2006 UK smart car Rally - September 24th.

The fifth annual smart car Rally is to take place on 24 September.
The Rally will start at Mercedes-Benz World - a new multi million pound brand new experience being developed at the historic Brooklands racing circuit in Weybridge, Surrey.
It is expected that more than 1,000 participants will join the colourful convoy of smart cars which will set off on their adventure at 10.00am.
They will then travel to their final destination of Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, which will be open from 11.30am.
View source.

Yale Shmale: Lakehead University Campaign

There are universities and then there are universities. So let's not beat around the bush.
Lakehead is different.
We believe the person you become after you graduate is even more important than the person you were when you enrolled.
Our professors and staff will prepare you to meet the challenges of your chosen profession.
Experience a dynamic university in a unique environment. Make the smart choice.
Go to a university that cares how well you do after you leave.

Win a smart car 4 year lease.

Orillia campus My Lakehead

Read more about the campaign here:
U.S. president bushwhacked by university campaign
Ont. campus draws fire for 'Yale Shmale' swipe at Bush

Warming up the States

Nascar driver Kurt Busch, the pole-sitter for Saturday night's Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, is showing off his new smart car on behalf of team owner Roger Penske. The thought of loading the small car on the RV [motorhome] has already gone round the paddock.
The new USA website is live here once you work out how to skip the annoying intro - fairly anodyne site featuring Dr. Z and RP - but an early indication that the smart is on its way. RLT

Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival

Toronto Mayoral candidate Jane Pitfield was spotted riding in a smart cabrio to the Bloor West Village Ukrainian Festival - the only smart in the parade.

Photo by RLT

Ouch, that smarts!

Filed under: Cross Canada Relay — admin at 7:30 pm on Thursday, August 24, 2006
Eileen, a smart owner from Greater Vancouver, had the misfortune of a flat Wednesday evening near Cranbrook, BC. smarts do not come equipped with a spare tire, although some people are known to carry them on longer trips. The smart does come equipped with a repair kit and air compressor, however, this particular flat was beyond repair.

smart Canada provided a replacement tire to a group of relay participants in Calgary, who then made the journey from Lethbridge to Cranbrook on Thursday to bring the relay baton into BC. Here’s a photo from the day. Eileen’s car is the pink one.

Source: clubsmartcar relay blog

Support the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society today.

New ZAP Electric Vehicle a Different Kind of Horsepower for US Car

ZAP introduces multi-purpose electric vehicle to utility, corporate and municipal fleet managers in California
SANTA ROSA, California (August 24, 2006) - Automotive pioneer ZAP [NYSE Arca:ZP] is rolling out a new, all-electric vehicle today designed to address the need for gas-free alternatives with multi-purpose city driving, from industrial fleets to commuting.
Called the XEBRA PK, this latest ZAP seats two with a multi-purpose platform behind the passenger compartment that serves as a hauler, dump truck or flatbed. Officials with the Company say they had test-marketed a single passenger version, but feedback told them a two-passenger version would be more versatile.
Read article here.

Consumer Vision: Trip to Boston? No, can't have it.

Hubby got a phone call today from a guy who identified himself as Frederick from Consumer Vision, which as it turns out is a legit market research firm here in Toronto. He says they are recruiting smart car owners to attend a focus group in Boston (they'll take care of airfare and hotel etc) the weekend of September 16th. Hubby says,"sounds great". Frederick then asks his age. Hubby responds. Frederick says, "oh, sorry you're not eligible. We'll put you on a waiting list in case someone cancels". Hubby is more than unimpressed, he's insulted.

We believe that they got our contact info from MB Canada.

I'm wondering if anyone else has received a similar call.

Do you eat the red ones last?

Spotted outside smart Canada headquarters - two smarties smarts promoting their "What's your favourite colour?" contest. Nestle are giving away 3 custom coloured smart coupes. Enter the PIN code found inside a smarties box to see if you are an instant winner or enter the UPC code of a variety of nestle products to be entered in the sweepstakes. What smarties colour would you choose? Check it out here.

Looking 'Smart' and turning heads

Julie Folk, Leader-Post Published: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Garry Stearns' vision of groups of Smart ForTwo cars travelling together down Canadian highways has turned into an organized relay -- and has turned a lot of heads.
As a baton is passed from province to province, so is information about the Smart car, dispelling myths and ideas people have about the little two-seater.
"It takes five minutes to fill the car, but 25 minutes to get away from the pump," Stearns, the relay organizer, said about the questions he fields from curious onlookers. "The interest this relay has caused is phenomenal."
According to Moose Jaw's Kristian Sjoberg -- the provincial captain for the relay -- not many Saskatchewan people know about the Mercedes-Benz car or the relay, which drove into Regina on Monday night.
"It feels like you're driving some sort of Lamborghini Countach or something (rare), because every time you drive down the street, everybody stares," Sjoberg said after finishing a pancake breakfast held at the RCMP Depot campground in Regina on Tuesday morning.
Read the full article here.

