ISSUE 34 - 2016
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Welcome Welcome to the latest issue of ‘4site’ smart magazine.
In this quarter’s issue of ‘4site: News from smart World premiere for the fourth-generation 4 smart electric drive: Electrification of all smart models
Al Young Editor, Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd thesmartclub ltd. 1 Corbiehill Park Edinburgh EH4 5EQ UK Tel: +44 (0) 8452 990332
Welcome to another edition of our hugely popular smart magazine ‘4site’. There’s no doubt that 2016 has positively zoomed by and we’re already in full planning and activity mode for 2017. As many of you will recall, earlier this year, thesmartclub was engaged in planning a smartville (Hambach) and BRABUS (Bottrop) joint visit to both operations in June 2017. Within days of advising the 2016 Hambach participants of these planned dates, smart announced that the date for ‘smart times’ would move from its traditional late August slot to earlier in the year, namely 16th and 17th June 2017 in Salou, Spain. Those new dates for smart times not only directly impact the earlier BRABUS and smart planning, but would make bundling all 3 events into one major event over 2 weeks impractical for most people, even placing to one side the cost challenges! We have supported smart times events since launch and, for smart times 2017, I’m delighted to say that we are in regular contact with our colleagues at smart regarding the event in Salou. You can find the latest official information and Registration facility at www.smarttimes17. com. You can also discover more information in this issue of ‘4site’, visit our dedicated online information pages at www.thesmartclub.co.uk/ smarttimes17/. You can also look out for the March 2017 issue of ‘4site’ smart magazine which will have a section of the magazine dedicated to the event in Salou.
Big celebrations for a small car: smart sales passes the two million mark smart reveals revised range
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smart forcops
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“smart electric symphony” at the Festival 14 of Lights smart times 2017
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smart electric drive greenflash: Exclusive 21 special model for the launch smart times 2016
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smart UK Retailer Initiative
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Regular Local Meetings
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thesmartclub Shop
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Readers Stories The New Smart ED - an electrifying return 26 to the Future Small Car, Big City! - smart fortwo Cabriolet Dealership News Crème continues on the road to sweet success Advertisers bob! Bounce Off Bumper Protector JCMotorhomes S2Smarts smart BRABUS smart Insurance smart of Wolverhamption
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27/29 20 2 9/11/13 31 16/17
The work and planning progressed to date in respect of the original ‘Hambach and BRABUS 2017’ event will be updated to plan a coordinated tour of both production facilities in 2018 rather than 2017 and, of course, we’ll have further details throughout 2017 regarding this visit to both sites. In the meantime, on behalf of the whole team that ensure thesmartclub continues to operate after 16 amazing years, I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you the very best over the Festive season and a smart filled, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Best wishes Al Al Young Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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News from smart
World premiere for the fourth-generation smart electric drive: Electrification of all smart models
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Stuttgart/Paris. The new smart electric drive* is making electric mobility more attractive than ever. This is because it combines the agility of a smart with emission-free driving – the ideal combination for urban mobility. This is the fourth-generation electric smart, which is now available in all three body styles – including, for the first time, the smart forfour. This makes smart the only car manufacturer, worldwide, to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive. The smart electric drive celebrated its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show (1 to 16 October 2016), while the market launch will start in the USA in December 2016 and in Europe in early 2017. The smart electric drive will go on sale early 2017, and first cars will arrive in the UK from September 2017. “The smart is the perfect city car, and with electric drive it becomes a little bit more perfect”, said Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “This is why we will soon be offering our entire range – smart fortwo, smart cabrio and even our smart forfour – as all-electric versions. Together with lots of smart fans and enthusiastic drivers of the three predecessor generations, we are looking forward to the unique driving fun offered by the new smart electric drive. And at very attractive prices, especially in countries where there is a buyer’s premium”.
The most important information at a glance: • smart is the only car manufacturer worldwide to offer its model range with both combustion engines and pure battery-electric drive as the smart fortwo, smart fortwo cabrio and smart forfour are available as electric drive models. • The smart fortwo cabrio is the only electric cabriolet on the market. • With torque of 160 Newton metres, the 60 kW electric car boasts exceedingly responsive acceleration. * Electric power consumption, weighted: 13.1 – 12.9 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions, combined: 0 g/km
When fully charged, the battery has sufficient power to cover approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) in accordance with the NEDC, making it ideal for urban use. • With the high-performance on-board charger the smart electric drive can be charged up to twice as quickly as before (depending on the country version and the electricity supply network). • With the new fast charger (optional extra available from 2017) the vehicle can be fully charged in less than 45 minutes (depending on the country version and the electricity supply network). Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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News from smart
World premiere for the fourth-generation smart electric drive: Electrification of all smart models continued... smart electric drive: agile, quiet and local emission-free urban driving In line with the rest of the range, the smart’s driving characteristics are as agile and lively as ever. The ultrasmall turning circle of 6.95 metres contributes to this. The smart electric drive will come with a wide variety of colours and optional equipment – making it easy for the customer to personalise their smart electric drive. Charging time is an important factor for electric vehicle customers and the new smart electric drive boasts major improvements here. All models have a new, powerful onboard charger as standard. In the USA and Great Britain the charging time is 2.5 hours – half as long as for its predecessor. In Germany, where a different charger is needed due to single-phase alternating current, the smart electric drive can be charged 40 percent faster than before at a household socket. With the “smart control” app the charging process can be conveniently monitored remotely; the app also includes many more functions such as intelligent charging. From 2017 a particularly powerful 22 kW fast charger will be available as an option. This enables the smart electric drive to be charged in as little as 45 minutes. The smart fortwo electric drive models are series produced at smart’s Hambach plant (France). The smart forfour electric drive is produced at the Novo Mesto site (Slovenia). The smart is equipped with a battery from the Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. The company, based in Kamenz, Saxony, has been building the electric heart of the smart electric drive since 2012. A 60 kW (81 hp) electric motor works at the rear of the smart electric drive and transmits its power via a constant ratio to the wheels. Powerful torque of 160 Nm is immediately available from a standstill. The electric drive has a range of approximately 160 km (100 miles) – ideal for emission-free mobility in and around cities. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 130 km/h (80 mph) to maximise the range.
