smart Canada introduces pre-ordering program in preparation for the launch of the 2013 smart fortwo electric drive

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - smart Canada announced today that as a result of keen consumer interest, the company has established a national pre-ordering program in anticipation of the Canadian launch of the 2013 smart fortwo electric drive. All interested electric drive consumers who want to be among the first to experience this pioneering, zero local emission vehicle are now invited to visit a smart dealer to put down a deposit to guarantee their delivery as soon as the first production units start to arrive in the country later this year.

Following the simple registration process, each purchaser will receive an award-winning creative welcome kit containing detailed product information, as well as a Plug In for Fun e-guide that provides a global look at electric mobility. In addition, every new customer will be welcomed into the smart family, which is well over 20,000 strong and growing in Canada. They will also receive interesting and relevant on-going news about e-mobility prior to the official launch of the 2013 smart fortwo electric drive in Canada this fall.

The next generation, technologically advanced smart fortwo electric drive, celebrated its Canadian premiere at the Montreal International Auto Show in January, its regional premiere at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February, and is poised to become the new benchmark for sustainable, forward-looking urban transportation.

The third generation smart fortwo electric drive offers agile handling, and is powered by a 55 kW magneto-electric motor that provides brisk acceleration and 96 lb/ft of torque. This propels the smart from 0 to 60 km/h in just 6 seconds. The sophisticated lithium-ion battery offers higher capacity and improved range compared to the previous generation, which allows the vehicle to travel over 140 kilometres on a single charge. In addition, this electric drive two-seater now boasts a higher top speed of over 120 km/h, putting it on par with the gasoline-powered smart fortwo.

With new dynamic styling that includes a larger grille, LED lights, revised bumpers and wider door sills, the next generation smart fortwo electric drive features a refreshed exterior appearance while still retaining its trademark silhouette. An extensive list of standard equipment and advanced safety systems anchored by the tridion safety cell, standard electronic stability program and an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution will also ensure that passengers reach their respective destinations very comfortably and safely.

"The smart fortwo is a versatile and highly fuel efficient vehicle that has established numerous benchmarks in the industry since its introduction in the fall of 2004. The launch of the next generation 2013 smart fortwo electric drive allows us the ability to provide an additional intelligent transportation solution and even greater levels of driving fun for our valued customers in Canada," said Richard Trevisan, Director, smart Canada. "We have gained valuable insight and gathered customer feedback from various electric mobility projects around the world, including the launch of Canada's first electric vehicle program designed specifically for automotive retail customers, and we are now extremely proud to take these next steps with this pre-ordering program and make this revolutionary zero local emission vehicle widely available to Canadians through our national dealer network later this year."

Further information about the smart fortwo can be found online at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca, www.thesmart.ca, facebook.com/smartCanada and twitter.com/smartCanada.

JoAnne Caza
416-847-7550
[email protected]

Michael Minielly
416-847-7509
[email protected]