City of Ottawa gets smart

During the Ottawa to Toronto leg of the clubsmartcar cross-Canada relay, we spotted this City of Ottawa by-law services smart car. From the city's website listed under environmental tips for residents: Choose the right size vehicle
Do you need a big truck or a mid-sized truck? Do you need a truck at all? Do you need a four-seat vehicle when only one person ever uses the vehicle? These are the simple questions you should ask yourself to ensure you are using the right size of vehicle. You may find that you will save yourself money in fuel costs and still get the job done, while cutting emissions considerably.
Take for example the Smart Car purchased for By-law Services at the City of Ottawa. It is a two-seater that is used by one person. No need for back seats. Just one Smart Car will save the City $1,000 a year in fuel and result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by two to three tonnes per year.

Business smarts 20: PC Sparkle

PC Sparkle is an Ottawa based computer technical support company. They provide: pc & network setup and troubleshooting; security assistance; data recovery and other services for small businesses and personal pc users.
Tel: (613) 816-7264 info@PcSparkle.com

smart car “New” Tour 2006 Summary

Thurs July 20-Little Falls, New York (Best Western) 557 k 345 miles;

Fri July 21-Marlow, New Hampshire (The Wrigley’s Camp) 308k 191 miles;

Sat July 22-Keene, New Hampshire (The Wrigley’s Home) 52k 32 miles;

Sun July 23-Canaan, Maine (KOA Campground) 497 k 308 miles;

Mon July 24-Houlton, Maine (Ivey’s Motor Lodge) 343k 213 miles;

Tues July 25-Woodstock, New Brunswick (Connell Park Campground) 98k 61 miles;

Wed July 26-Woodstock, New Brunswick Connell Park Campground 132k 82 miles;

Thurs July 27-Sussex, New Brunswick (All Seasons Inn) 349k 216 miles;

Fri July 28-Port Hastings, Nova Scotia (Scotia Econo Lodge) 435k 270 miles;

Sat July 29-Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland (St Christopher’s Hotel) 237k 147 miles;

Sun July 30-Cornerbrook, Newfoundland (Prince Edward Campground) 418k 259 miles;

Mon July 31-Gander, Newfoundland (Comfort Inn) 370k 229 miles;

Tues Aug 1-St John’s, Newfoundland (Memorial University) 356k 220 miles;

Wed Aug 2-St John’s, Newfoundland (Memorial University) 34k 21 miles;

Thurs Aug 3-St John’s, Newfoundland (Memorial University) 42k 26 miles;

Fri Aug 4-St John’s, Newfoundland (Memorial University) 63k 39 miles;

Sat Aug 5-St John’s, Newfoundland (Memorial University) 54k 33 miles;

Sun Aug 6-Deer Lake, Newfoundland (Driftwood Inn) 674k 417 miles;

Mon Aug 7-North Sydney, Nova Scotia (Best Western) 274k 170 miles;

Tues Aug 8-Shediac, New Brunswick (Camping Beausejour) 485k 301 miles;

Wed Aug 9- Newcastle, New Brunswick (Comfort Inn) 206k 128 miles;

Thurs Aug 10-Rimouski, Quebec (Comfort Inn) 678k 420 miles;

Fri Aug 11-St.Catherines, Quebec (Frandy Motel) 616k 259 miles;

Sat Aug 12-Ottawa, Ontario (Travelodge) 223k 138 miles;

Sun Aug 13-Ottawa, Ontario (Travelodge) 46k 13 miles;

Mon Aug 14-Ottawa, Ontario (Travelodge) 0k 0 miles;

Tues Aug 15-Ottawa, Ontario (Travelodge) 0k 0 miles;

Wed Aug 16-Toronto, Ontario HOME 473k 293 miles.

New Tour Wrap Up

Our tour ended with participation in club smart car's cross-Canada relay on the Ottawa to Toronto leg. From having photos taken in front of the parliament building to breakfast at smart Centre Ottawa Star Motors to our reception at smart Canada headquarters at Midtown in Toronto it was an amazing journey. Having a police escort that blocked intersections so that the smart could run the red light was a real blast. As always, it was fun chatting with other club smart car members.
The relay is the brain-child of Garry Stearns of Kemptville, ON seen here at Midtown on August 16. Starting on August 7th in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and ending on August 28 in Victoria, BC, the relay is raising money for the Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society.

New smart will spearhead the turnaround

More rumours circulating about the next-edition smart fortwo, crucial to putting smart in the black. A highly-placed source indicates that the 2008 model will be "more comfortable and more powerful." The spec is not yet finalised but much will be revealed when the new model is launched in Europe in spring 2007. The next stage in the program will be a right-hand-drive version for the UK and elsewhere. Then the car will be launched in the USA in 2008. The question remains about detail-spec differences between Canada, the USA and other markets. Will the gas-engined car make it to Canada? Dealer sources would indicate that this is the case but HQ are not saying.

The marketing in the USA, although not tied to Mercedes dealers, will follow the smart worldwide format. The branding, look and feel of the dealers will follow that in other markets. We can confirm that Roger Penske was in Toronto recently, arriving in his private jet, to view Canadian dealerships, the market in Canada being treated as the test market for North America. Penske will head the US marketing effort and will have input into the car specification for this important market.

