In a press conference yesterday in Detroit, Smart USA President Dave Schembri said they have received more than 20,000 reservations for the Smart Vehicle that will be available at some 45 - 60 dealers beginning in January 2008.  (Source: Wall Street Journal, January 11, 2007.  Page D4.) 

Keep in mind that the reservations only require a $99 deposit.  So people can still back out.  But it is a heck of a lead. 

If all reservations are filled, it works out to 333 to 444 Smart vehicles per dealership. 

However, Penske Automotive is the distributor of Smart.  So this does not mean Penske Automotive is going to own all of the stores.  They own some of the stores ...

To view the entire article:

• Click here to subscribe to everything for $400.00.

• OR click here just to purchase access to this article for $5.00.

Related Companies: Penske Automotive Group (formerly UnitedAuto)