The data for the new smart electric drive at a glance: fortwo
forfour
Motor
Separately excited threephase synchronous motor
Battery
Lithium-ion battery
Battery capacity (kWh)
17.6
Output electric motor (kW/hp) 60/81
Thanks to the power characteristics of the electric motor, the smart needs just one single fixed gear ratio. There is no need for any gear changing – a major advantage in dense city traffic. To reverse, the engine’s direction of rotation changes. The drivetrain is produced in Renault’s plant in Clèon, Northern France.
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fortwo cabrio
smart electric drive
Torque electric motor (Nm)
160
Efficiency class
A+
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
11.5
11.8
12.7
Range NEDC (km)
160
155
155
Maximum speed (km/h)
130
Charging time, 20-100% at a household socket (h)
6 (WEU/UK), 13 (USA)
Charging time, 20-100% Wallbox (h)
3.5 (WEU), 2.5 (UK/USA)
Price1 from (euro)
21,940
25,200
22,600
Recommended retail price for Germany incl. 19% VAT.
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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News from smart
World premiere for the fourth-generation smart electric drive: Electrification of all smart models continued... With eye-catching design details in electric green the special model smart electric drive greenflash is an exciting highlight for the market launch. This special smart electric drive will be available as a coupé and a cabrio with prices starting from €27,839 (incl. environmental bonus: €23,459) [UK details to be confirmed]. After the world premiere in Paris, the new smart fortwo electric drive will be launched in the USA before the end of the year, where around 25 percent of all smarts sold had the battery-electric drive. This will be followed by a market launch in Europe in early 2017. Electric history at smart With the start of the first electrically driven test fleet in 2007 in London, smart also took on a pioneering role in the field of electric mobility when 100 smart fortwo electric drives took to the roads of the British capital – with great success.
As well as the basic transmission mode, the driver can select ECO mode. This is designed for a particularly efficient driving style. In addition, the maximum speed is limited, the accelerator pedal curve adjusted and the maximum recuperation level is pre-selected. In overrun mode or when braking the vehicle’s kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy – this is called recuperation. The radarbased recuperation, which is active in the basic transmission mode, is anticipatory. The traffic situation is monitored with a radar sensor and a recuperation level that suits the current situation is selected. To save energy and extend the range, the smart electric drive also features pre-entry climate control. For example, this enables the desired temperature to be reached in the interior while the vehicle is still charging at a socket. With the “smart control” app lots of electric drive information can be accessed via smartphone, tablet or PC and functions such as pre-entry climate control or intelligent charging can be conveniently controlled remotely. The new model has more operating options than its predecessor. For example, two programmable departure times mean that intelligent charging and pre-entry climate control do not always need to be re-set for frequent journeys.
As early as 2009 smart launched the second generation of the smart fortwo electric drive, with the model being introduced in 18 markets. The objective was to gather as much experience as possible about how customers use and charge electric vehicles. The huge demand exceeded all expectations. Instead of the planned 1,000 vehicles more than 2,000 smart fortwo electric drives were produced in Hambach. From June 2012, the third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive also succeeded in winning wide-ranging buyers for its innovative and forward-looking drive concept. Moreover, in 2013 the smart fortwo was the first all-electric vehicle from a European importer in China. In Germany, the electric smart established itself as the market leader among battery-electric vehicles within a very short space of time with a market share of around 40 percent and was able to maintain this position for three years in a row. The smart electric drive also contributed to the success of the brand as part of the car2go fleet with 1,400 cars in three cities. As car2go vehicles alone, the smart electric drive has covered more than 35 million km in demanding everyday use since the launch.