Smart are pleased at the sale of some 7,000 cars in Canada since the launch, running well ahead of expectation. Can they repeat the success in the far-bigger US market? RLT

"New" Tour Day 25: Ottawa, ON

Monday Aug 15 2006

Spent the day at the National Archives where hubby is "mopping up" loose ends on his book research. The Archives and Library are undergoing renovations so things were not "business as usual" but we busked it. I hope that it means short-term pain for long-term gain.


Sunday Aug 14 2006

Greatly enjoyed visiting the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography to see their current exhibits: The Painted Photograph and The Street. Then spent nearly three hours in the European Wing of the National Gallery of Canada visiting such old friends as Turner, Chantrey, Van Gough & Gaugin. Enoyed a tasty reasonably priced lunch there too.

Drove out to Barrhaven to meet Eric Eggleston at the studio where he's working on a new album. Got caught up on news over dinner and he tipped us off to a 24-hour coin operated car wash so we freshened up the smart on the way back to the hotel.

"New" Tour Day 24: Ottawa, Ontario

Partied at Hooley's with the Eric Eggleston Band last night. What a blast! The band get tighter everytime we see them play. Eric just got back from England as a record label expressed interest in a new single.

We've made plans to hook up with the Club Smart Car's Bruce Denniston Bone Marrow Society Cross Canada Relay here in Ottawa on Wednesday morning.

"New" Tour Days 21 to 23 : Ottawa, Ontario

Saturday Aug 12: Ottawa, OntarioTo Exporail for their 10 am opening after breakfast at Harvey's. This world-class (and I don't use the term lightly) museum is home to the Canadian Railroad Historical Association. " The Canadian Railway Museum at Delson/Saint-Constant offers its public a unique opportunity to see and experience life in the railway world. In fact, visitors can see not only trains, streetcars and all their related infrastructures, but also use these various modes of transportation right on the Museum grounds. The garden train operates daily on the site while the observation streetcar, nicknamed the Golden Chariot, runs when the weather permits. And every Sunday, a passenger train takes visitors for a short trip up to Montée des Bouleaux."
Easily navigated out of Montreal to Ottawa where we will stay for 4 nights.

Friday Aug 11: Rimouski, Quebec
A long day on the road - clocked 616 km. Some heavy traffic and roadworks along the way. Interesting Quebec villages and much more farming than we've seen in a while. We are amazed at the number of folk still hitch-hiking in this part of the world.


Thursday Aug 10: Montreal, Quebec
Toured the Acadian Peninsula in the rain. I have very fond memories of travels to Shippagan, Lameque and Miscou with my family as a child. It is much more built-up than when I was a kid and I couldn't help but think of that old adage, "you can never go back". We enjoyed watching herons, sandpipers and a kingfisher feeding along the shore. The harbours are picturesque and it was interesting to watch fishermen unload their catch and pack it in ice. We picked up the fixings for lunch at the COOP and headed to the lighthouse on Miscou Island for a picnic.
Drove westward and up into Quebec. More spectacular scenery including a glorious sunset reflected in the St Lawrence River at Rimouski where we stayed the night.

"New" Tour Days 16 to 20: Miramichi, New Brunswick

Wednesday Aug 9: Shediac, New Brunswick.

Glorious weather today as we head north along the "Acadian Coast" of Canada's only officially bilingual province. Picturesque fishing villages and photo ops abound. Met Remi Legacy of Fero disposal. He's enjoying his smart and saving on fuel costs so much that the company are planning to get another 3 on the road.

Tuesday Aug 8: North Sydney, Nova Scotia

Drove through Cape Breton island. Heavy rain at times. Had to pull off the highway at one point as the smart was aquaplaning. Set up camp at Beausejour Camping near Shediac, New Brunswick.

Monday Aug 7: Deer Lake, Newfoundland

After a quick grocery shopping pit stop at Dominion in Corner Brook, we headed to the ferry docks at Port aux Basques. While waiting for the boat, we met another smart driver David Drummond who was returning to his home in Sussex, NB. David, who often travels to Newfoundland, is very pleased with his car and often has to answer questions about how the smart handles the high wind conditions on "The Rock". The answers is, "just fine". I think it would be much more dangerous pulling a motor home behind a fifth-wheel.
This time we travelled on the Leif Eriksson and were entertained by two local musicians who told "Newfie" jokes between numbers. We slept very soundly at the Best Western North Star Inn in North Sydney, NS.



Sunday Aug 6: St John's, Newfoundland

Did the laundry and packed up the night before for early departure - were on the road at 6 am headed for Deer Lake, NL. Reached the Driftwood Inn at about 2 o'clock and were glad to get out of the car despite enjoying the wonderful scenery en route. Walked down to Tim Horton's for a bite to eat. It was one of the best we'd ever been to, and that's saying something. The cleanliness, floor layout, recycling bins and service were top notch. After watching Jenson Button with the Hungarian Grand Prix, we had dinner at Jungle Jim's which was in the motel.

