Changes at smart USA

Changes at smart USA

• Posted by Jill Lajdziak on January 4, 2010 at 7:55pm
• View Jill Lajdziak's blog

Dear smart USA insiders,

As loyal smart owners and enthusiasts, it’s with great pleasure that I introduce myself to you as a new member of the smart family. While many of you are looking to the new year as a time for renewal and change, we at smart USA are doing the same. Some of you likely heard the announcement made in early December that I joined the smart team. Effective today, I am honored to take on the responsibility to serve as President of smart USA. No stranger to the automotive industry, my background includes 30 years of brand development, product marketing and customer enthusiasm. I am honored to lead such an innovative, forward-thinking brand and help set the pace for the future of the micro-car segment in America.

Previously serving as President, Dave Schembri will have an opportunity in the Penske Automotive Group’s retail operations. Key to the launch of the smart brand in the U.S., his commitments are what brings us together today with a strong foundation for the future.

In the coming days, the smart USA team and I will review current owner communications, and I look forward to building relationships with as many of our smart family members as possible.

We know you support and believe in this brand and rest assured, we do too. I want you to know that I value your loyalty to smart and we will work hard every day to continue to earn your trust.

- Jill Lajdziak

Changes at smart USA - smart USA insider

smart cdi coming to the USA?


Automotive News

Roger Penske on diesels:

The U.S. government should ease regulatory restrictions on diesel engines. Diesel can be an interim solution to the challenge of improving fuel economy, on the longer journey to electric vehicles, Penske said.

He obliquely criticized higher taxes on diesel fuel relative to gasoline and tougher regulation of nitrogen oxides compared with Europe, where diesel engines make up nearly 50 percent of the market.

“The result is that the great diesel engines sold in Europe can't be sold in the United States without considerable cost,” said Penske, who once owned nearly half of heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturer Detroit Diesel. “Meanwhile, this country is missing out on the 20 percent to 30 percent greater fuel efficiency that diesel provides.”

You can reach Amy Wilson at awilson@crain.com.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100114/OEM09/100119887/1400#

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