The smart electric drive models come with additional dashboard instruments which show a power meter and battery status display or, on request, the winter package with heated steering wheel (exact UK specification to be confirmed). The electric drive design package (optionally available) gives the vehicle an expressive look with tridion safety cell and door mirror caps painted in exclusive electric green. And every wish can be catered for when it comes to colours and optional equipment as the smart BRABUS tailor made individualisation programme is also available for the smart fortwo electric drive. 8
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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News from smart
Big celebrations for a small car: smart sales passes the two million mark “The fact that worldwide smart sales have passed the two million mark shows the extent to which delighted customers around the world prefer our uniquely compact and unbelievably agile cars to any other car for city driving. Whether it’s fitted with a combustion engine or an electric motor, whether it’s a two-seater, a four-seater or a stunning cabrio – smart brings drivers plenty of joy and saves them time. For our customers smart is much more than ‘just’ a car,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, head of smart. A pioneering presence in the car industry from the outset Since its market launch in 1998, the urban microcar has enjoyed tremendous success as both a private vehicle and as a fleet vehicle and, since 2008, as a tailor-made vehicle for the car sharing scheme car2go. When it comes to mobility services and options for individualisation, smart has always played a pioneering role in the car industry, constantly redefining urban mobility. At the end of 2015 smart became the world’s first car manufacturer to combine an online store for new cars with a virtual showroom: customers in Italy are able to explore the smart options around the clock at www.smartforstore.it and purchase their chosen vehicle online. The “smart ready to drop” service takes urban mobility a step further: the smart collaboration with DHL enables parcels to be delivered to the boot of your car. Beta-testing of the service began in Stuttgart on 26th September. Tests in Cologne, Bonn and Berlin are to follow within the next few months. The service will eventually be offered in seven German cities. smart now has a presence in 46 markets. In August 2016 the brand’s sales increased by 20.8% and customers took delivery of over 7,631 vehicles. smart proved particularly popular in China last month, with sales of smart models almost treble those in same month last year. China is the third biggest sales market for smart after Germany and Italy.
The smallest vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz Cars portfolio continues its success story with two million models sold to date. Dr. Annette Winkler, head of smart (4th from left), Serge Siebert, head of the Hambach plant (3rd from left) and Dr. Joachim Betker, former head of the Hambach plant (1st from left) celebrated the sales anniversary with the management team and employees. 10
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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News from smart smart forcops
Stuttgart/New York. smart USA has delivered the first 100 smart fortwo vehicles to the New York Police and a further 150 cars have been ordered. With this measure the New York City Police Department (NYPD) is replacing the threewheel motorbikes previously used in the city. Agile, spacious, reliable: these are the main reasons why the Support Services Bureau (SSB) of the New York Police, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Robert S. Martinez, decided to supplement the 9,000 vehicle fleet of the New York law enforcers with 250 smart fortwos. A further decisive feature: unlike the three-wheel motorbikes used to date the smarts have air conditioning, making work easier for the Police on patrol duty in the hot New York summer. The white and blue Police smarts have specific equipment, including a blue revolving roof lamp and Police radio equipment. Officer Ralph Jefferson, who took receipt of one of the first smart fortwos and drives it around Chinatown, is very pleased: “The smart is spacious and agile and makes my job much easier. Many people say that the little patrol cars are really cute, too.”
smart UK Retailer Initiative We’re delighted to announce that smart of Wolverhampton, smart of Edinburgh and smart Brooklands are now participating in the above initiative. These Retailers join a growing number of Retailers where Customers purchasing a new or used smart car benefit from one year’s free Membership of thesmartclub. Contact thesmartclub for more information.
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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News from smart
“smart electric symphony” at the Festival of Lights Stuttgart/Berlin. Visitors to the Festival of Lights outside Berlin’s Union Film studios were treated to a light and music spectacular starring all three smart electric drive models at the weekend. Staged by the internationally sought-after electronic DJ Chris Bekker, the “smart electric symphony” featured four huge Tesla coils and the electric smart fortwo, fortwo cabrio and forfour. The cars served as a giant mixing console, on which Bekker played a track specially composed for the event. The vehicles moved in time to the music and were electrified in spectacular style by flashes of light from the coils. Pictures and videos of the choreography can be seen on Facebook and on other smart social media channels. “As a pioneer of urban electric mobility, this is a great way for us to draw attention to agile and attractive driving pleasure. With our smart electric drive family, we want to ‘switch people on’ to electric vehicles and inspire them” stated Daniel Lescow, head of brand and product management at smart. For the “smart electric symphony” the internationally acclaimed Berlin DJ and music producer Chris Bekker composed a special piece of music to feature Tesla coils and moving vehicles. The three smart electric drive models served as an oversized mixing console. By driving forwards and backwards in time to the music they created choreography, with light flashes from the coils, in which the “singing” flashes electrified the smart vehicles. The “smart electric symphony” was performed a total of four times in front of the studios of the TV programme “Circus Halli Galli” on 8 October. Before, and between performances, visitors were able to enjoy a guided tour of the studio. Following close on the heels of the smart electric drive models’ world premiere at the “Mondial L’Automobile” Motor Show in Paris, at the beginning of October, the “smart electric symphony” was one of the first public events to showcase the vehicles ahead of their market launch. Other effective publicity measures such as the “Electric Billboard” are planned. The market launch campaign will start at the beginning of next year under the claim “The new smart electric drive models. A big idea. Fully electric.” The electric drive models are designed to realise smart’s vision of urban mobility, offering locally emission-free driving at an attractive price.
