http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/ destinationsmart news channel has all the latest news on the smart car en-uk Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:29:03 GMT Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:29:03 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss smart support@destinationsmart.co.uk 60 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/images/common/rss-image.gif http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/6/A-clever-app-for-teens--and-parents A cool way to encourage teens to let their parents know they're safe and sound is worth its weight in gold! And this is where the I'mOK iPhone app comes into play. Rather like the quirky, cute yet infinitely practical smart car, this jaunty little app also engages your kids while keeping you in the loop. The easy-to-use app incorporates an element of gaming to egg on youngsters into letting their parents know where they are and what they're up to. A free app, I'mOK works by using a personalised and private family group setting that you can each log in to and then ‘check in' using location-based technology. What's rather smart is the app lets the kids gain points by checking in and more for adding further info like who they're with by tagging their friends or by sending their folks an extra message. These points can then be used for real life treats as decided by the parents. So if you're constantly pulling your hair out worrying where your teenager is, this smart phone app (that's soon coming to other platforms) might be just the ticket. Click here to read about smart's own app - Get Lost, or read about some adventures already had with the app here. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/6/A-clever-app-for-teens--and-parents Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:29:03 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/3/Worlds-first-non-GPS-nav-app You know the drill. You leap into your smart car and hot foot it to the nearest shopping mall in the hope of ‘just popping in' to get your shopping over and done with as quickly as possible. But then you get into the mall and can't work out which entrance you've used, what shops you're near and how on earth you're going to ever get back out again. You need the MapOS, a nifty little piece of kit that helps you navigate your way round indoor and outdoor locations without needing a GPS or internet signal. Under the promise of being ‘the world's first and only patent pending turn-by-turn navigation technology', MapOS is currently geared up to be offered to on-foot customers as a service in places such as shopping centres, airports and hospitals. User-friendly for everyone including the visually impaired, it's also able to ping up promotions for nearby shops and other information related to the location. So for that person currently looking lost and bewildered in the food court, just hope that your shopping mall will be investing in MapOS in the not-too-distant future. Click here to read about smart's very own Get Lost app, or read about some adventures already had with the app here. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/3/Worlds-first-non-GPS-nav-app Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:20:03 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/2/Everyones-a-winner-with-car2go We always knew that the smart fortwo electric drive car-sharing scheme car2go was a revolutionary idea, but we didn't realise it would be record breaking too! It's just been revealed that car2go - the world's first free-floating car-sharing network - has set some very high standards for the future of urban driving, so we thought you smart fans would like to hear more. First up, there have been more than one million rentals from over 50,000 car2go members worldwide. So that's not only a whole load of journeys carried out in a very fuel-efficient manner, but also heaps of frustration saved thanks to designated parking spaces and nippy smarts! One million rentals marks an impressive milestone, highlighting that the distinctive blue-and-white specially-liveried smart fortwo electric drive car2go editions have been rented on average more than 1,000 times a day since its launch in 2009. The scheme is also growing internationally, with Austin the first North American city to launch car2go and Ulm (Germany) the first in Europe now joined by Amsterdam, San Diego, Hamburg, Vancouver, and Vienna. The French city of Lyon and Stuttgart in Germany will be the first to join in 2012, with plans to start both in the summer. A new customer service model joins the revolutionary scheme for 2012 too, with the aim to guarantee an even easier service thanks to a web contact form that's monitored by knowledgeable local staff, supported by an emergency phone number. There's even a new way for clean freak customers to gain extra minutes in their car2go smart. By taking their special edition electric smart through the car wash and vacuum when they refuel, they get a credit of 60 minutes free! Robert Henrich, CEO of car2go GmbH, added, "Right from the outset our aim at car2go has been not just to provide a useful service, but also to really inspire our clients' enthusiasm. Our figures show that we have succeeded in this. The changes to our pricing and customer service models make car2go even more attractive, and this will win us new groups of customers, such as business people." Click here to read more about car2go's latest ventures. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/2/Everyones-a-winner-with-car2go Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:22:56 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/1/The-smart-way-to-smell Once you've got over how different this idea is, it starts to make perfect sense, which makes it sound a little bit like the smart car we all know and love! If smelling good is high on your list of priorities yet you're keen to be released from the stresses and strains of actually having to spray yourself with perfume or aftershave (which may not be a terribly high proportion of people admittedly, but that aside...) then this is the product for you. The invention of two Dutch free-thinkers, Swallowable Parfum is a capsule containing synthetic fragrance that allows you to waft a special scent from within. Artist Lucy McRae and synthetic biologist Sheref Mansy developed Swallowable Parfum by harnessing fragrant lipid molecules that can be metabolised by mimicking the body's natural fat structure to release their perfume through the skin. But you're not restricted to just one scent, as Swallowable Parfum is cleverly able to respond to your temperature and emotions and change your smell accordingly. How have we survived so long without it?! Click here to read another smart creation story. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/2/1/The-smart-way-to-smell Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:46:11 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/30/South-Kensingtons-innovative-road-plans There's nothing the nimble smart car likes more than the challenge of an urban road with all its twists, turns and squeezy parking spaces. But this new road layout in west London looks like it could be more challenging than most. No pavements, no road markings and no road signs may sound like a recipe for both vehicular and pedestrian disaster, especially when it's in a busy London location, but the design of the space has proved everyone wrong. Dutch traffic engineer Hans Monderman has been able to implement his unique plan on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, an area so famously associated with museums such as the National History Museum and the Victoria & Albert that it's known as ‘London's cultural heartland'. And all these fabulous attractions bring with them lots and lots of people. Locals who quickly want to get where they're going, tourists who haven't a clue without their head in a map, and all sorts of drivers - cars, buses, taxis and more. Yet somehow Monderman's ‘shared space', with its cross-hatched street markings making the road open to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, has seen accidents on this busy road reduced by 60%. His theory is that by removing the traffic controls that we all rely on, we actually come to rely on ourselves a whole lot more - we look for traffic, we're more careful of bikes and we don't trust the ‘stop' signs. We just take more care and are more considerate. In order to make sure the initiative is safe for blind people, Monderman has integrated a certain textured paving to delineate certain areas, and even though the new road has only been open for a short time, the average driving speed is now just 20 mph. Click here to read about another smart idea for increasing safe mobility. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/30/South-Kensingtons-innovative-road-plans Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:11:31 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/26/The-future-of-smart-driving Even though we've managed to design and build tomorrow's car today in the form of the zero-emission smart fortwo electric drive, we still love to hear about future inventions that have yet to be launched. The Autonomo is a ‘fully autonomous vehicle' that is destined to hit our streets in 2030 - and while that may sound like the future, it's only a rather scary 18 years away! Packed with high tech features like radars, infrared and optical sensors, the Autonomo's key advantage is that it works in conjunction with other Autonomos. The idea is that a group of Autonomos will cut traffic congestion and accidents by sending synchronisation signals and sharing centralised information. Connected in real time, the vehicles can then automatically avoid each other. Clever huh?! And the Autonomos are totally energy efficient too, with transparent photovoltaic layers on the vehicle able to convert solar energy into the electricity needed to power it. So until this seemingly space-age piece of kit is available, rest assured that the smart fortwo portfolio is already pretty far ahead in terms of clever motoring. Click here to read about the smart fortwo electric drive. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/26/The-future-of-smart-driving Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:07:10 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/25/Austin-wants-more-car2go It looks like Austin, Texas is keen to stay at the forefront of the revolutionary smart fortwo electric drive car-sharing scheme as it takes the next step in the exciting car2go programme. The forward-thinking city has already completed two years of the car2go North America Pilot Programme and has loved it so much that it's signed up to a new agreement. And no wonder! The eco-marvellous scheme has proved a huge success with local residents, with the world's first free-floating car-sharing network seeing more than 21,000 people join up to use the specially-liveried zero emission smarts exactly as and when they please. Austin's Mayor Lee Leffingwell said, "The city of Austin is committed to bringing the best transportation options to its residents, and our new car-sharing programme will be a tremendous addition to our transportation system in Austin. The residents and businesses now have more transportation options, with the overall goal of reducing downtown congestion and improving the overall quality of life in Austin." This next chapter in Austin's car2go story will include some of the very latest smart fortwo electric drive car2go special edition vehicles, with an updated version of the easy-to-use telematic touch screen installed inside and a clever zoom-in / zoom-out function on the GPS that makes it even easier to get around. The dedicated car2go parking spaces are even indicated on screen! Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go North America, added, "We look forward to continuing to work closely with the City of Austin and the Car-Share Austin programme. As the first North American car2go city, Austin will continue to be the home of our corporate headquarters and a showcase for building on the success of the car2go car-sharing model, which has redefined traditional car-sharing with a truly flexible point-to-point transportation solution." Click here to read more about car2go in other cities. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/25/Austin-wants-more-car2go Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:23:49 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/24/The-Evacuation-Chair Yes the smart car looks fabulously cute and stylish, but it's also terrifically practical as it lets you nip around the city and slide into petite parking spaces. So this similarly practical yet well-designed product caught our eye, especially as it's perfectly suited to wheelchair uses that could do with a little extra help in certain situations. The SafeScape Evacuation Chair has been created by a team of designers and engineering students to offer people with reduced or limited mobility a safe, reliable way of being evacuated out of high-rise buildings. Designers Steven Corraliza, Adam Cassino, Dane Tucker and Nick Rosen worked alongside engineering students from Wayne State University in the USA, with their collective aim to develop an easy-to-use-independently evacuation solution. The SafeScape Evacuation Chair works by encouraging the person to essentially ‘fall' onto the soft-yet-solid unit, which then powers into action with the hand-drive system letting the user guide themselves safely out of the building using the stairs. The chair can be neatly stowed at strategic points in high-rise buildings with it only being deployed when a bright red tab is removed. Click here to read about another smart idea designed to increase mobility for wheelchair users. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/24/The-Evacuation-Chair Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:16 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/23/Go-wild-with-your-smart-phone We're pretty sure that you smart car lovers are always interested in a bit of community spirit, especially when it involves the latest technology and cute furry animals. Well, when we say ‘cute', we actually mean ‘terrifying' as these furry animals are of the exotic safari variety rather than domestic pets. A brand new iPhone app not only lets you get an excitingly close-up view of some of the world's most dramatic animals out in the wild, but also encourages the more wildlife astute amongst you to help identify unusual animals. Called Instant WILD, this app has been developed alongside biologists from the Zoological Society of London, who already have camera traps set up in places like Kenya, Sri Lanka and Mongolia. When the camera traps pick up images of wild beasts, Instant WILD app users will have the pictures sent straight to their phones, giving them a little taste of the great outdoors whether they're on the tube or stuck in a meeting. And with biologists sometimes a bit stumped in identifying the rarer animals, Instant WILD fans are asked to help identify them and thus see if it's a known species. Even if you don't have a smart phone, you can check out the camera trap's latest captured images on the Instant WILD website. Download the app here. Click here to read about smart's own new Get Lost app. Or if you're more of a Facebook fan -  find out about our new smart Cover Creator Facebook app here. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/23/Go-wild-with-your-smart-phone Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:30:51 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/20/Stuttgart-says-guten-tag-to-car2go With the German city of Stuttgart set to join the car2go electric mobility revolution in the summer, the organisers are going one step beyond the already eco-excellent credentials of the scheme. In order to showcase its commitment to the German federal government's National Electric Mobility Platform, Stuttgart plans to become a ‘living lab' for the future of urban transportation. There's a whole heap of exciting initiatives that will support this ambitious aim, which sees Stuttgart, the state capital of Baden-Württemberg, and the city's municipal tram operator SSG AG working together to offer an integrated, environmentally-responsible transport network. Stuttgart's goal is to be one of Europe's most innovative mobility cities, so adopting the car2go car-sharing scheme is the perfect way to go about it. State governor Winfried Kretschmann explained, "The project is an important milestone for us on the road to sustainable mobility. This collaborative project demonstrates once again how Baden-Württemberg, as the heartland of the automobile, is able to combine business and environmental protection in the exemplary fashion as it again does justice to its leading position in the field of cutting-edge technologies and innovative mobility concepts." Stuttgart will be home to the largest fleet of electric cars in the world, with 500 smart fortwo electric drive car2go special edition vehicles introduced in the city during the summer of 2012. All of the participating transportation solutions in the city will also be interlinked in a unique multi-modal concept, to encourage the smooth-running of urban traffic and offer an easy way for residents to go about their business. The fleet will be supported by around 500 charging points too, with strategically-chosen locations giving residents complete flexibility. Robert Henrich, managing director of car2go GmbH said, "We are bringing the largest fleet of electric vehicles in the world to Stuttgart! Electric mobility and car2go are a perfect combination that will offer the people of Stuttgart a new, attractive form of individual mobility which is both environmentally-friendly and a fun way of getting around town." Click here to read about car2go in other cities. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/20/Stuttgart-says-guten-tag-to-car2go Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:45:51 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/19/This-Weeks-Petrol-Prices Average prices for this week are: Unleaded: 133.66p Diesel: 142.07p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £44.10. This week saw awards season hit full swing with the 69th Golden Globe Awards ceremony taking place in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday night. The first ever Golden Globe Awards were held in 1944 and since then have become one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies (second only to the Oscars!), honouring the best and most innovative in film and television. This year's Golden Globes were hosted once again by Ricky Gervais, who previously managed to ruffle a few feathers amongst the Hollywood elite when he hosted the awards ceremony last year. It's now not long until awards season returns to Gervais' territory on this side of the Atlantic as we celebrate the best in film with the British Academy Film Awards (commonly known as the BAFTAs) taking place on the 12th February. And with just one full tank of petrol in a smart fortwo you could make a round trip and rub shoulders with the A-listers at the awards ceremony from as far as Bangor in Wales! Or you can fill a smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £46.88 and complete a round trip without the need to top-up your fuel from as far as Carlisle. Just be sure to crack out your best outfits for when you strut that red carpet! Click here to view all of the nominees and winners from the 2012 Golden Globe Awards. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Thursday 19th January 2012. Click here to read another Petrol Prices story. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/19/This-Weeks-Petrol-Prices Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:21:17 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/18/No-smart-car-yet-Fix-your-bike If you weren't lucky enough to find a gleaming smart car nestled in your stocking on December 25th, feast your eyes on this. These clever mudguards are just the thing to make sure you arrive at work as clean and smart as you left home until you're safely nestled in your brand new 2012 smart fortwo. The beauty of the Foldnfix and Quickfix mudguards is that they can be quickly and easily clipped on to your off-road bike to make it more city friendly. Created by product designer Mark Windsor, the founder of bicycle accessory company Full Windsor, Foldnfix and Quickfix were inspired by intricate origami, which is evident in the easily foldable and storable designs. The Foldnfix is a more permanent solution for cyclists who are perhaps a little bored of the great outdoors and ready for a more urban experience. Its rigid construction just takes a few bends and ties to be connected to your bike's frame. The Quickfix is, as the name suggests, a temporary mudguard that uses the rather exciting-sounding ‘clickable snaps' to fix on to the bike. Both coming in under £15, these two products are just the ticket to keep your natty work clothes mudfree until you can be cosily ensconced in your very own smart car. Click here to read all about the new smart e-bike that will be launching later this year. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/18/No-smart-car-yet-Fix-your-bike Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:49:19 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/17/Tips-for-safer-winter-driving There are all manner of ways in which you can keep you and your smart car safer this winter, and our practical advice is the perfect place to start. Because it's important to be prepared for winter driving, our experts have put together some helpful tips to make sure smart drivers stay safe and sound during the chilly season. For a start it's a good idea to regularly check your anti-freeze levels and keep your windscreen and headlamp washer fluids topped up (this can be done at your local smart Official Workshop too). Keeping your smart clean also helps, especially as you need good visibility in bad weather - so keep those lights and windscreens clear. How you drive during the winter makes a big difference too, so make sure you keep your distance and watch your speed, as stopping distances are reduced on wet, icy and slippery roads. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking too. Try to reduce the extra demand on your battery in the cold by not using too many of your smart's electrics wherever possible, especially when the engine is not running. Make sure you check your tyres too - we recommend that your smart has at least 3mm of tread on its tyres. Another way to ensure your safety is to treat your smart to our Cold Weather Tyres. Designed to add traction and stability on winter roads (at temperatures from 7 degrees and under), these specially-created tyres can be ordered and fitted at your local smart Official Workshop - and they'll even change them back when spring arrives. Watch our winter tyres video here. Click here to read about some adventures you could have in your kitted-out winter smart. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/17/Tips-for-safer-winter-driving Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:38:48 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/16/A-flying-smart-car-Not-quite-but With the smart fortwo electric drive already bringing you tomorrow's world today, you'll know that here at smart we're big fans of the very latest in future mobility. So we're practically bursting with excitement as we tell you that a Massachusetts-based company has announced plans to start commercially producing a fully working flying car! Even though this may sound like something from Back to the Future, we can assure it's true. Called the Transition Roadable Aircraft and built by Terrafugia, it has already been approved by America's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a ‘roadable aircraft'. With special ultra-lightweight tyres, shatter-proof poly-carbonate panels instead of glass windows and a wingspan of 27.5 ft, the Transition can also be used on the road -although the wings fold in for more socially-acceptable road driving. In order to get it up in the air, you'll need a flying license and a special security code, which all sounds rather exciting. It seems there are still a few issues that need ironing out, such as the ‘we need enough road to get up to 88 miles per hour-style' runway requirements to actually get airbound, but the benefits of speedy travel to exotic destinations and the fact that you're driving a flying car must more than make it worthwhile. Click here to read about the smart electric drive. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/16/A-flying-smart-car-Not-quite-but Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:36:21 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/13/Technology-supports-visually-impaired-adventures There's something wonderful about an idea which captures the smart car philosophy by bringing its spirit of adventure to a wider audience. This collection of GPS devices have been made with the specific needs of visually impaired people in mind, so it fits perfectly into our smart car way of thinking! With the concept driven by the motivation to support free-spirited people with limited or no sight to get around new cities safety and effectively, even in foreign cities where they may not speak the language, the devices have all been cleverly created to work alongside white sticks and guide dogs. Using advanced GPS technology, the devices are totally practical. Called touch&go, Na:vi, Munivo and Brainovi, the four different products in the collection harness user-friendly interfaces, Braille, auditory systems and a pin matrix to deliver independence to visually-impaired people. Click here to read about another great idea to help boost the mobility of the visually impaired. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/13/Technology-supports-visually-impaired-adventures Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:20:33 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/12/Get-lost-diaries Never ones to shy away from adventure, we were excited to test out the new smart ‘get lost' app this past weekend. Little did we know we were in for such an exhilarating day out. Driving home after a morning of shopping in central London, we decided some spontaneity was in order and loaded up the ‘get lost' app. Being our first time using the app we opted to be slightly cautious and only selected a maximum journey distance of 20 miles - but our daring side led us to choose the ‘Extreme' mode for the journey. This setting kept our final destination a mystery right up until the last minute and made the journey all the more exciting while we tried to guess where we going to end up! The app took us on a scenic route through London, passing sights such as Battersea Park and Burgess Park. As we neared the outskirts of London, we were struggling to come up with any ideas of where our destination would ultimately be with our previous guesses of Greenwich Park, the National Maritime Museum and the Forster Memorial Park all eliminated as we watched them fade into the distance of the rear view mirrors. As we entered Kent, we were well and truly stumped as to where our journey was leading us. However, we weren't to be kept in suspense for too much longer as the app was soon guiding us along the finishing straight. As we pulled to a stop and exited our beloved smart fortwo coupé we were finally let in on the secret of our destination. The destination was in fact the Chislehurst Caves in the Kent countryside. Looking at each other, we realised this was a place that we never would have thought to visit ourselves - which made for an even more thrilling end result! Soaking up the scenery around us we explored the wondrous caves and learnt much about their history as our tour guide pointed out various Druid and Roman features. We also discovered that during the 1960s and 1970s many legendary artists - including David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix all performed in the caves, which did in fact make us slightly envious that we weren't able to witness what would have been incredible events in such an awe-inspiring setting! As we exited the caves, we realised that sadly our day had come to an end and we were now going back to our now seemingly predictable and dreary world. Reflecting on our experience, we know this will be the first of many times that we will be making use of the ‘get lost' app as it leads us on more adventures in the future and opens us up to the world of sights that are out there. Tell us about your adventures by emailing: info@smartinfocentre.co.uk Find out more about the get lost app here. >> Download the get lost app for iPhone. >> Download the get lost app for Android. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.     http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/12/Get-lost-diaries Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:06:35 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/11/Car2go-enters-the-Golden-State As 2012 draws ever closer and the anticipation of the arrival of the smart electric drive in the UK grows even further, it gives us great pleasure to hear about the electric smart car's adventures in the rest of the world. Cast your minds back a few months and you may remember us telling you all about our friends across the Atlantic's exciting plans to bring the revolutionary car2go car sharing scheme to the eco-loving city of San Diego. Now it is with much delight we can share with you that North America's first ever all-electric car sharing network has officially launched in San Diego! For many of the eco-conscious, an electric car can often feel like a distant dream, but with this car2go launch the entire city of San Diego now has on-demand access to a large network of electric cars - making emission free driving an available and affordable option for all. Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go N.A, LLC said "We have designed car2go to be convenient and flexible, to meet the demands of everyday life, and to fit the lifestyles of our members... car2go fills the gap between where you are and where you want to be." And that couldn't be more true! Members can use car2go with or without a reservation, for as long as they like - without having to commit to a return time or location. With members paying by the minute - only for the time they actually use the vehicle - and parking, recharging, insurance and maintenance all included, car2go can be even easier than owning your own vehicle! "San Diego is a progressive city focused on a sustainable future. Starting today, San Diegans who have dreamed of owning an electric vehicle but could not, now can enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles and become part of an emissions-free mobility revolution," concluded Cole, "The launch of car2go in San Diego will serve as a model for other cities around the world that are looking for ways to reduce emissions, alleviate congestion, and create a more sustainable environment for their residents." Click here to read about car2go in other cities. Read more about the smart electric drive here. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/11/Car2go-enters-the-Golden-State Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:22:37 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/10/Check-out-the-smart-for-us You'll already know that the smart fortwo turned the global automotive industry on its head. But you might not yet know that we're set to do it all over again! Thanks to the latest member of the smart car family -a brilliant new concept car: the smart for-us - our reputation as the pioneer of urban eco-driving is safe. The smart for-us is a terrifically-designed zero-emission vehicle that offers a brand new take on the pick-up truck - flexible, practical and ready for anything. It's a funky mix of what you'd expect from an urban pick-up mashed with the qualities that make the smart car so special. So you get a longer wheelbase with short overhangs to keep it strong yet compact, an electric rear tailboard for easy loading and unloading, and a 900 mm easy-access cargo area. Alongside all the workhorse stuff you've got a smartphone instead of a traditional rear view mirror so the integrated video camera can keep the driver aware of what's going on, awesome yellow hammock seats for comfort and style inside, and all the smart styling features that make our vehicles unique. There's even two smart e-bikes always charged and ready to go on the sturdy rear docking area. The zero-emission smart for-us launched at this year's North American International Motor Show in Detroit and more than held its own amongst the cars of tomorrow. It already looks set to be a proud big brother to the equally eco smart fortwo electric drive. Click here to read more about the smart for-us. Find out more about the smart fortwo electric drive here. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/10/Check-out-the-smart-for-us Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:02:47 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/10/Concept-vehicles-look-pretty-futuristic The next chapter in city driving is likely to make our urban areas even more intelligent thanks to innovative ideas that utilise the latest technology. Concept vehicles are now being created to go beyond the features of future-focused cars we already can enjoy like the zero-emission smart fortwo electric drive and the type of Bluetooth-enabled and integrated satnav techie features of the smart car range. Although these vehicles of tomorrow are still some way off, it's interesting to sneak a peek at what urban transportation delights we might be getting our hands on in the future. The EN-V by Chevrolet has utilised wireless communication to allow it to be driven both manually or hands-free, which brings considerably advantages to elderly or physically-impaired people, and it's range of clever sensors lets it communicate with other vehicles and the infrastructure around it, making it a very urban-traffic friendly solution. The slinky pod-like structure of the EN-V seems typical of the style of such innovative vehicles too, which is rather similar to the shape of the smart car, so it will come as no surprise to know that once again the smart fortwo is well ahead of the future driving curve! Click here to read about the futuristic new smart for-us. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/10/Concept-vehicles-look-pretty-futuristic Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:50:39 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/9/Modified-smarts-a-speedy-competitor We always knew that the smart car was far more environmentally responsible than fancy high performance cars, but now we know it's just as fast too! Following the great success of a souped-up smart forfour in a 24-hour race that recently took place at Silverstone, we can proudly say that the smart car more than held its own. Thanks to a skilled team from Dipstick's Tyres & Exhausts from Hermon Hill in Wanstead, the bright orange smart forfour, complete with branding and advertising slapped all over it, finished ahead of speedy Ferraris and Lotuses. By cleverly utilising the smart's fuel efficiency and impressive top speed of 150 mph, the special smart finished a rather brilliant 28 out of 99 teams competing. The understandably proud garage owner James Palmer said, "It was fantastic to be back as we haven't gone since we won it. A lot of big companies have got involved so it's much harder to do well, but I think we proved that our smart car has a bit of oomph." Click here to read about the smart fortwo's triumph in the MPG Marathon. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/9/Modified-smarts-a-speedy-competitor Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:42:39 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/6/A-mobile-revolution Being technically advanced yet dashingly simple to drive is one of the most praised characteristics of the clean green smart car, so we thought you'd like to know about a mobile phone interface that captures the same principle. Perfect for people that have perhaps not got to grips with all the new fangled features of fancy smart phones, the Threedom interface has just three very large buttons. A downloadable beta interface, Threedom is for android phones and is terrifically easy to use thanks to its clear, simple design that gives easy navigation through: contacts, texts, music and photos - as long as you've worked out how to upload them, presumably. With the strapline ‘the world's simplest smartphone', Threedom, created by UK-based techie interface designers Ribot, is ideal for elderly people who want the flexibility of a mobile phone but perhaps don't require all of the latest features, or for visually impaired people who need a clearer interface. And, we here at smart are always keen to hear about products that make life a little easier! Click here to read about another smart idea designed to make life even more accessible. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/6/A-mobile-revolution Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:22:03 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/5/This-Weeks-Petrol-Prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 132.31p Diesel: 140.74p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £43.66. It's the start of a new year and here at destinationsmart we are looking forward to a year filled with all things smart. As the revolutionary smart car sharing scheme car2go continues to grow around the world - this year is set to be a particularly exciting time for the UK smart family. 2012 will see the launch of the new generation eco-friendly electric drive smart car, and if that's not quite enough for all you smarties out there - the arrival of the smart ebike later on in the year is sure to bring smiles to your lovely faces. To kick off the start of the new year in style and celebrate the arrival of the new electric drive smart - why not take a roadtrip to the home of the smart car - Germany? With just one full tank of petrol in a smart fortwo you could drive all the way from London to Frankfurt! Or you can fill a smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £46.44 and visit the smart car manufacturing town of Böblingen and you'd still have plenty of fuel left over to visit our Mercedes-Benz friends in Stuttgart afterwards! However, if you're not feeling quite as adventurous - you can always just follow the smart car year round with the official 2012 smart calendar - now at the reduced price of just £2.50! Click here to buy your calendar now. And if all that's not enough to warm your hearts in this cold winter freeze - take a peek at this adorable video we came across of some unlikely cuddly friends. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Thursday 5th January 2012. Click here to read another Petrol Prices story. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/5/This-Weeks-Petrol-Prices Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:58:58 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/4/Cowells-got-the-smart-factor You might not be all that impressed with his taste in music, but you're sure to be a fan of his latest mode of transport! Pop guru Simon Cowell was recently spotted leaving the fancy CBS Television City studios in West Hollywood behind the wheel of a dashing matt black smart fortwo. This is likely to do wonders for his street cred - especially as the custom-finished smart's paint has a talent of its own. Well known for his fleet of luxury automotives, the chic smart fortwo has been chosen as a welcome respite from those massive mobiles, with Cowell seen utilising the nimble manoeuvring properties of the diminutive smart in the packed-with-fancy-cars CBS car park. A perfect complement to his famously all-black wardrobe, the fuel-nibbling smart fortwo is good-looking and practical as Cowell has spoken about his desire to reduce his carbon footprint thanks to numerous transatlantic flights and that fleet of luxury vehicles. And with Cowell never pulling his punches when it comes to telling the truth, we can believe him when he says, "I love it - and it glows in the dark!" Click here to read about more smart-loving celebrities. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/4/Cowells-got-the-smart-factor Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:38:12 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/3/Happy-2012---The-year-of-the-smart-car If ever there was a day that was perfectly suited to the smart car, it's New Year's Day. Ready for the future, excited about what's to come and a feeling of anything's possible - that's the smart car right there! So it is with huge amounts of eco-adventurous joy that we wish you a Happy New Year. 2012 is set to be a fabulous year for us all if we all start as we mean to go on. If you could do with a little helping hand to get you prepared and ready for making 2012 the best yet, perhaps you should get your hands on a destinationsmart calendar? There's still a few left and they're at the bargain price of just £2.50 including postage, so you'll still have enough pennies left for a midnight eggnog. Even smart UK does January sales! Happy New Year from smart UK xxx Buy your official 2012 smart calendar here. Click here to find out about other smart goodies available to purchase. For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2012/1/3/Happy-2012---The-year-of-the-smart-car Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:37:09 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2011/12/25/Merry-Christmas-to-you-from-smart-UK We are delighted to wish all you smarties a very merry Christmas. If you’ve already squealed at the last party popper, gnawed on the final turkey leg and given yourself a sore throat from yelling ‘It’s Chrriiiiiistmas!’ one too many times, we have a marvellous idea that’s got you written all over it. Why not have a few moments playing about with the creatively challenging Cut Out app from smart on Facebook? You can while away plenty of time dreaming of your picture-perfect smart car and working out how you’re going to be soooo good in 2012 that it might just be nestled in your stocking next year. Lots of Christmas love from smart xxx For more information about the smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2011/12/25/Merry-Christmas-to-you-from-smart-UK Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:31:51 GMT