"New" Tour Day 14 & 15: St John's, Newfoundland

Saturday Aug 5

Drove out to the smart/Mercedes dealership at 673 Topsail Road. Sign on the door said they were opened Saturdays from 9:00 to 5:00. We got there at noon and the place was locked up tight - their morning newspaper was still sitting on the doorstep. Hard to conduct business when you don't keep to your posted hours. We snapped a couple of pictures with our smart out front and headed back into town. Interesting tour at the Newman Wine Vaults a Newfoundland Historic Trust property on Water Street. "According to tradition, a Newman's ship bound for London in 1679 was driven far from its planned course by pirates and foul weather. The captain of the ship sought shelter in St. John's, and as winter was closing fast upon them, it was decided to remain in the harbour until spring. The ship's cargo of wine was stored in caves, and when the ship returned to London, the flavour of the port seemed to have improved. After that discovery, Newman's sent its port to Newfoundland to mature in wine cellars there. The wine which was shipped from Newfoundland to England became very popular as a high quality wine in English pubs and amongst the aristocracy." Discovered The Sprout on Duckworth Street as they had a booth at the Folk Festival. We sampled their wares, including an excellent Curried Couscous Salad, on Friday night and knew we'd have to visit the restaurant. Had an amazing brunch there today and highly recommend it as a very veggie friendly, funky eatery. The Sprout Restaurant, 364 Duckworth Street Tel: 709 579 5485. Hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:30 am - 9::00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sunday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday Aug 4

Drove out of town to Cape Spear Historic Site - "The oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador is located at the most easterly point of land in Canada. It has been restored to its 1839 appearance and shows how a lightkeeper and his family might have lived in the mid-19th century." Although the weather was cool and overcast, the views were splendid and it was quite a busy spot.
Next to the Railway Coastal Museum in the beautifully restored St John's Railway station where they have a mock-up of the Newfie Bullet.
In the evening we took the bus from Memorial campus to Bannerman park where the 30th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival was being held. There was quite an assortment of musicians on the program from the very traditional Mahers Bahars (pronounced Mars Bars) to the rockin' Jason Whelan band.

"New" Tour Day 13: St John's, Newfoundland

Yesterday was a civic holiday in St John's - Regatta Day aka Regretta Day. "The Royal St John's Regatta is North America's oldest continuously held annual sporting event with documented proof of 1816 boat races. There is credible contention that St. John's regattas were held even earlier than 1816, likely in the 1700's. Held on Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John's, Newfoundland, the Regatta is scheduled for the first Wednesday of August. If weather isn't suitable, and wind conditions are very important, the event is postponed until the next suitable day. Since Regatta Day is a civic holiday in St. John's, this means that the weather actually determines whether or not workers have the day off. "
It rained all day but the Regatta prevailed. Everything was closed so we spent the day in the Memorial University Library and managed to accomplish quite a lot. In the late afternoon we ventured out in the car and drove down to the harbour and up Signal Hill which is the city's most recognizable landmark. "Because of its strategic placement overlooking the harbour, fortifications have been placed on the hill since the mid 1600's. The final battle of the Seven Years' War in North America was fought in 1762 at the Battle of Signal Hill, in which the French surrendered St. John's to the British under the command of Lt. Colonel William Amherst. Lt. Colonel Amherst renamed Signal Hill from "The Lookout", because of the flag mast signalling that took place upon it's summit. Flag communication between land and sea would take place there from the 1600's until 1960."
View source.
The 360 panoramic view, even on this overcast day, was spectacular.

"New Tour" Day 12: St John's Newfoundland

We found a club smart car card on our windshield this morning with a message from Lorne Foote who is involved in organizing the Newfoundland leg of the club's cross-Canada relay. Unfortunately, we'll be back on the mainland before their August 10th gathering. They'll be on the 1:30 am ferry from Port aux Basques, Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia and wish wish them a safe and successful tour.
Visited the North Atlantic Aviation Museum which highlighted the critical role that the airfield at Gander played in World War II.
Stopped for lunch at Terra Nova National Park. It is difficult to describe the majesty of the landscape here & photos just don't do it justice.
Continuing our search for remnants of the "Newfie Bullet", we drop in to the lovely little station museum at Avondale. "Built by the Anglo-Newfoundland Telegraph Company, in either 1870 or 1880, the Avondale Railway Station served as a repeater station for the first telegraph land line serving St. John's. From 1900, to 1949 the structure was a freight and passenger station operated by the Reid Newfoundland Company, and was an important terminus during World War II for transporting men working at the American military bases in Argentia. Now the oldest surviving railway station in Newfoundland, from Confederation in 1949 until its closure in 1984, the Canadian National Railway used the station as a terminus for their passenger and freight service in Conception Bay. The two-storeyed structure has a mansard roof complete with arched windows."
Booked into the Curtis House residence at Memorial University for the next few nights. Much cooler weather here than in Southern Ontario and we are thankful.