About the Festival of Lights
Every October for the past ten years, the city of Berlin has been transformed by light installations. National and international artists present works which turn the city into a giant stage. They tell stories, draw attention to special features and introduce cultures, arts and messages. Berlin’s landmarks, historic sites, roads, squares, fashionable neighbourhoods and hotspots of the city’s more recent past are showcased using light. The Festival of Lights runs until 16 October 2016. Pictures and a video of the choreography can be seen on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/smart.germany/ and on other smart social media channels.
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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smart of Wolverhampton
Our friends at Drayton Group smart of West Midlands have some great end of year offers on the new smart fortwo with 0% finance available, plus a complimentary vehicle health check & wash/vac PLUS a chance to win an iPad when you take an extended test drive. And every new & used car purchased from a Drayton Group dealership qualifies for One Year’s complimentary membership of thesmartclub. (Terms & conditions apply - contact Retailer for more information)
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
FOR CITY SLICKERS.
THE NEW SMART GENERATION OFFERS. PERSONAL USER OFFERS smart fortwo passion 71 hp manual metallic* 36 monthly payments of £139 per month smart fortwo prime 71 hp manual
36 monthly payments of £149 per month
PERSONAL USER OFFERS
PERSONAL USER OFFERS smart forfour passion 71 hp manual 36 monthly payments of £149 per month smart forfour prime 71 hp manual 36 monthly payments of £159 per month
Representative example for a smart fortwo passion 71 hp manual Metallic* 36 Monthly Payments of £139.00
On the Road Price £11,420.00
Customer Deposit £1,687.76
Retailer Deposit Contribution £500.00
Total Deposit £2,187.76
Duration of Agreement 36 Months
Optional Final Payment £5,450.00
Credit Total Amount Amount Acceptance of Fee Payable Credit £140.00 £9,232.24 £12,876.76
Purchase Activation Fee £95.00
Fixed Interest Rate 5.47%
APR Representative 6.9%
Drayton Group
Smart of Wolverhampton Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV2 4HD 01902 276 961
www.draytongroup.co.uk
Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the smart range: urban 55.4(5.1)-58.9(4.8), extra urban 72.4(3.9)-76.4(3.7), combined 65.7(4.3)-68.9(4.1). CO2 emissions 99-93 g/km. *Annual mileage for the smart fortwo passion 71 hp is 10,000 miles. Credit Acceptance Fee payable with first payment. Finance based on a 3 year PCP at 10,000 miles per annum. Finance isIssue subject to approval and vehicles must be credit approved and ordered between 01.01.2015 and 31.03.2015 and registered before 30.06.2015, subject to 34credit - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk 17 availability. Excess mileage charges apply. Amount of retailer deposit contribution dependent on model. Finance available from Mercedes-Benz Financial smart – A Daimler Brand. Services UK Ltd, MK7 8ND. Model images shown for demonstration purposes only. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required.
Regular Local Meetings
Although thesmartclub is represented in multiple countries around the world, we are aware of a number of ‘local’ regular smart related meetings that take place in the UK. The meetings we currently have in our Events’ Diary are shown below and the map provides you a quick overview of ‘what’s on where’. 1 Baldock (North Herts & Central Beds) Smart Meet
Meet 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7.30 pm. The George IV, Baldock, London Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire. SG7 6LZ
2 East Kent Smarties
Meet 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm. The King & Queen, 1 New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6DD
Hampshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire & Yorkshire Smart Meets Groups and meetings in these areas. We’ll publicise the dates and location on our Facebook page.
Smart Car Southwest
Regular monthly meets. Check facebook for more information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/smartcarsouthwest/
3 Sussex Smarts Sunday Breakfast
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2
Breakfast meet every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 9.30 am. The Chalet Cafe, Henfield Road, Cowfold, West Sussex. RH13 8DU (approximately half mile south of Cowfold on A281)
Wessex Smarts Please note that as many of the above meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.
Regular monthly meets. Check facebook for more information. https://www.facebook.com/Wessex-Smarts-695819550518554/
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.co.uk or telephone us on +44 (0) 8452 990332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine. For LATEST information and location details always check the ‘Events Diary’ link under ‘News & Events’or check our Online Forum (www.thesmartclub.co.uk)
thesmartclub Shop
thesmartclub has launched a whole new range of branded clothing for Members and non-Members of thesmartclub. In previous years we had a limited range of products but now we are pleased to bring you clothing and clothing accessories across a wide range of products. Many of the products offer you colour choices plus, of course, a wide range of sizes across the clothing range. What makes the new range even more exciting is the option to personalise the majority of clothing items with up to 20 characters of your choice under the logo. So, for example, you may simply wish your name embroidered under our logo or include the name of your local meeting or event. It only costs £2.50 for this feature and represents great value and superb personalisation. The range of products now available ranges from a simple branded ‘ripper wallet’ through a full range of T-shirts, polo shirts, caps, fleeces, rugby shirts, lightweight outdoor jackets and full ‘heavy duty’ outdoor clothing. Members of thesmartclub also benefit from an automatic and superb 7.5% discount across our entire product range simply by selecting the Member Shop link on our homepage or, for our ‘offline Members’, by phoning thesmartclub and quoting your Membership number. 18
4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
You and your smart
We really want to hear from you if you have a special story about your car whether it’s a special car by way of modification or simply a standard car that is special to you in some way.
