt, one
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In addition, you can also benefit from the range of competition parts and accessories that are being offered by smarts4youracing – so for anyone who is unable to compete, you can at least ensure your fortwo benefits from the technical development work the team have established and upgrade your fortwo. You can find more information about the 4two cup on the page opposite or by contacting James or Paul at smarts4youracing by phone on +44-(0)-208-989-4449. Alternatively visit www.smarts4youracing.com and www.the4twocup.com . You can find out more about thesmartclub and our Motorsport activities at www.thesmartclub.com/motorsport
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Regular Local Meetings If you regularly meet with a group of local smart owners and enthusiasts and you would like your meeting included in our future listings, please email events.team@thesmartclub.com or telephone us on +44 (0) 845 299 0332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine. For LATEST information and location details always check the Events Diary via the ‘News & Events’ panel on our homepage (www.thesmartclub.com).
DAFT Mansfield meet 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm The Snipe Pub, Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 1JE Edinburgh meet The Melville Inn, Lasswade. First Sunday every month from 2 pm Shepperton meet 1st Wednesday of every month 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm: The Thames Court, Towpath, Shepperton, TW17 9LJ.
East smart Cambridge meet 2nd Monday of every month, Grantchester
East Kent smarties nd 2 Wednesday of every month, from 8:00 pm Dukes Head Pub, Sellindge, nr Ashford, Kent
St. Albans Meet 4th Thursday of every month from 7:30 pm The Three Horseshoes, 612 Hatfield Road Smallford, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HP
Sussex Smarts Sunday breakfast Our Breakfast meet is every 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month.10.00 am, Chalet Cafe, Cowfold, West Sussex. (approx half mile south of Cowfold on A281).
Essex smarties meet 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7:00 pm Normally The Six Bells Pub, Main Road, Boreham, Chelmsford. CM3 3JE Check Meetings Section of thesmartclub Forum
NWsmarties meet 3rd Thursday of every month from 6:30 pm The Hollow Tree, Tarporley Road, Stretton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 4LX
Milton Keynes & Northampton smart meet Every 2nd Monday, 7:30 pm onwards Check Meetings Section of thesmartclub MessageBoard, Navigation Pub, Stoke Bruerne
Please note that as many of the above meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.
Contact thesmartclub We have a wide range of contact options available to you enabling you to have questions answered: Email Enquiries General: admin@thesmartclub.com Membership: membership@thesmartclub.com Privilege Card: privilege@thesmartclub.com Events: events@thesmartclub.com Technical (car related): technical@thesmartclub.com Technical (web related): webmaster@thesmartclub.com Advertising: advertising@thesmartclub.com Club Merchandise: distribution@thesmartclub.com Phone +44 (0) 845 299 0332
Fax +44 (0) 131 312 6167
Post thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
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Smart Community
thesmartclub SHOP
my-smart.com
thesmartclub is delighted to announce the launch of the official smart 2009/2010 smartware catalogue and this range of products is now available directly from the thesmartclub shop!! thesmartclub Shop now has a superb range of official smart merchandise from the Pure, Pulse, Passion and Ecological lines and we deliver these straight to your door. What’s more, as a Member of thesmartclub, you benefit from 7.5% discount on ALL these products.
Continuing to build on the huge success of smart times 2009 and smart times 2010 Events, the my-smart.com web site continues to embed itself as the international smart community’s official social media web site sharing news, views and experiences. With BLOG and Forum features, the site is multi-lingual and is the primary information source for smart times 2011. Registration process is free, simple and requests the minimal amount of information enabling you to create and upload your own Profile, smart story and images. Videos of the 2009 and 2010 smart times Events are available for download and, in association with the smart times facebook web site (www.facebook.com/smarttimes) it’s a ‘must bookmark’ page on your browser.
Smart Community
You can also order any product for you and your smart from the superb 2010 ‘smart and BRABUS’ collection!! Again, Members of thesmartclub benefit from 7.5% discount on all the BRABUS products available via our Shop. You can access our Shop from our home page www.thesmartclub.com or go directly to www.thesmartclubshop.com
Smart UK’s official online community enables you to get connected to the latest news, the top experts, and loads of other smart fans. Set-up your profile and share videos, photos and organise events. Offering a range of official smart video, images and information directly from smart UK you can also set up groups and topical discussions. You can access the service at: www.destinationsmart.co.uk
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If you do not have access to the Internet, you can call thesmartclub directly on:
+44 (0) 845 299 0332 or write to us at the address shown on Page 30 of this issue of 4site Magazine.
