http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/ destinationsmart news channel has all the latest news on the smart car en-uk Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:13:35 GMT Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:13:35 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/2010/7/30/smart-Roadster---Latest-hot-film-star With the UK box office release of Knight and Day coming up on August 6th, it’s not just the Hollywood A-list co-stars that are getting loads of attention. If you’ve been to the cinema recently you may have seen the trailer for this latest big budget action movie - it’s packed with suspense, adventure and loads of dramatic car chases. In fact, if you looked closely, you’ll have seen a very special supporting cast joining Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz as they race around the streets of Seville to avoid crashing into stampeding bulls down the ancient city’s narrow streets. The chase scene is given even more cover-your-eyes moments as souped-up smart Roadsters make their debut on the silver screen. As smart Roadsters can drift like a racing car and have all the agile manoeuvrability that we love about the smart car, it’s no surprise that the sighting of the dashing Roadsters have got smart car enthusiasts pretty excited. With Cruise at his manic best and Diaz bringing both glamour and daring to the role, we’re pleased to report that the smart Roadster more than holds its own, and makes sure that the flaming car chases live up to the star billing. To watch the trailer and see the smart roadster in action, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/30/smart-Roadster---Latest-hot-film-star Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:13:35 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/30/Lock-up-your-smarts In a brilliantly eye-catching initiative from a Canadian agency that is a big fan of thinking outside the box, the smart car has been turning heads yet again. We've already seen how design-focused advertising agency BBDO Toronto was able to highlight just how nimble the smart fortwo is by showing the urban micro-car perfectly slotted into a micro-parking space with a large shoe horn as a prop. So the latest idea from these free-thinkers will tickle the same fancy. To show that the smart fortwo is the ideal city car and just as agile as a bicycle, yet with loads of other benefits (a great sound system, heaps of safety features and far more comfort for you and a passenger to name just three...) BBDO Toronto has a great new gimmick. This time, the Toronto city smart cars are being ‘locked' to bicycle parking bays and lamp posts with giant (or as giant as the smart car requires) bike locks. Not only is it another way of illustrating how a smart car can practically fit into a bicycle-sized parking space, but it makes for a terrifically visual representation of how the diminutive stature of the smart still means it's safe from harm - far more than a bicycle on the same city streets. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/30/Lock-up-your-smarts Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:58:49 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/29/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 116.9p Diesel: 119.3p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £38.57, and drive from Slough, UK to Oldenburg, Germany. Or you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of diesel for £39.37, and drive from Paris, France to Odra, Poland. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Tuesday 27th July 2010 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/29/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:48:30 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/28/A-smartly-dressed-chair Imagine if you could change your furniture as often as you fancied, without the concern of wasting valuable resources by buying new stuff all the time? Well there's a very smart chair that lets you do just that - and it looks rather cool. We know that loads of you are fans of the hundreds of different options to customise your smart car by changing the colours, finishes and gadgets in your smart, so we were sure that this flexible idea would appeal. The ‘Darwin Chair' has been created by New York-based designer Stefan Sagmeister and it features 200 ‘pages' of differently-patterned covers that can be changed whenever the mood takes you. The idea behind the chair is that the human need to express ourselves through our material possessions can still be met, but without the damaging aspect of buying something completely new that takes loads of resources - or the old version being slung into landfill. The ‘pages' are actually made from a special fabric by Dupont (who have also got the ability to recycle this paper-style sturdy material) and feature abstract patterns that have been inspired by nature and evolution - hence the name! The ‘Darwin Chair' has a cantilevered wooden base and is a pleasing curved design that also reflects its natural heritage. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/28/A-smartly-dressed-chair Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:16:40 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/27/Could-your-smart-be-the-face-of-summer-2011 We have an awesome money-can't-buy competition coming up! The new dedicated competition channel on the revamped destinationsmart is about to launch its latest contest, and we're pretty sure you're going to be excited about the prize. It's a summer-themed photo comp that needs all you smart lovers to get out in the sunshine and get creative! In order to be in with a chance to win the impress-your-friends prize, we need you to take a picture of your smart car all dressed up in its best bib and tucker (or perhaps bikini and towel) and send it in to us here on our Twitter account @smartfortwouk. We want to see your unique smarts, whatever the model, in all their summer holiday glory. Show us your smart pics that capture the spirit of a smart summer - kiss me quick hats and 99s with a flake entirely optional! All pics need to be a minimum of 2MB so they're good enough quality to print...that's a hint to the brilliant prize! The reason we need your summery smart car pics to be printable quality is because the winning smarts will be featured in our 2011 smart car calendar! We're looking for some very special smarts to be Miss or Mr July, August or September. Just imagine, your smart car getting far more than its 15 minutes of fame - it's a full month! To find out more and enter the competition, click here. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk . http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/27/Could-your-smart-be-the-face-of-summer-2011 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:44:37 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/27/Stay-smart-yet-flexible Whatever your sporting passion, we've got the right smart accessories. The range of active, practical and versatile racks will give you total flexibility to enjoy your hobbies and get the most from your smart. You'll be impressed with how much extra space you can get from using the exterior of your vehicle in a really smart way! Let us introduce the smart rear-mounted rack system. It's an adaptable system that allows a variety of rack systems to be fitted so you can transport different types of sporting equipment, so it's perfect for smart lovers with lots of athletic hobbies. There's handy functionality too - the rear window can still be opened even with the rack loaded. If you're a keen cyclist, you'll be pleased to see the easy-to-fit bicycle rack. You can even use two at a time if you've got a cycling buddy. You simply need to pop the bicycle in the rack system and the lockable frame holder will keep it secure. For fans of more adventurous cold-weather pursuits, the ski and snowboard rack can be combined to give you space for two pairs of skis and a snowboard. You can also choose to fit them separately, providing security for two pairs of skis on the ski rack or two snowboards with the snowboard rack. For more information on smart & BRABUS accessories, you can download the brochure here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/27/Stay-smart-yet-flexible Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:32:40 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/26/Drink-in-this-smart-idea You know that whole concept of ‘paying it forward', where you pass a good turn on to someone else that needs it rather than the person that did you the favour? Well an American idea that's embraced that concept is now making its way over to the UK. In New York, a scheme called TapIt has been hugely successful on lots of levels, so we here at destinationsmart are more than happy that it's arrived in Manchester. TapIt lets New Yorkers fill their own water bottle using tap water from restaurants and cafes that have signed up to the scheme for free. There's even a smartphone app that lets you find your nearest participating TapIt location. The UK version of TapIt is called GiveMeTap and works in much the same way, although consumers initially need to buy a GiveMeTap branded aluminium bottle for free refilling. Even though both the TapIt and GiveMeTap schemes are brilliant for making sure we all stay hydrated, they're also great for cutting waste from plastic drinks bottles. And you know how much the philosophy of the smart car is all about cutting out what's unnecessary and wasteful and just leaving the bits we need. Of course, we're pleased to report that there's an even more serious message behind the TapIt and GiveMeTap schemes. The brains behind the UK version is Ghanaian entrepreneur and Manchester University graduate Edwin Broni-Mensah, who's dedicated to raising awareness of the global water shortage issue. His idea to charge for the reusable bottle - which costs a very reasonable £7 - allows over 70% of the profits to be pumped into independent water projects in the developing countries where they're most needed. GiveMeTap is already gaining loads of fans because it's a terrific scheme for everyone that gets behind it - it's a smashing project for companies, a brilliant way for individuals to do their bit and it saves lots of plastic from being turned into rubbish. Drink it in! To find out more about GiveMeTap, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/26/Drink-in-this-smart-idea Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:53:32 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/23/Stop-Press-smart-festival-2010-news Stop Press! We've just heard that Lewis Hamilton will definitely be making an appearance at smart festival on 4th September.We'll bring you more information as soon as we can.If you haven't registered yet, visit smartfest.co.uk now. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/23/Stop-Press-smart-festival-2010-news Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:26:46 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/23/Raymond---Kiwibanks-smart-car Even if you don't admit it to your nearest and dearest, we're thinking that quite a few of you smart lovers out there have given your prized smart a name. If you've been keeping the personalised moniker of your smart a secret up until now, perhaps it's time to shout it from the rooftops that you call your smart car Barry. The reason we're encouraging you to be proud of your smart's name is because we have found out from a very reliable source that it's not just smart people that name their smarts, it's businesses too! The New Zealand-based financial institution Kiwibank has got a new advertising campaign that promotes its ‘Smart Thinking' concept and what better way