NEW We understand that you may have a story to tell but the last thing you want to do is sit down in front of your computer and type up some text. So this year we’re making it even easier – as well as having the options to email or post us your story, you can now do it by phone! Just let us know a good number to call you on and we’ll have a chat with you – that will then form the basis of a printed story that you can preview and approve prior to publication.
No typing and you still get your story and pictures in 4site! 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. We’ll acknowledge all submissions received and advise you when/if your article is being included. Just let us know a good number to call you on and we’ll have a chat with you – that will then form the basis of a printed story that you can preview and approve prior to publication.
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.co.uk and select the ‘News & Events’ menu option, then ‘4site Magazine’.
Your text can be created in an email, pasted into an email or sent to us in any file format.
You can type your text directly into the page we provide or paste text you have created elsewhere.
Emails should sent to: 4site@thesmartclub.co.uk
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. Letters should be sent to:
Click ‘SUBMIT’ and you’re done!
‘4site’ magazine thesmartclub ltd Corbiehill Park Edinburgh EH4 5EQ UK
Or you can phone us on +44 (0) 8452 990332
‘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 2016 and global Daimler media © 2016 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The submit button © Kiankhoon, email image © Tomislav Stajduhar, party people image Poznyakov, girl writing © Showface | Dreamstime.com. Design and layout 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. *Note that any pictures posted to us cannot be returned. Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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smart times 2017
For those who were at the amazing smart times event in Hamburg in August this year, and for all those reading the previous issue of ‘4site’ smart magazine, you’ll know that smart times 2017 takes place in Salou, Spain on 16th and 17th June. We will have a wealth of sun, images and smart filled information in the March 2017 issue of ‘4site’ to ensure you can make the best of this superb event. Salou is situated on the north-eastern coast of Spain, only 10km from Tarragon and 112km from Barcelona city centre (or, for those flying and hiring, only 95km south of Barcelona airport). Famous for its wonderful beaches and rocky coves, Salou is a perfect setting for smart times. The enormous promenade area makes a wonderful setting for all the usual smart times’ activities and, as with previous smart times events, there will be a range of tours and activities to make sure you can experience the very best of the area. We know, from our experience during the final stages of last year’s ‘Geneva to Barcelona Rally’, that the roads in and around Salou are fantastic with some truly epic scenery – and this means you can seriously look forward to experiencing wonderful sights during the 2017 smart times’ Parade! Furthermore, following the successful Cascais smart times event in 2014, there will be a big focus on making the most of the beach facilities in Salou. We already know many of those attending smart times 2017 will be extending their stay, as part of a longer holiday, to make the most of the wonderful beaches, sun, sea and surrounding area. In the meantime, keep up to speed with the latest information via the official smart times page at: www.smarttimes17.com where you can also Register for the Event. For any specific questions regarding the event, about which thesmartclub may be able to assist you, simply drop us an email to: smarttimes17@thesmartclub.co.uk
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4site - the columns that support thesmartclub’s website
News from smart
smart electric drive greenflash: Exclusive special model for the launch
With eye-catching design details in electric green the special model smart electric drive greenflash is an exciting highlight for the market launch. This special smart electric drive will be available as a coupé and a cabrio in Germany with prices starting from €27,839 (recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT; incl. environmental bonus in Germany: €23,459). Electric green trim elements in conjunction with selected equipment features such as the LED & Sensor package underline the sporty styling of this exclusive special model. 40.6 cm (16-inch) BRABUS Monoblock VIII alloy wheels painted in black give this model a dynamic and striking look. The tridion safety cell and radiator trim also come in black. In contrast, the door mirror caps are painted in an eye-catching electric green. The tailor made exterior style package emphasises the sporty, individual look. Among other features it includes a BRABUS front spoiler in black/electric green, BRABUS side skirts and a BRABUS rear diffuser in this colour combination. The BRABUS roof spoiler is painted in black, the third brake light has a smoked-glass look. Thanks to the interior colour package that comes as a standard feature, the trims of the instrument cluster and dashboard instrument and the rings around the air vents are also painted in electric green. The interior style package rounds off the exclusive design of the interior with a BRABUS shift lever knob featuring the electric drive logo in electric green on a black background, BRABUS hand-brake lever, BRABUS sports pedals and BRABUS door sills. Furthermore, floor mats with a green seam and electric drive lettering are a standard feature. The LED & Sensor package is also on board. It comprises: H4 headlamps with welcome function, integral LED fibreoptic daytime running lamps and LED tail lamps, fog lamps with cornering light, rain and light sensor. Further optional equipment can be freely selected with a few exceptions. Prices in Germany start at €27,839 for the smart electric drive coupé (recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT; incl. environmental bonus: €23,459). The starting price for the special model as a cabrio is €31,098. Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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smart times 2016
Longest smart parade drives through Hamburg with more than 1,600 vehicles Hamburg/Stuttgart. Roadster, coupé or cabriolet? Petrol engine, diesel engine or electric drive? Two- or four-seater? Special or standard model? The variety of smart vehicles is endless - as impressively demonstrated by the 3,167 smart enthusiasts from around the world who attended the 16th smart times, the first to be held in Germany. The worldwide smart fan community gathered in Hamburg to celebrate the cult brand between 26th and 27th August 2016 and transformed the city’s wholesale market into a festival of the urban lifestyle – with music, street food, a smart flea market and a test track and a visit of the two beach volleyball “golden girls” Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst. The highlight was the traditional closing parade, in which 1,635 smart vehicles were driving through the streets of Hamburg one after another. That is not just a lot: that is the new smart times record which beat the current high of 1,427 vehicles two years ago at the smart times in Cascais, Portugal. Next year, the Spanish city of Salou has the chance to set new records as this is the place where the smart times 2017 will open its gates for the smart community.