To ensure you keep up to date with the latest news from thesmartclub, make sure you follow us on twitter. We have regular updates covering Events, news about the latest products in our Club Shop plus ‘on event’ updates fed back live from our teams around the world. http://twitter.com/thesmartclub
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 16
September 2010
thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Dealership News
Local smart owners get in line for a record event
smart of Derby answers the Samaritans’ call for help smart of Derby was quick to listen when the Derby and District Branch of Samaritans sent out a call for support. The St Christopher’s Way retailer rose to the occasion by lending its showroom to the charity when it required a handover venue for the Tamworth-Derby leg of its national Samaritans smart tour. The event was designed to raise awareness of the Samaritans vital, round-the-clock 24-hour service and saw a fully-liveried smart visit 175 branches of the Samaritans throughout England, Wales and Scotland, setting off from the Birmingham branch on 10th July and finishing its 5,000-mile round trip on 24th July (24-7).
smart owners from across the West Country put their own spin on formation driving to attend a special event staged by the region’s official smart retailer. More than 100 smart cars descended on smart of Exeter for the retailer’s annual rally, with motorists travelling from Yeovil and Cornwall to take part.
Participants enjoyed breakfast at smart of Exeter’s Mercedes-Benz sister sites in Plymouth, Taunton and Truro before travelling to the event, which was being held for the 6th time. During their stay at the Marsh Barton showroom, guests were treated to a hog roast and there were competitions for those owners who had decorated their car for the occasion.
At each branch the smart – an early left-hand drive fortwo model donated to Birmingham Samaritans by a volunteer who works at the branch – was handed over to a different driver. Those taking the wheel included the charity’s volunteers, local MPs, mayors and even Top Gear’s The Stig. ‘Veronica’, Derby Samaritans’ Media Officer, was delighted at the response from the retailer’s team and its hosting of the handover, which was attended by the Mayor of Derby, Cllr Amar Nath. “The reaction was fantastic and despite the handover being late in the afternoon with heavy traffic and near the close of business, the smart of Derby team gave the car and our volunteers a very warm welcome,” explained Veronica. Veronica was assisted by smart of Derby’s Richard Steel, Chris Carr and Kinewyn Jackson and General Manager Chris was thrilled to help.
The event concluded with a drive to Exmouth, where the smart convoy caused quite a stir amongst locals and day-trippers.
“There is a great camaraderie amongst smart owners so news about the event was spread amongst our own customers as well as those living much further afield,” said Joe Hurrell, smart of Exeter’s senior sales executive. “With over 100 cars and 200 people attending, this year’s rally was the biggest and best yet and the convoy certainly made a spectacular sight for motorists and pedestrians as it travelled from Exeter to Exmouth.” Further information is available from Kathleen Nicholl, Mercedes-Benz and smart South West Tel: +44 (0) 7795 506624
Submitted by Scott Fenn
www.thesmartclub.com
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Smart Brentford Open Day – 17th July 2010 smart of Brentford hosted an open day at their new facility on the Great West Road premises to which all were invited to help them celebrate! We arrived about 10am and there were already quite a few smarties there to support the day. There was a “guess the number of balloons in the fortwo” competition, and a lovely example of the new Urbanstyle fortwo in the showroom. Face painting was available for the kids, as the local schools had been invited to see the unveiling of a smart whose panels had been wrapped in the winning design from a competition they had taken part in to design the funkiest panels for the day. The dealership manager walked around the assembled smarts to judge the best dressed, the clear winner of which was Den and Angie in the Spotty smart! Thanks to all at smart of Brentford for their hospitality and for putting on the event – a very enjoyable get-together and I’m sure the beginning of a successful new venue for smart sales in West London! Smart of Lincoln Fun Day 1st August 2010 An open invitation from smart of Lincoln led to a fantastic day out around the Fens! We were welcomed to smart of Lincoln from 10am on a bright Sunday morning. We were handed our goody bags on arrival, containing a car sticker, funky