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Any press release dated April 1 is a potential disinformation landmine, but news of Smart's latest attempt to make the ForTwo enticing seems legit. The diminutive Smart ForTwo has fallen on its face in the North American market, down 61 percent this March versus last year, and judging from the latest bit of groundbreaking marketing from Smart's UK outpost, the word is out that there's not much "there" there.

Adding stickers and interior customization options to a car that's having a tough time in the marketplace is the auto sales equivalent of adding a cute kid to the cast of a failing sitcom. Smart has gone there by collaborating with Germany's Timo Wuerz to design new foil stickers for the ForTwo's Tridion safety cell. Patterns include skylines, stars, and flowers. Everybody w00t as you tweet the news. Brabus has been sucked into it, too, affixing its name to a carbon fiber-look applique package for the interior. There's a Brabus LED daytime running light package as well, that's actually a functional option.

Stickers can't do a thing about the dismal driving experience the thing exhibits in U.S. trim, though. At least it'll look extra trendy parked nose-in to the curb somewhere.

via:autoblog






Press Release

smart fortwo owners to be 'stuck'
on new accessories

smart fortwo enthusiasts can now put the power into flower power, fly the flag for the iconic brand and even give their car wings with the new smart art stickers.

The new adhesive foil stickers comprise six striking motifs that enable owners to customise their smart with designs that include a classic black, white and blue racing pattern along with variations on flowers, skylines and even birds' wings and stars.

Designed by acclaimed German artist Timo Wuerz in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, the stickers are applied to the tridion safety cell to provide an attractive contrast to the other body panels. When correctly affixed the stickers last for approximately five years but they can also be removed at any time without leaving any traces.

The stickers are available from all smart retailers and are priced at £182 (including VAT). The retailer can apply the stickers on request and fitting takes approximately one hour.

smart owners can also personalise their car's interior with the new range of BRABUS interior contrast components. Featuring a carbon-fibre look, the eight-piece set comprises trims and covers for the dashboard instruments, steering-column stalk, instrument cluster, door handles and centre console. The package costs £256 (including VAT) and can be ordered and fitted at any official smart retailer.

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smart fortwo owners to be 'stuck' on new accessories...2

Completing the new additions to the stylish range of BRABUS accessories is the new BRABUS LED daytime driving lights. These can be retrofitted and not only look good, but enhance safety too. These advanced lights can be combined with all standard main headlights and smart owners can choose between two versions in chrome or black, both of which are priced at £486 (including VAT). The impressive lighting technology can be retrofitted at the back too, the BRABUS third LED brake light now being available for £178 (including VAT) and incorporated into the integrated rear spoiler.

Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes-Benz Cars UK said: "smart owners love to personalise their cars and these accessories mean that they can make their smart ownership experience even more unique.

"Like the smart, these new stickers and BRABUS accessories are innovative in their design and made to a very high standard. What's more, all are completely reversible too, meaning that owners can easily change their car back to standard specification should their tastes change or if they are upgrading to another smart and wish to sell their existing model."