Since 2001 this unique gathering has drawn smart enthusiasts from around the world to a different European city every year. Over the course of a weekend fans are able to share their enthusiasm for the perfect city car and the spirit of the brand, chat to designers, tuners and experts, explore the city together, take part in excursions and listen to various live music acts. This year’s smart times in Hamburg wowed fans with test drives of the latest smart models, details of new services such as “smart ready to drop”, outings to the beach at Sankt Peter-Ording, an exciting test track, evening parties and live appearances by local and international artists. A special appearance and surprise was made Friday evening when the German beach volleyball duo Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst drove on stage with a golden smart fortwo cabrio. Subsequently, the fans were able to get autographs of the two “golden girls”. Throughout the event, participants and interested locals flocked to the area around Hamburg’s wholesale market, which became a showcase for automotive passion and creativity. From a “popemobile” smart to one in shocking pink or wood look to a fiery motor racing or a versatile off-road smart: 2,053 vehicles on site impressively demonstrated the endless possibilities when it comes to individualising the cult car. 22
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The highlight, as every year, was the smart parade on the Saturday. A parade of 1,635 smart vehicles made its way through the city, cheered on by locals. At the closing event on Saturday evening, especially the smart fans from Spain had another reason to celebrate: next year the worldwide fan community will be heading there to the city of Salou for another weekend of celebrations in honour of the little city runabout.
smart times 2016 - facts and figures 26 and 27 August 2016 in Hamburg, Germany 3,167 participants from around the world 1,635 smart vehicles in the parade smart times 2015 - facts and figures 28 and 29 August 2015 in Budapest, Hungary 2,476 participants from around the world 1,207 smart vehicles in the parade Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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smart times 2016
Longest smart parade drives through Hamburg with more than 1,600 vehicles continued...
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Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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Readers Stories
The New Smart ED - an electrifying return to the Future Article by Gil Peled
In Paris, on a Saturday morning (2nd October 2016), several Smart cars were spotted, some parking at right-angles to the pavements, others driving around the city. Now numbering over 200,000, Smart cars have long become an integral part of the Ville de Lumière. No wonder, then, that Paris was chosen for the world premiere of the 4th ED generation. Thousands of visitors queued at the entrances. They were to witness the first motor show where all major car manufactures showed off their electrical vehicles and innovative concept cars. These successes prompted the 3rd generation, launched in 2011 at the IAA in Frankfurt. This ED had a more powerful electric motor, developed with and produced by Bosch with a high efficiency lithium-ion battery from Daimler subsidiary ACCUmotive, providing 55kw (74hp), a range of 145km (90mi) and charging 20% to 80% in 3.5 hours. Batteries were leased on a monthly basis. Some features, such as charging time monitoring and pre air-conditioning, could be controlled remotely through a smart drive app for iPhones. This version was sold in over 30 markets worldwide with over 6,500 units produced in the Hambach plant. It also received an exclusive winged version, the ‘ForJeremy’ by designer Jeremy Scott.
On the bright colored, multi-level Smart stand, under glittering spotlights, several spectators stood around the new Smart ED cars. In fact, Smart is the first manufacturer to offer its entire range as ED vehicles. They were lined up in a row on an illuminated platform, a white Forfour, a black Fortwo and a green Fortwo Brabus cabrio, all with the distinct ED green Tridion cell. Beside them, state of the art charging stations with the Smart logo. The Smart was intended, from its early conception in 1981, to be electrically driven. However, shortcomings of battery technology, their costly replacement and rarity of charging stations, coupled with the lack of a substantial consumer market, slowed down development, giving way to the micro 3-cylinder combustion engines.
Now with the 4th Gen World premiere, a new era has begun. All Smarts in most trim levels, including the Brabus, can be ordered as an ED (the fortwo cabrio ED is the only electric convertible in the world). US market launch is due in December, followed by Europe at the beginning of 2017.
