Sparkzy.com

I received an email from SmartUSA at the end of March. It had a link to their Delivery Date Estimator. Cool. When would I be driving a Smart this summer? I entered the needed information and was gobsmacked by the results:

Estimated ETA Date: June 2009 to August 2009

It is important to note that the DDE does not reflect any potential changes in vehicle production, distribution and Reservation Holder cancellations. Any of these factors could change your estimated delivery date. Please continue to check the DDE from time to time as information is updated on a continuous basis.”

2009? Ouch! So I could be driving a Smart Car in the summer, just not this summer.

I’m not happy about it, but waiting a year and a half will give me a chance to investigate new cars that other automakers will be releasing. VW has a 69.9 MPG diesel hybrid that is expected late next year. The Honda Fit is still a strong contender with lots of cargo room (surprisingly) and solid MPG numbers 32/38. The Nissan Cube is being released in 2008 with an estimated 40MPG. I’m not considering the new Scion xBs. The Scion’s milage went down when they released the 2007/2008 xB - from 30/34 to 22/28. The new Scion xD has mileage that’s similar to what I’m currently getting with my ‘06 xB, 27/33 MPG, but it’s a smaller vehicle.

I’m also curious to see what develops with plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt. Current hybrids use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but lithium-ion batteries which offer lower weight and higher energy densities are just starting to appear. Interesting concept cars like the Aptera and the Zero Pollution Motors compressed air powered car are out there a number of years in the future, but they bear watching.