"New" Tour Days 10 & 11: Corner Brook and Gander, Newfoundland

Monday July 31, 2006
Picnic lunch at Grand Falls, NF - no, it wasn't grand and we couldn't find the falls.
Continued eastward on the TCH (Trans Canada Highway) to Bishop's Falls where we visit the Heritage Centre: "The town’s heritage can best be appreciated by visiting the new Bishop’s Falls Heritage Centre. The museum is housed in the former railway station which was constructed in 1943 and served as the headquarters for the Western Division of the railway across Newfoundland. The station served thousands of passengers during its heyday, including the troops of World War II. The heritage centre has an array of photos and memorabilia celebrating the days when the railway reigned as the sole means of transportation across the Island. As an added attraction, a train car is displayed at the centre, offering visitors a glimpse of what rail travel was like."
It's hubby's birthday tonight and we're statying at the Comfort Inn, Gander.

Sunday July 30, 2006
Got a latish start today - after watching the German Grand Prix on TV. Listening to Codroy Valley Radio Show & Jigs and Reels on OZ fm which were featuring local artists playing traditional folk music. Stopped at Tim Horton's in Stephenville for lunch. A guy in a pick-up truck says, "Your car's too small! You have to be over 15 feet to come into town". Rupert retorted, "60 mpg. Who's laughing now?" I'm glad hubby didn't reply with Rich Helm's imfamous comeback to a Hummer driver.
Glorious weather and scenery as we toured the Port au Port Peninsula.
Camped at the Kinsmen's Prince Edward Campground & RV Park just outside of Corner Brook, NF after an interesting tour of some remaining cars of the now defunct "Newfie Bullet" train. Young guy at campsite the check in says, "That's the smallest rig I've ever seen!". Enjoyed a quiet night in the shelter of pine trees.

"New" Tour Days 8 & 9: Port Hastings, Nova Scotia

More heavy rain as we headed out to Port Hastings where we stayed last night at the EconoLodge. Stopped at the Orangedale Station museum - we had visited when on the Bras D'or Train in 2002. Sadly, there is no longer a passenger service passing through the station although the freight trains continue on their run from North Sydney to Point Tupper carrying coal and oil.
Now in North Sydney waiting to board the MV Caribou for Port Aux Basque, Newfoundland which is about a 5 hour journey.

Friday July 28, 2006

Visits to historic railway stations at Pugwash and Tatamagouche, NS - the former currently houses a public library and the local historic society; the latter is the Train Station Inn where you can stay the night on a railcar or in the station and also has restaurant and gift shop facilities. On to Stellarton, NS - home of grocery store chain Sobey's where we had an interesting tour of the Nova Scotia Museum of Industry.

"New" Tour Day 7: Sussex, NB

Drove into Saint John, NB via provincial capital Frederickton. Took smart car Trudi in for her 24 000 km service and they took us downtown by taxi. Bite of lunch at the Old Market then an excellent tour of the Loyalist House. " One of the few surviving buildings of the Great Fire of 1877, the Loyalist House serves as a proud reminder of Saint John's British Loyalist heritage. Built in 1817, the Georgian features of this National Historic Site has remained structurally unaltered."
They have done a great job of making the downtown pedestrian friendly and attractive - due largely to the recent influx of cruise ships. Next we visited Barbour's General Store - "Over 2,000 artifacts are found within the store including china, farm tools and kitchen utensils. A combination barbershop dental office is located at the back of the store just as it would have been in the early days."
We phoned the dealership and found out that the smart was ready and they sent a B Class Mercedes to pick us up. No problems with the car so we were quickly on our way.
Fascinating tour of the Carleton Martello Tower, pictured above. It commands spectacular views of the city and harbour.
Stayed the night at the All Seasons Inn in Sussex, NB - named for the Duke of Sussex Prince Augustus Frederick (1773-1843), sixth son of King George III.
Early start this morning. Stopped for breakfast at Cora's in Moncton and blogging at the beautiful, new public library.

"New" Tour Day 6: Woodstock, NB

Visited my dad, step-mom and step-sister in Long Settlement, NB where my dad's got a fabulous veggie garden - we scored some green & waxed beans, red & white potatoes and a small cabbage. They spend an extended summer there - May to October. Drove into Centreville with them and step-sister Honey for a hearty lunch at Granma's.
Quick shop at Sobey's then to Curves for a workout (felt great after too much time spent sitting in the car). Quiet, dry and so restful night.

"New" Tour Day 5: Woodstock, NB

Parked the smart car in the historic downtown of Houlton and it immediately drew attention and questions from the locals. A kind gentleman in a sporty Mazda offered to open up the Aroostook Historical and Art Museum for us if we'd like to visit. Being local history buffs we were thrilled to have a personally guided tour. Among the museum's treasures are a Confederate Battle Flag captured by a Houlton member of the 1st Maine Cavalry and a goat powered butter churn. Photographed the intriguing "Boy with the leaking boot" fountain.
Crossed the border at Bridgewater. No camping at Centreville, NB so headed back south to Woodstock where we booked in for two nights. Quick laundry and rest stop then dinner at Pizza Delight in town. Heavy thunderstorm prevented us from sleeping well in the tent. We stayed dry on the air matress but the noise was deafening.