In 1992 the ED concept was revived with the presentation of two electrically driven prototypes. This marked the beginning of years’ long technical development and market evaluation. In 1994 a smart ED was presented at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and in 1997 Eco-Sprinter and Eco-Speedster prototypes were presented at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt. In 1998 the world launch of the Smart Fortwo electric drive took place at the British International Motor Show in London. Market development and technical advancement progressed simultaneously. In 2007, the 1st generation testing began in London as a leasing model with 100 corporate clients who were exempt from congestions charges. The Fortwo model had a sodium-nickel chloride battery providing 30kw (41hp) and a 110km (68mi) range with 80% charging in 4 hours. In 2009 Smart became the first major European automobile manufacturer to put into serial production an ED vehicle. More than 2,000 were produced and initially leased through Car2Go car sharing in a few selected cities. Sales then expanded to 18 markets mostly in Europe. This model had a single gear transmission and a Tesla lithium-ion battery providing 20kw (27hp) peaking up to 30kw (40hp) and a range of 135km (84mi) with charging from 20% to 80% in 3 hours. Charging could be with a standard 220V outlet or using a common US household 110 V outlet.
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The ED is powered by a modified Renault electric motor (based on the successful Zoe motor) with the ACCUmotive lithium-ion battery providing 60kw (81hp), a range of 160 km and single gear transmission for instant torque and swift acceleration. There is also an eco-mode for added efficient driving, as well as smart energy recuperation. Charging time has also been reduced, from 20% to 100% between 2.5 and 6 hours, depending on socket type and country. A fast 45-minute charger will also soon become available.
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There are also some cool and unique interior features including the ED charging and battery level gauge (replacing the rev counter and clock), an optional ED gear shift knob, as well as a series of monitoring and customizing features in the touch screen computer. The smart control app provides plenty of ED info via smart phone, tablet or PC and allows for pre-entry climate control and intelligent and remote controlled charging. On the exterior there are several ED logos and the electric green Tridion can also be ordered. The charging post and plugging in of the socket seem easy to operate, for example there is a small charging lamp over the socket so it is possible to see that charging is on, etc.
Proliferation of the ED has always been a challenge due to patchy coverage of charging stations concentrated mostly in the big metropolitan areas, and the relative high initial purchasing costs, up to 30% above the equivalent combustion engine version. The good news is that, in recent years, with the enforcement of strict emissions control policies as well as the Rio and Paris climate change protocols, public awareness and state funded incentives have peaked. For example, in Germany the 2016 ED purchaser will receive a 5,000 Euro incentive. In France this is 6,300 Euros and can increase up to 10,000 if an old combustion engine car is scrapped. The significant technological advancement and rising customer acceptance of electric vehicles, in particular that of the Smart EDs (which already constitute some 40% of the market), as well as adoption of smart city, sustainable and e-mobility policies provide a real boost of confidence in the new local emissions free ED. This Smart retains its pioneering and joyful spirit and it may well become the smartest of all Smarts.
There’s a new in town! The SMART way to protect your bumpers... The bob (which stands for Bounce off Bumper) Protector is a unique new product designed specifically for Smart ForTwo Cars. This innovative product twists into the chassis of the vehicle using screw mounts that currently exist in the ForTwo model. The bob Protector then acts as a buffer between the rear of the car and obstructions, helping to prevent scratching and denting to the bodywork.
Business owner Rob Leake, developed the concept of the bob Protector back in 2012 after experiencing issues with his own Smart ForTwo being used as a bumper car outside his home. The product has however come along way since its initial conception and is now available to purchase online at www.bobprotector.com The bob Protector is one of the only product on the market offering this level of effective protection at an affordable price to Smart car owners. Designed to fit securely into the existing holes on the Smart car the bob Protector can be attached to the vehicle, one to the front and two to the rear, in two easy steps by removing the bumper caps and simply screwing it into place. Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
As well as all these functional benefits the bob Protector reigns supreme on the image front as its ergonomic design, colour variations and material options compliment and enhance the colour of the Smart car to create a stylish finish. The variety of colours provides Smart car drivers a vast selection of choice for their vehicle however there is now the option to customise your bob Protector. Select the colour you desire and the creators will do their best to match it. For more information about the patent protected ‘bob Protector’, visit www.bobprotector.com 27
Patent Pending No 1514897.6
Dealership News
Crème continues on the road to sweet success
Crème owner Sam Giles takes delivery of the café’s new smart delivery cars from Melissa Martin, smart at Mercedes-Benz of Southend, Sales Executive
A successful Leigh-on-Sea ‘eatery’ is celebrating its first anniversary by shaking up its service, to meet customer demand, with the help of a pair of smart cars. “When we drive them around, people are constantly pointing and taking photographs. We got almost 1,000 likes when we posted pictures on Instagram from people already excited about our delivery service.” he added. “They are absolutely ideal for us being comfortable to drive, economical, easy-to-park and with a boot that is just the right size for the custom-made cool boxes to keep our milkshakes at the optimum temperature.” With plans to open at another three locations around Essex in the next 18 months, Crème’s decision to go mobile could prove to be a genuine smart decision. “When it’s delivering cost-effective motoring, and getting businesses noticed, smart cars really are the crème de la crème,” explained Melissa Martin, smart at Mercedes-Benz of Southend, Sales Executive. Crème Cakes and Shakes acquired the tasty-looking, turquoise two-seaters, from smart at Mercedes-Benz of Southend, prior to launching a delivery service early in the new year.