t-shirt, pack of smart playing cards, bottle of water...and of course, a tube of smarties! smart of Lincoln could not have been more welcoming – free tea and coffee on arrival, a smart jumble which was launched upon with great gusto by all those present, competitions, top notch barbeque and a fantastic Treasure Hunt around the Lincolnshire countryside including vouchers for a free soft drink at a pub on the route AND a complimentary ice cream from a local dairy farm! Congratulations to Richard and Alison Green who were the eventual winners, along with the other winners of the best modified smart and the “Close-Up” competition. Complimentary diagnostics were available from a very knowledgeable pack of service guys on site. Many thanks to all smart of Lincoln for a superb day out and for all of the very hard work which had obviously gone into planning the day! Submitted by Helen Cooke
www.thesmartclub.com
smart Brooklands 4th July 2010 Once again, Mercedes-Benz Brooklands opened their doors to thesmartclub to enable 40 members to have a get together at this prestigious venue. Everyone was made to feel very welcome for the evening and refreshments were available. Our thanks go to Ian Straw, Aftersales Manager, and Duncan Martin for organising this as well as all the staff who were happy to give up their time to be there for us. This year the smart ‘theme field’ was opened for all those attending which gave an opportunity to look at various models which included two BRABUS Tailor Made smarts. There was also an opportunity to view a Maybach, Maclaren SLR and two MercedesBenz SLS’s. All those who attended were invited to participate in a free prize draw which included amazing prizes including the first prize of a free smart service, and further prizes of a full valet, free MOT, and other smart goodies. The Parts/Spares Department were not disappointed and found smart accessories, parts and panels for old and new smarts which were rapidly bought, subject to having space in members’ cars of course! It is hoped to repeat this event in 2011 so watch this space! Smart Jamboree - Sytner Group – 14/15 August 2010 Over the above weekend The Sytner Group held smart events at their group dealerships at Northampton, Milton Keynes, Swindon and Northampton. Synter at Bristol held their event at the later date of 21st August. thesmartclub was pleased to be invited and have the pleasure of attending a number of these Jamboree events. Across the dealerships this included special offers and prizes, food/refreshments, entertainment and music. The events also provided an excellent opportunity for Sytner to present and promote the formal opening of the smart Centre at Northampton and introduction of Ian Jones as the head of smart sales. In addition, we welcomed the new head of the sales team at smart of Milton Keynes, Chris Bosman. Submitted by Amanda Randall
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 16
September 2010
thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Dealership News Smart Centre Saarbrucken Auf dem Servicegipfel in Hannover wurde das smart Center Saarbrücken von der Daimler AG für „herausragende Kundenbetreuungsqualität“ ausgezeichnet. Unter allen smart Centern Deutschlands belegte das Saarbrücker Autohaus den 1. Platz der Studie über Kundenzufriedenheit in Service und Verkauf. Centerleiter Uwe Conrad und Servicemanager Werner Letter haben die Auszeichnung in Hannover von der Geschäftsleitung der Daimler AG stellvertretend für alle Mitarbeiter in Empfang genommen. Das Team des smart Centers Saarbrücken ist sehr stolz darauf, dass es seit Jahren die zufriedensten smart Kunden Deutschlands betreut.
The smart Centre Saarbrücken was awarded the prize for "Outstanding Quality in Customer Services" at the service-summit in Hannover in Germany. Amongst all German smart-centres, Saarbrücken smart Centre reached first place in the survey for customer satisfaction, service and sales. The award was presented by the General Management Daimler AG to the teamrepresentatives, Centre manager Uwe Conrad and Service manager Werner Letter in Hannover. The smart centre Saarbrücken is very proud to service Germany's most content smart customers. (Our thanks to Isabella Andric for this translation)
News from smart, Hambach Décès de Nicolas Hayek, le père de la smart Nicolas Hayek est décédé 28th June à 82 ans d’une crise cardiaque. Il était un grand capitaine d’industrie, un précurseur et un visionnaire bien avant les autres. On lui doit le concept de la smart, développé avec Mercedes, la petite citadine, compacte et flexible. Il avait, avant l’heure, réfléchi à des énergies alternatives dont la smart électrique, la smart ed, est aujourd’hui l’un des plus beaux symboles.