"New" Tour Day 4: Houlton, Maine

We stayed last night in a KOA cabin in Canaan, Maine. The prospect of more rain has made us reluctant to camp in our tent. Campground manager asks Rupert, "Is that a clown car? Are you a clown?" He replies, "Yes, my costume is in the car."
Stopped for a very tasty lunch at Fully Brewed & Half Baked in Lincoln, NH. The owner came out to admire the smart and ask questions.
Went to Mount Washington Cog Railway - the world's first mountain cog railway built in 1869 by Sylvester Marsh. Would have gone for a ride if it weren't for the pouring rain. We enjoyed watching the train set off, touring their museum and having a bite of lunch.

Unfortunately the beautifully restored Gorham Historic Railway station was closed when we arrived but we made the best of the photo op.
Spending tonight at Ivey's Motor Lodge in Houlton in Aroostook County, Maine and plan to cross back into Canada at Bridgewater tomorrow.

"New" Tour Day 3: Keene, NH

Enjoyed our stay with the very hospitable Wrigley family. Pouring rain for most of the day. Had a driving tour of the area and dinner at The Olive Garden in town. It was great for Rupert to get caught up with his friend from Durham University days.

"New" Tour Day 2: Marlow, New Hampshire

Driving through Bennington, Vermont we couldn't help but be intrigued by the Battle Monument and so stopped to see it up close. "A group wishing to commemorate the Battle of Bennington decided a monument should be erected at the storage site of the military supplies which had been the objective of the battle." "The Bennington Battle Monument is 306 feet 4 and 1/2 inches tall; the cornerstone was laid in 1887, and the monument completed and dedicated in 1891. It is constructed from blue-grey magnesian limestone (known as Sandy Hill Dolomite from present-day Hudson Falls, New York), which is roughfaced with the exception of two horizontal bands near the observatory level. " Read more here.


See: http://www.punchbuggy.blogspot.com/

"New" Tour Day 1: Little Falls, New York

Trouble free exit of GTA early Thursday morning, 22519 km on the clock. Grabbed hotel coupon book at Tim Horton's near Port Hope, ON which payed off in the evening. Brief stop at the Big Apple at Colborne, ON. Payed $2.20 toll to cross Ivy Lea bridge into US and hubby payed $6 admin fee to enter the states. Picnic lunch at roadside in Turin, NY.
Stayed at the Best Western in Little Falls, NY where restaurant service was top notch. Following a great night's sleep and continental breakfast took a walking tour of - "Canal Place [that] was home to the prosperous industries of Little Falls during the second half of the 19th Century. The textile industry employed over 15,000 people at one time. The first knitting mill started in 1872, became part of the Gilbert Knitting Company and established itself as one of the largest textile businesses in the country. In 1901 the city of Little Falls had 55 factories with 4, 408 employees producing an annual output valued at $8,500,000. In 1921 the knit goods and hosiery industries here employed 2, 234 machine operators and most of them worked in what is today called Canal Place."

smart fortwo owners organize cross-Canada Relay

Club smart car.ca members drive to raise funds for charity
TORONTO, July 18 /CNW/ - The success of smart in Canada is still unwavering thanks in large part to a passionate and dedicated customer base. A strong consumer interest in smart very much helped launch the brand in Canada less than two years ago. Ever since, several smart owners' clubs and on-line forums were developed and now thrive all across the country. One of these very active groups is the Clubsmartcar.ca, the largest privately run smart forum in Canada; it has close to 1,000 members. This past February, smart customer Garry Stearns of Kemptville, Ontario took it upon himself to start organizing a cross-Canada relay which would take place in August. It has been a full-time hobby since. This initiative will see smart owners drive their own cars in sections of a pre-determined route starting from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and ending in Victoria, British Columbia. The owners will actually pass a baton through the relay posts. Drivers can drive one hour of the relay, or two hours, six hours or for days. The relay will start on August 7th and end on August 28th. A total of approximately 10,000 kilometres will be driven and so far, there are at least 75 participants formally registered to drive various sections of the cross-Canada relay. Close to 200 cars will be involved in some way or another. Read full press release here.

SMART fortwo EV set to electrify British Motor Show

SMART announced today that it will premiere a new SMART fortwo EV at next week's British Motor Show. Up to 200 of the electric microcars will be built and delivered to the UK, which will serve as the trial market for the "green" vehicle.The fortwo EV has 30-kilowatts of power, which gives it more zip in normal everyday driving than its gasoline-powered sibling. 0-30 mph arrives in 6.5 seconds, and it tops out at 70 mph. Fully charged, it has a 70-mile operating range.If the UK trial is a success, one has to believe that "green vehicle" aficionados here in the US will be clamoring for DaimlerChrysler to import the EV in addition to the conventionally-powered fortwo. Furthermore, because the SMART isn't a wildly bizarre-looking oddity like some of the other pure EVs available today, it's more likely that people who normally wouldn't consider an EV will take a second look at the SMART. This'll be interesting to watch.

Read more here.

Unimog and Smart in shock horror love-child outrage

Clearly some people need to get out a bit more often and stop thinking "What if we were to cross product 'A' with product 'B'"
Unfortunately whoever crossed this Smart car with a Unimog had clearly been in the sun for far too long. What's more we can't even get it for roadtest...

