GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

MERCEDES-BENZ OF CORAL GABLES RECOGNIZED AS MERCEDES-BENZ BEST OF THE BEST DEALER

A NEW STAR SHINES BRIGHT FROM THE SOUTH!

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

smart center Coral Gables opens today! Dealership brings pint size car to Miami-Dade and Monroe counties

Press Release - View/Download PDF

2008-04-14 15:00:00

CORAL GABLES, FL, [April 14, 2008] – Robert W. (Bob) Brockway, chairman and CEO of Bill Ussery Motors, announced today that smart center Coral Gables is officially open for business.  The dealership, located at 272 Valencia Avenue just a block away from Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, has already delivered the much-anticipated and highly publicized car to many “smart enthusiasts” anxiously awaiting their arrival. 

“We’ve been in the car business a long time,” says Brockway.  “How exciting to be able to bring a completely new and unique vehicle concept to the Miami market.” 

The smart fortwo is a compact car that is big on comfort, agility, safety and ecology.  Owned by the Mercedes-Benz Car Group, smart is bringing to this market a technologically advanced vehicle that achieves 40 plus mpg on the highway and is an ultra-low emissions vehicle.  The vehicle is 8.8 feet long, 5.5 feet tall and 5.5 feet wide and comes equipped with many functional and safety features found in most luxury models.  smart is currently sold in 36 countries, and more than 850,000 smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

The smart fortwo will be available in three trim levels:
 
•    The entry-level pure starts at under $12,000*, with standard convenience features such as a 5-speed automated manual transmission with manual or automatic mode, central remote locking system, 2-spoke leather steering wheel, and a radio-ready console. 
•    The well-equipped passion coupe, starting at under $14,000*, includes all the standard features described on the pure, plus a panorama roof, alloy wheels, air conditioning with climate control, 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddles, power windows, electric and heated side mirrors, and an AM/FM radio with CD player, all standard. 
•    Those seeking top-down excitement can choose the passion cabriolet, starting at under $17,000*, with a standard upgraded radio and sound system that includes an mp3 compatibility and in-dash 6 CD changer.

“Ever since the American invasion of smart earlier this year, everyone absolutely loves it,” says smart center Coral Gables general sales manager Steven Lowe.  “From the yuppies to the ruppies (retired urban professionals) and the artists to the professionals, it has incredible mass appeal because it just makes so much sense.” 
In terms of safety, the safety management system of the smart fortwo will set new standards in its class.
The highlight of the safety management system is the tridion safety cell. The safety cell is made from steel, half of which is high-strength material, especially in highly stressed areas. The cell is designed to keep occupants protected. The reinforced steel and the design of the car allow for the displacement of impact and redistribution of crash energy. Because of the size of the vehicle, most crashes will also involve one of the wheel bases which also displaces energy.
The smart fortwo comes standard with four airbags (two full-sized front and two side for head and thorax protection). Other safety features such as esp® (electronic stability program) and ABS brakes are also standard.
“There are many reasons to drive a smart – affordability, practicality, safety, style and environmentally-conscience, just to name a few,” concludes Lowe. “I encourage everyone to come and take this car for a test drive – you will be amazed!”

* Prices exclude tax, license, registration, destination charge and options.

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Family-owned Bill Ussery Motors, Inc. is one of the original seven dealerships and the first in Florida awarded a Mercedes-Benz franchise in 1957. The company is admired industry-wide for its continued record sales and its reputation for superb customer service. Bill Ussery Motors’ companies include Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay, and Silver Arrow Collision Center. For more information, visit www.mbcoralgables.com , www.mbcutlerbay.com and www.silverarrowcc.com.