“We wish Crème every success with their new mobile venture and many years of happy and safe motoring in their smart cars.”
Serving sweet treats plus breakfasts, sandwiches and paninis from its 25-seater, contemporary boutique style café in The Broadway since November last year, more than 700 people already visits Crème, on average, every week. Now owner Sam Giles, who runs the business with his father Troy, plans to deliver food in the eye-catching fortwo coupé and cabrio models to offices within a three-mile radius including the restaurant’s signature milkshakes. “Dad and I visited smart at Mercedes-Benz of Southend purely out of interest to look at the cars but we were instantly smitten and decided to buy two within the hour,” said Sam. “The dealership put together a fantastic package that included having our smarts wrapped and that’s already working wonders for us.”
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Patent Patent Pending Pending No No1514897.6 1514897.6 1514897.6 Patent Pending No
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Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
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Readers Stories
Small Car, Big City! - smart fortwo Cabriolet I’ve had my black and silver smart fortwo Passion Cabriolet since February, 2012. I remember seeing an article in a motoring magazine, many years ago, about an up and coming car with replaceable plastic body panels. The body panels were changeable so it was possible to change the colour of the car without a respray. It was designed by Mercedes and Swatch, the company who manufacture watches. Well, this is it - the smart fortwo! It was remodelled around 2007 to meet the requirements of the USA market and the body shape has remained almost unchanged since then right up until the latest version was released around 2014. Mine is a 2010 model. The company name ‘smart’ is from a combination of the words ‘Swatch, Mercedes and Art’. I see my car as a very small Mercedes! I love the way the cabriolet roof can be raised and lowered, with the removable side rails in place, whilst driving. Whatever the changes in the British weather it’s easy to change the roof with just a flick of a switch
I love how my car can fit in any social situation. They’re everywhere in Paris! I have even photographed them outside the Paris Ritz Hotel and also outside the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco! There were all these exotic cars worth a fortune parked outside the Casino and there was a car like mine. I’ve found they are popular with some celebrities. Simon Cowell has been photographed driving one in the USA. Others are also the Foo Fighters front man, Dave Grohl, Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Joanna Lumley and Joey Essex. I really love my car and find it great around town and on longer journeys. It’s easy to park, where other cars would be too big, like small roadside parking spaces. I love the Llyn Peninsula and love driving around over there, where I’ve driven on the beach at Black Rock Sands (See photo), and it’s great driving around Abersoch. When I’m in the car it feels as though the car should be much bigger. The designers have really though it through by putting the engine at the rear, under a removable panel under the boot floor. The passenger seat is set slightly further back than the driver’s seat so, although the car is narrow, I don’t rub shoulders with my passengers. The tailgate drops down and the rear of the hood lifts up to give good access into the rear of the car. I have managed to fit a boxed single bed memory foam mattress in my car with ease as the back of the passenger seat folds down to give more space, when required.
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Mine can be driven as a full automatic or as a clutch-less manual. The engine is only 999cc but as it’s a light two seater it still has plenty of go! It’s also better for the environment with it being the MHD (Micro Hybrid Drive) model - It has the Stop/Start technology so the engine cuts out when I use the foot brake, and the car is stationary, and re-starts when I release the foot brake. I would have another one of these cars. They are certainly worth a look if you want something a bit quirky! I also love the new shape introduced in 2014. Roger www.rogermachinphotography.co.uk
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Protect the car you love. Thousands of our smart car owners each year trust our motor insurance policy to look after their smart. Motor Insurance by smart has been rated 5-Star by a UK independent financial research company Defaqto and offers superb features such as: • Guaranteed Genuine Parts and repairs carried out by a smart Approved Repair Centre • Uninsured Driver Promise - Your "No claims Bonus" is unaffected if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver which is not your fault • 24/7 UK accident recovery to a Mercedes-Benz Approved Repairer • UK based call centres
Join in. Call now for a quote on 0345 600 3429 Or visit us at uk.smart.com/insurance Motor Insurance by smart is arranged by Daimler Insurance Services UK Limited. Registered Office: Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA. Registered in England No. 3510012. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority "http://www.fca.org.uk/". We are an independent intermediary dealing with selected insurers in respect of annual insurance. Mercedes-Benz First Cover (7 day complimentary insurance) is underwritten by Aviva Insurance Limited. For mutual security calls are recorded and monitored for training purposes.
Issue 34 - 2016 - www.thesmartclub.co.uk
smart – A Daimler Brand.
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Magazine design & production by Oliver Whittaker Š 2016 32
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