Read more here.

American Mercedes dealers don't want to sell Smart car

Monday July 17, 2006 6:47 PM EST - By: Michael Kwan
I would say that the Smart ForTwo has done quite well for itself in Canada, selling out of Mercedes-Benz dealerships right alongside the more upscale models, including the SLK, CLK, and S-Class lines. It seems a little out of place in the showroom with vehicles that [sell] for as much as 10 times more, but that hasn't hampered its sales one bit.
American Mercedes dealerships, however, are opposed to selling the Smart car out of their showrooms, despite the fact that DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche is heavily pushing for the fuel-sipping brand to make a big splash in the States. The dealers are concerned about damaging the Mercedes-Benz image, according to Mercedes dealer council chairman Doug Callahan.That said, DaimlerChrysler has already announced that the Smart car will definitely be States-bound for 2008, so they'll have to find somewhere to sell it. Some have said that the ForTwo would be a better fit in a Chrysler or Dodge showroom, but Callahan is simply hoping to make Smart sales in Mercedes dealerships optional.

View source.

MB Canada Barbecue at Marie Curtis Park

The very hot and hazy weather made us glad we brought our lawn chairs and could sit the shade at Marie Curtis Park on Lake Ontario at the Toronto/Mississauga boundary. Approximately 20 smart fortwos made a colourful display (I think we outnumbered the mercedes). As always, it's fun to meet folks who's posts your read on the club smart car forum and see what mods and accessories people have added to their cars. Many thanks to the organizers, sponsors and barbecue chefs who made the event a success.

GERMAN PRESS: Daimler, VW consider small car cooperation

Last Update: 10:04 AM ET Jul 9, 2006

FRANKFURT (MarketWatch) -- DaimlerChrysler AG (DCX) and Volkswagen AG (VOW.XE) may cooperate in the area of small cars, magazine Focus reports.
According to the magazine, VW could deliver engines for Daimler's two-seater Smart car. The engines would be those used for VW's Fox and Polo models. Advance planners have been advising the companies on the project, Focus says.
In the compact car category, the companies could also use a common platform for the models Mercedes A and B classes, Chrysler PT-Cruiser and VW Golf, the magazine said.
Both companies declined comment on the report.
Magazine Web site: http://www.focus.de

Business smarts 19: Schueneman's Furniture Manufacturing & Reupholstery

Schueneman's Design Systems International is a 4 generation furniture company. We manufacture, reupholster and restore furniture. Working closely with decorators, designers, and consumers, we offer a variety of services.

Workshop & Samples: 4096 Meadowbrook Dr. Unit 10 London, Ontario N6L 1G4
Phone: 652-0184 Fax: 652-0920
Showroom & Samples:Hyde Park Design Centre, 2020 Hyde Park Side Rd., London, Ontario N6H 5L9

Over to Port Dover

To Port Dover for a small but select smart car gathering at this Lake Erie resort. We stop by the old Lake Erie & Northern railway station, now a municipal depot with few clues to its railroad heritage. Smart cars are assembled down at the dock. We adjourn to Knechtel's for a fishy lunch. We acquire some LED side-lights and a gizmo that allows you to operate the power windows with the ignition off. Glenn tries to tempt us with some "snake oil" - diesel conditioner- but we pass. We check out the old station at Waterford on our way back to Kitchener, our base on this trip. There is much evidence of old railways that once criss-crossed this part of Ontario.

Unsolicited Advice: Is smart a dumb idea?

Marc E. Babej and Tim Pollak 07.12.06, 6:00 AM ET
DaimlerChrysler's announcement that it plans to begin marketing the Smart car in the U.S. in 2008 made us think of an ad for a similar German effort 40 years ago: "It's ugly, but it gets you there." Remember? Volkswagen's original Beetle enjoyed a successful 20-year run in the U.S. Even the derivative New Beetle, launched ten years later, has found its niche. Will the successor to the Smart Fortwo compare?
Unlikely. For starters, the Fortwo is a whole lot uglier than the Volkswagen Beetle that stormed these shores a half-century ago. The Beetle was famously advertised as the car a snowplow driver uses to get to his snowplow. Meanwhile, the rear of the Fortwo looks as if it has been sideswiped by a snow plow.
Smart's track record suggests we should be skeptical of whatever decisions its executives make. Since 1998, Smart has reportedly lost $3.6 billion. In explaining the decision to finally distribute the Smart (following a much-publicized false start, which had been slated for this year), a DaimlerChrysler senior executive was quoted as saying, "The world, and the U.S., has changed in the last two years."

Read the full article here.

DCX to redo SMART car before U.S. debut

The SMART car lineup has been trimmed from three models to just one after the cancellation of the forfour and roadster models. So the future profitability of the brand rests on the tiny fenders of the fortwo, which will be coming to the U.S. in 2008. WhatCar? is reporting that the tiny two-seater will be rehashed before it makes its American debut. As you can see from this rendering, the overall look may be largely unchanged, with the biggest difference being the new headlights and front fascia. WhatCar?, however, calls the next fortwo "all-new", so perhaps DaimlerChrysler will be substantially revamping the car inside and out in an effort to make it more appealing to U.S. tastes.
source: Autoblog

SMARTIES What's your favourite colour? Contest

For full details and to enter go here. Enter to win a smart fortwo. Product purchase is not necessary- try the monthly challenge.

