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Backseat Driver: The smart car drives well and draws a crowd

Here’s your chance to check out the smart car which is in town as part of smart USA’s “street smart” road show, a national tour to introduce the iconic two-seater to U.S. consumers.

Mercedes-Benz’s smart car, which has sold 750,000 models in 36 countries since it was launched in Europe in 1998, is stopping in Warwick today and near Waterplace Park in Providence tomorrow and Saturday.

I took a short test drive in one this morning with smart rep Kia Goddard and found the car fun to drive and comfortable, even on the highway where it more than held its own. It did not feel unsafe – it has a host of safety features – and, Boy, does it attract a crowd.

Top speed is about 90 mph, while fuel consumption is more than 40 miles per gallon. And it is so short - just over 8-3/4 feet long by about 5 feet wide - that it can be parked perpendicular to the sidewalk!

The road show features 4 smart fortwo cars for test-drives on a closed course, a mobile smart exhibit with interactive displays and virtual safety demonstrations and a safety display – safety is the number one question this side of the Atlantic, according to smart reps – featuring the “Tridion cell” (reinforced steel cage), dual and side airbags, electronic stability program and anti-lock brakes.

The display is open today at the Mercedes-Benz dealership at Inskip in Warwick and at 5 Moshassuck Street near Stillman Street and Exchange Street tomorrow, 12 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m.

- Peter C.T. Elsworth

Posted by   at 11:03 AM to Design , Environment , Fuel economy , Mercedes-Benz , commentary | Permalink | Comments 0

Volvo sale not being discussed, Ford reiterates

Ford once again has said it isn’t in talks to sell Volvo Car Corp. following persistent rumors of a pending sale, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Speculation over the possible sale of Ford’s profitable Swedish automaker has been brewing for months. But, company officials maintain that there are no discussions currently taking place about selling Volvo.

Posted by   at 10:57 AM to Ford | Permalink | Comments 0

Crude oil looms toward record high

Petroleum prices are on the rise as growing global demand increases, while one prominent American businessman suggests the cost of crude oil could hit $100 a barrel, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Crude oil prices hit an 11-month high of $75.71 a barrel in after-hours trading Wednesday on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The record for crude is $78.40 a barrel set in July 2006.

Posted by   at 10:47 AM to Oil | Permalink | Comments 0

GM global sales edge higher on emerging market gains

General Motors said strong growth in Latin America, Asia and other emerging markets lifted global sales in the second quarter, according to preliminary sales figures released Thursday, according to USA Today.

GM said it sold 2.405 million vehicles in April-June, up 0.4% from 2.395 million in the second quarter last year.

Posted by   at 10:43 AM to GM | Permalink | Comments 0

Ford Gets Bids for Jaguar, Land Rover

Ford has received several bids for its Jaguar and Land Rover units, but a spokesman said they were preliminary and no sale of either British automaking business was imminent, according to the Associated Press.

Thursday was a deadline to submit early bids on the two units, but a decision likely is several months away.

Posted by   at 10:42 AM to Ford | Permalink | Comments 0