Nicolas Hayek, the father of the smart, died at the age of 82 years on 28th June. He was a great captain of industry, a pioneer and a visionary, ahead of the rest. He was behind the concept of the smart, developed with Mercedes, producing the compact and flexible small car. Well ahead of his time, he had thought of the smart energy alternatives including the electric smart ed, now one of the most beautiful concepts.
More news from Hambach! Our regular Readers will know that we have News and features from Hambach (smartville) in a number of 4site issues. We are pleased to advise that not only will thesmartclub continue its annual visit to smartville, but we will now feature regular updates and news directly from the smartville factory and some of the partner on-site suppliers.
Nicolas Hayek lors de l’inauguration du site, le 27 octobre 1997
www.thesmartclub.com
Our continued thanks to all involved at smartville for their ongoing support and enthusiasm for thesmartclub ltd.
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
New generation smart fortwo Stuttgart: 19th July
News from smart The world's smallest TV studio Stuttgart: 1st July The mobile TV studio is a smart fortwo with five video cameras fitted inside and outside. For maximum creativity, four different formats are used. Accompanied by English presenter Pete Nottage, a number of urban themes – fashion, music, speed-dating and urban view – are explored in a smart fortwo. In keeping with the campaign motto "remix your reality", the smart studio is transformed into the world’s smallest catwalk for designers Lala Berlin and Romebased Livia Risi or becomes the scene for exciting speed dates for young urbanites. As part of the Music format, electronic music is mixed live in the smart fortwo. This gives young musicians – like Rodion and Carola Pisaturo from Rome or Pan Pot from Berlin – the chance to present their songs to an international audience.
"Cities love smart and smart loves cities. So what could be more natural than exploring European cities and their trends in a smart?” says Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart. All music and video clips can be viewed on the www.smart-studio.tv microsite – which was designed in cooperation with Stuttgart street artist Peter Kosock – and visitors can leave ratings and comments as well. The website regularly presents the latest programmes from the tour cities together with additional film material about the smart brand. It also allows smart fans to create their own content and to take part in one of the formats, for example as a contestant on a speed dating show. A supporting banner and Facebook ad campaign, teaser films for cities, print ads and radio spots are all designed to help raise the profile of the smart studio in the international media.
www.thesmartclub.com
The new generation smart fortwo will be launched in the autumn of 2010 with a fresh interior look, an upgraded exterior and even more environmentally friendly engines.
There is now a choice of seven carefully coordinated colours for the exterior including trendy matt paintwork for the first time. The tridion safety cell is now optionally available in white and the new colours red and blue expand the choice of colours available for the cabrio soft top. Optional LED daytime driving lights and new alloy wheels offer even more opportunities for customisation. Fresh fabrics and colours and a new cockpit design determine the high quality interior ambience of the two-seater car. The information, communication and entertainment systems available for the new generation smart fortwo boast state-of-the-art technology. The vehicles are powered by petrol engines rated at 45 or 52 kW that have been further refined and set a new benchmark with emissions of less than 100 g/km CO2. Emitting just 86 g/km, the smart fortwo cdi maintains its top position as the CO2 champion.