Indy Mogul in smart move

To smart centre Mississauga to change a headlight bulb. Sales Representative Justin Sookraj tells us that Roger Penske is due at the dealership. Penske, in town for the Toronto Grand Prix, is checking out Toronto area smart dealerships ahead of launching the car in the USA in 2007. I recall seeing Penske racing the Ferrari 250 GTO at Goodwood in the Tourist Trophy in 1963. He has since established a peerless reputation as a team owner with many victories in the Indianapolis 500 and a successful NASCAR team in his stable.

Sadly Penske was a no show in Mississauga. We wish him well with the launch of the smart car in the states. We believe that the launch of a gasoline-engined fortwo in the United States will also see the same car for sale in Canada. Canadian smart dealerships will certainly welcome the availability of the gas-engine smart. What is Penske doing at a Champ Car race? He is believed to be brokering a deal between IRL and Champ Car to reunite open-wheel racing in the states. Bring it on. RLT

For more on the Tourist Trophy 1963 go here.

DaimlerChrylser might bring Smart car in India?

MD and CEO of Daimler Chrysler India Wilfred Aulbur was speaking to a news media group in India when he accepted the possibility of launching their Smart car in the Indian market.
He was quoted as saying: “It would be a niche application for people who have clearly defined personality, character, lifestyle.”
Indian consumer might show preference for a small compact car but not something, which would cost more than 2-3 lakh rupees. DaimlerChrylser has just confirmed that they are going to launch this car in the US and it is expected to cost around USD 13000 in that market.
For that price, you can easily go on for something like a Maruti Baleno [pictured here] or a Hyundai Accent in India. But then, for some people Smart just might come as something fresh and this car might find a place in the Indian automotive scene.

View source.

SMART forfour production ends - Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler part ways

The end of June saw the end of production for the SMART forfour that was produced through a joint collaboration between Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler. The forfour was produced at Mitsusbishi's facility in the Netherlands where the Colt will continue to be made. An engine plant in Germany that was jointly operated by both companies will be handed over to DaimlerChrysler. While SMART has information on the fortwo, forfour and Roadster on its website, the brand will be down to just one car, the fortwo, with the exit of the forfour. The Roadster Finale currently being sold is a special edition model to mark the end of that car's production run.

DaimlerChrysler to import Smart Cars - no US plants

DaimlerChrysler has announced it will sell the two-seat Smart Car in the US in early 2008, but will not open manufacturing plants in the US.
The Smart Car is the two-seat, less-than-nine-foot-long and easy-to-park mini subcompact from Europe. It is sold in 36 countries, with Italy it's biggest market at annual sales of 40,000 cars. The car is manufactured in France, and at least initially, Daimler Chrysler will ship the cars from there. Earlier market studies in the US proved it was not the time to sell the Smart Car in the US, but given that gas prices are likely to remain at $3+, with the Smart Car getting 40+ mpg, now is the time. The car lists at about $15,000. A test drive of the squat vehicle with its three-cylinder engine prompted the editor to sigh and say, "so it's come to this."

Source: The Manufacturer

Versatile Versa joins small-car showdown

By RICHARD WILLIAMSON The world is growing smaller every day, especially the automotive world.
With DaimlerChrysler's decision this week to introduce its teensy Smart car to the U.S. market in 2008, its safe to say that automakers expect high fuel prices to keep driving buyers toward greater efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Japanese pioneers are again building benchmarks in on a small scale using traditional gas engines.
In response to the recent arrival of Toyota's Yaris and Honda's Fit, Nissan is rolling out its 2007 Versa hatchback.
Prices on the Versa begin at $12,450 for the 1.8 S with a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter double overhead cam 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Adding a four-speed automatic transmission drives the price to $13,250.
Read full article here.

Penske Lays Out Plans for Smart Car

Washington DC July 3, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Roger Penske thinks his UnitedAuto Group can profitably distribute DaimlerChrysler's Smart Car by "signing 30 to 50 franchised dealerships in urban markets, setting modes sales goals and relying on unconventional marketing techniques," reports Automotive News. Penske made his remarks last week after DaimlerChrysler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche announced plans to introduce Smart to the United States. Penske and Dave Schembri, who will be president of Smart USA, did not announce sales targets, but they have modest expectations, according to the paper. On a per-store basis, Smart dealers might expect to match the unit sales volume of Mini dealers -- about 40 cars per month. If so, Penske could expect to sell 15,000 to 20,000 per year. The automaker's total investment in the U.S. Smart network will be substantially less than $100 million, estimates Arndt Ellinghorst, an analyst for Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein in Frankfurt.

View source.
[Photo: Dave Schembri - Mercedes Benz USA vice president in charge of Smart, who resigned as executive vice president of North American sales for Mitsubishi in February 2006.]