Smart Car Hysteria

As gas prices round the $3-a-gallon mark, there couldn’t be a better time for auto-dealers to offer the gas-sipping, 8-foot, 8-inch micro-mini sedan, or Smart Car. This week, Smart USA, the international dealer importing Smart Cars from Europe, will debut the wee two-seater at the prestigious industry recognized Los Angeles Auto Show.

Although Americans have long ridiculed the European mini-car (watch Chevy Chase’s European Vacation), according to a report from USA Today, American consumers are clamoring for the latest Lilliputian coupe. A 30,000 deposit-only waiting list confirms the line is forming.

Despite general excitement and deposits galore, automotive consultants wonder if consistently stubborn America is ready to scale down. In the land of the Big Mac, a nation that proselytizes "big is better" is such a revolution even possible?

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