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‘4site’ : Issue 16
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
The most important new features at a glance
Engines with lower fuel consumption and emissions
Exterior • New and extended colour range (matt light green and light blue metallic) • tridion safety cell in white, in conjunction with door mirror caps & radiator grille in white • Two new cabrio soft top colours (red and blue) bodypanel plus package (front and rear apron and side skirts finished in the in bodypanel colour) • Three new 15" alloy wheels • LED daytime driving lights • Painted fuel filler cap • One-hand operation of tailgate Interior • Redesigned instrument panel • New fabric pattern and colours for all lines • New dial design (instrument cluster and dashboard instruments) • Trip computer (trip information, current fuel consumption, settings) • Assistance package (cruise control, trip computer, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift and leather gear knob) • Ambient lighting (in door pockets, footwell, instrument panel and overhead console, dimmable) • Glove compartment with clip function • Stowage box for centre console • Net pockets on side bolsters of seats • Matt chrome painted steering wheel bezel for the passion line • Modified seams for leather steering wheel • Information, communication and entertainment systems • Audio system basic (RDS radio with USB/Aux interface) • Audio system navigation/multimedia (RDS radio with 6.5" touchscreen display, navigation, Bluetooth hands-free system, AUX/USB, iPod interface, CD/DVD/SD) • Surround sound system (2 tweeters, 2 mid-range speakers, 2 rear-fills, subwoofer, digital amplifier) Drive • Engines with lower CO2 and pollutant emissions • BRABUS engine rated at 75 kW instead of 72 kW
www.thesmartclub.com
The engines of the new generation work more efficiently than ever before. The 40 kW cdi turbodiesel is the CO2 champion with emissions of just 86 g/km. The optimised petrol engines also set new records with regard to CO2 emissions. Thanks to detailed work on the engine control unit and exhaust system both the 45 kW mhd and the 52 kW mhd consume 4.2 litres of petrol per 100 km (combined figure) – corresponding to CO2 emissions of 97 g/km (combined figure). The 62 kW version consumes 4.9 litres of fuel over 100 km (corresponding to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km). The power output of the BRABUS version has been increased from 72 kW to 75 kW. Despite this, at 119 g CO2 per 100 kilometres (combined figure) even the more powerful engine remains below the 120 gram threshold.
No other car is cheaper to run The new generation smart fortwo not only boasts a fresh and upgraded look, high quality materials, enhanced intelligent equipment and environmentally friendly engines; exceptional economy and low running costs remain defining features. According to calculations by the ADAC, the largest German automobile club, even the first generation of the charming two-seater was the most economical car on the German market. At €320 per month the smart fortwo coupe 1.0 mhd had the lowest costs of all available new cars tested by the automobile association. The ADAC also took loss of value into account, and this is particularly low for the smart fortwo compared with other cars. The verdict was that no other car is cheaper to run in Germany. The car magazine "Auto, Motor und Sport" also put the trendy two-seater at the top of its table of costefficient cars.
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
Submit an Article to ‘4site’ - We want to hear from you! With a truly international audience, ‘4site’ provides you with an ideal additional channel to tell smart owners and enthusiasts about your ‘smart’ filled holiday, vacation, modifications, tours, competitions and ‘smart’ lifestyle. We make it easy for you to submit articles to us, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You can submit articles directly to us via a dedicated page on our web site.
You can email articles, images and graphics to us any time, any day.
Visit www.thesmartclub.com and select the ‘Forums & Info’ menu option, then ‘4site’ and ‘Submit an Article’.
Your text can be created in an email, pasted into an email or sent to us in any file format. Emails should sent to:
You can type your text directly into the page we provide or paste text you have created elsewhere.
We understand that not everyone has access to the internet or email services. You can send us typed or handwritten letters along with any pictures* and we’ll transcribe your text.
4site@thesmartclub.com Letters should be sent to: ‘4site’ magazine thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
Click ‘SUBMIT’ and you’re done!
We’ll acknowledge all submissions received and advise you when/if your article is being included. * Note that any pictures posted to us cannot be returned. ‘4site’ is an international magazine for smart car owners and enthusiasts – your magazine and your opportunity to share your smart life with others! ‘4site’ magazine ‘4site’ is an independent quarterly magazine produced, published and distributed by thesmartclub ltd. The magazine is not for resale or commercial redistribution. All content © thesmartclub 2010 and global Daimler media © 2010 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The submit button © Kiankhoon, email image © Tomislav Stajduhar, party people image Poznyakov, girl writing © Showface | Dreamstime.com. Front and rear magazine cover design and composition by Oliver Whittaker. thesmartclub is a brand of thesmartclub ltd, Company number SC259434, registered in Scotland, UK. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, no legal responsibility is accepted by thesmartclub ltd nor its associated third party companies for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. Views expressed in ‘4site’ are not necessarily those of thesmartclub ltd. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the firms whose advertisements appear within this publication however thesmartclub ltd cannot accept responsibility for the offers made by the advertisers even when making specific offers to Members of thesmartclub ltd.
www.thesmartclub.com
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thesmartclub ltd … a decade of dedication. 2000 to 2010
www.thesmartclub.com
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