to show how ‘different, quirky and friendly' they really are than having a Kiwibank-wrapped smart car? And it's called Raymond. Now, it's not entirely clear why they chose the name Raymond (perhaps they thought it looked like a Raymond), but what is clear is that the bank is keen to use the agile, ecologically-responsible and highly desirable qualities of the smart car to represent its fresh approach to banking. Raymond has been equipped with massive roof speakers to help spread the word of ‘Smart Thinking' to the people of New Zealand, with the smart playing the national anthem to really draw attention to itself. It seems that the independent, future-focused qualities of the smart have been chosen for a reason. A representative from Kiwibank explains how Raymond came about following an advertising campaign thought up by global giants Ogilvy. "Raymond is a vehicle to represent the bank - literally! Raymond is small and nimble, taking on the world of banking. In our advertising we try to make it seem like the car drives itself around, kind of like KITT from the TV show Knight Rider." A smart car, with a name, that's drives itself around - that really does sound like a smart future! For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/23/Raymond---Kiwibanks-smart-car Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:32:08 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/22/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 117.0p Diesel: 119.5p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £38.61. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Tuesday 20th July 2010 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/22/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:45:02 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/21/Make-some-noise-in-the-smartstudio It's no big secret that smart has the coolest campaigns, but the latest smart idea is really very, very cool indeed. The smart.studio. is a funky mix of urban trends and the very latest technology - all fused together to create the world's smallest television studio - in a smart car! Under the tagline of ‘remix your reality', the studio is off on a European road trip round some of the most exciting cities on the continent and is looking to meet smart lovers that want to join in. The idea is that the small-but-perfectly-formed television studio is set up in a smart fortwo and, using the inspiration of the people we come across in Berlin, Rome, Paris, London and Barcelona, the smart.studio. will come alive with creative ideas. To start you off, we've suggested that the hip themes of fashion, music, speed-dating and urban view are ideal to be explored in the smart television studio. We're expecting to see loads of urbanites getting into all the music programming, TV presenting or catwalk sashaying we can pack into a smart fortwo. We've set up a dedicated microsite at smart-studio.tv/en/ and here you can find out everything there is to know about the smart.studio. concept. There's also a Facebook fanpage with heaps of extra features just for the smart community. Mark Langenbrinck, the managing director of the smart brand, explained a little more about the world's smallest television studio in a smart car and the upcoming road trip. "Cities love smart and smart loves cities. So what could be more natural than exploring European cities and their trends in a smart car? Which is exactly what the smart.studio. has to offer: people, music and lifestyle experienced from the comfort of our two-seater." Even though you're bound to see some of our banner ads, radio spots and print ads about the place, why not join up to the Facebook fanpage here to make sure you don't miss a thing? For more information on the smart.studio. click here. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/21/Make-some-noise-in-the-smartstudio Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:53:00 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/20/Outsmart---smart-inspired-illustrations It's not unusual for people to be inspired by the cute and cool smart car, but it certainly is unusual for them to be so inspired that they create an illustrative book dedicated to the smart! That is exactly what Bristol-based illustrator Gemma Randall has done - and she's keen to get other smart-loving creative types involved in the project. Gemma has come up with the brilliant idea of Outsmart, a design-focused project that asks illustrators from all sorts of disciplines to send in their two-page drawings. The only rule is that the pictures need to be inspired by our very favourite eco-responsible urban mobility expert, the smart car! To help prospective partners, Gemma has come up with a delightful brief as follows :- smart! It's a tiny car with a giant heart. You have a two page spread.What and where would you like your car to be? This is your space so be as loose or as strict as you like, as real or imaginary as you like. Create your car and your ideal place to drive it, park it, fly it? The only bar is that the shape of the car remains smart-like! Happy times! It seems the brief is working like a charm, as over 80 illustrators have already signed up to play their part with renowned artists including Camellie Dobrin, Ben The Illustrator, Stephen Chan, 45RPM and Bex Glover. Gemma is hoping that the project will gain funding to publish the work and pay the illustrators, by pitching it to smart directly. To view some examples of illustrations that have been submitted, click on the artist's name below: Stephen Chan LEM AKA Louise Mclennan Bex Glover Camellie Dobrin Tom Pearson Sweaty Eskimo McKibillo For any smart types out there interested in taking part or seeking more information on Outsmart, you can contact Gemma via email her at hello@gemmarandall.com before the 30th August deadline. Alternatively you can follow updates on the dedicated Twitter page @OutSmartBook, and blog http://outsmart2010.blogspot.com/. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/20/Outsmart---smart-inspired-illustrations Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:50:57 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/19/Win-a-smart-weekend Extra, extra! Read all about it! To launch the new dedicated competition channel on the recently redesigned destinationsmart site, we’re happy to announce the details of the very first competition! And it’s not any old bottle of sweet wine or box of shortbread as your prize. We’re offering a weekend of joy and fun - smart style! Mercedes-Benz style too, as your pleasure-packed weekend will be held at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey. The winner will be the very happy recipient of tickets to see two brilliant musical events that are being held at Mercedes-Benz World on the weekend of July 31st and August 1st. The first night will be a retro-tastic pop-fest of hits from the ABBA Symphonic Spectacular and you’ll be positively encouraged to dress up and get down to the sing-along extravaganza. If you’re a little exhausted after all that, we’re sure that hearing the prize includes a night in the Brooklands Hotel will be music to your ears. Perhaps a more sedate pace on the second night of your prize will be welcomed - you’ll hear some of the most popular and stirring classical music at our Last Night of the Brooklands Proms concert. As the real icing on the cake, the prize includes the use of a smart fortwo BRABUS or a smart fortwo urbanstyle for the whole weekend. We’ll even include a delicious picnic hamper of food on both nights to sustain you through all that foot stomping and flag waving. Runners-up will receive two full weekend tickets to both concerts. So how can you be in with a chance to win this smart weekend prize? You’ll need to get your thinking caps on because we want you to share with us, in less than 100 words, why taking a smart for a weekend of concerts at Mercedes-Benz World would be better than taking any other car. Think creative and think smart - we’re sure you’ll impress us. Good luck! To be in with a chance click here to go to the competition page. For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/19/Win-a-smart-weekend Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:28:43 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/19/smart-mourns-Nicholas-G-Hayek We've been celebrating the life of a very special, very smart entrepreneur that very sadly has died aged 82 in Biel, Switzerland. Although you may not know his name, Nicholas G. Hayek was a pioneering force in the development of the original smart car, and his passion for ecological urban mobility will forever be intertwined with the smart car we all know and love. The marriage of Hayek - the inventor of the cult Swatch watch - and Mercedes-Benz first started in 1989 when Hayek announced his plan to launch a micro city car on the European automobile market. His idea was that the small car would appeal to people as a statement, rather than as a status symbol, in much the same way as the bright, colourful and desirable Swatch watches changed the watch market. The two partners of Hayek and Mercedes-Benz proved to be the perfect match, with the delightful smart car the result of their union. The first smart car, initially called the smart city coupé and later renamed as the smart fortwo, was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997 and the rest is our rather brilliant history. The vital qualities of the smart car - environmental friendliness, technologically advanced functionality and a compact design - have been perfectly fused with Hayek's desire to create a stylish, colourful micro car. As full production began at the purpose-built production plant in Hambach, France in July 1998, the commercial sales followed in 1999. This was also the year that Hayek sold his shares in Micro Compact Car AG, the company that he founded in association with Mercedes-Benz in order to develop the initial concept, and so smart ever since has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler-Benz AG (now known as Daimler AG). Mark Langenbrinck, managing director for smart, paid tribute to Nicholas G. Hayek's invaluable contribution to the development of the smart brand. He said, "With Nicholas G. Hayek we lose a pioneer who provided inspiration for the smart product and brand with his vision of sustainable mobility. His intuition for trends and his great idea laid the essential foundations for the development of the smart fortwo and he will remain inseparable from the success of the brand." We're certain that the spirit of Nicholas G. Hayek will stay with us as the concept of urban mobility continues apace. As the second generation smart fortwo electric drive is being produced and will go on general sale in 2012, his pioneering influence is clearly a key part of our continued success. Nicholas G. Hayek (19 February 1928 - 28 June 2010) For more information on the new smart fortwo visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/19/smart-mourns-Nicholas-G-Hayek Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:47:22 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/16/Help-smart-reach-a-Twitter-milestone If we had said to you a few years ago that we were about to reach our 1000th tweet, you would have wondered what on earth we meant! But now you probably know exactly what tweeting is all about, which is rather handy, because we want to ask your advice. As the @smartfortwo Twitter account is fast approaching the 1000th tweet, we thought we would ask you smart car fans to send us your ideas for what this momentous tweet should be. Using the comments box at the bottom of this story or by sending us a message on Twitter to @smartfortwo, we would really love it if you shared your smart thoughts, with the best one featured as our 1000th tweet. We're thinking it would be particularly great to see you and your smarts (or just your beloved smart if you're not quite ready to face the world of Twitter!) so try sending us a Twitpic - with a thought of 140 characters or less! If you've not got to grips with Twitpic yet, now is as good a time as any. It's an easy-to-use site that lets you upload photos from your mobile or computer straight onto Twitter - just log onto the Twitpic site using your Twitter account details and you're good to go! To visit the smart UK Twitter page, go to @smartfortwo. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/16/Help-smart-reach-a-Twitter-milestone Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:21:44 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/16/Retro-gaming-gets-smart As a leading developer of computer, mobile and video games, Namco Networks knows all about cool stuff. So we weren't at all surprised to hear that Namco has chosen a hip and trendy smart car as the top prize for its latest sweepstakes. In fact, it has even upped the cool stakes by making it extra special - it's a brilliantly retro PAC-MAN smart car! Namco has chosen to wrap the smart in PAC-MAN graphics to celebrate the iconic video game's 30th birthday. While that may not be a grand age for us humans, for a computer game it's positively ancient, so the competition is the perfect way to recognise the enduring pleasure PAC-MAN has brought to generations of gamers. CEO of Namco Networks Kenji Hisatsune said, "Over the last 30 years, PAC-MAN has continued to evolve and be relevant with his fans - no matter the demographic or generation. Giving away a smart car that commemorates his 30 years is a way for us to show our appreciation to one of the many fans out there." That significant number of fans continues to grow too, with all manner of anniversary antics going on including a specially-themed Google doodle logo that brought the joys of PAC-MAN to millions of internet browsers earlier this month. Not quite as exciting as winning a smart car, but a fun skive all the same. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/16/Retro-gaming-gets-smart Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:31:49 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/15/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 117.3p Diesel: 119.7p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £38.71. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Tuesday 13th July 2010 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/15/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:47:20 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/14/Repurposing-the-light-bulb At destinationsmart, we're always keen to share cool green projects that harness the eco-responsible spirit of the smart car. We're also big fans of new words that mean good things, so we're especially excited to tell you about the latest idea from two rather smart Argentinean designers. Natalia Hojman and Angeles Estrada Vigil are behind the brilliant Potus Pots - and they've used the theme of ‘repurposing' to explain the inspiration behind the design. The Potus Pots are a very smart way to give old burnt-out CLF light bulbs a new lease of life, with the two designers having created a functional and beautiful cork base for the bulbs to sit in. The body of the bulb is then used as a plant pot for flowers, herbs or small plants to grow, with the glass providing the perfect habitat, with light, air and water easily incorporated. Fans of the Potus Pots are invited to vote in the 2010 Spring Greening Competition, where the pots sit alongside 22 other clever ways to repurpose everyday objects. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/14/Repurposing-the-light-bulb Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:26:43 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/13/Get-smart-and-functional Enjoy every minute at the wheel with our package of optional electrical equipment that keeps everything close at hand. We know that smart car drivers love to be fuel-efficient on the move, so our dashboard instruments with cockpit clock and rev counter in the unique smart style are a must. Both swivel to position just where you want them. To make sure your smart sounds as good as it looks, add the audio switchbox accessory. It's a smart Bluetooth® hands-free system that gives you an MP3 interface and portable smart navigation II system in one package. You also guaranteed to get noticed with the two-tone fanfare horn! For extra comfort and added style inside your smart, there are two further accessories options. The 3-spoke leather sports steering wheel with steering wheel gearshift is a great combination of fashion and functionality, as the fine leather covering gives great grip and the shift paddles lets you change gears Formula One-style, with both hands staying on the wheel for added safety. The softouch automatic gear programme is in addition to the 5-speed manual transmission, with smart drivers able to switch between the two modes simply by pressing a button. For more information on smart & BRABUS accessories, you can download the brochure here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/13/Get-smart-and-functional Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:43:55 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/12/How-green-is-my-hosting Don't let the name put you off! Being a FatCow could actually boost your chances of winning a super smashing smart fortwo coupé, but you certainly don't have to be on the larger side to enter or, indeed, bovine. FatCow is actually the name of an American web hosting company and it's offering a whole host of cool prizes to lure and reward customers, including the smart car, as well as highlighting its commitment to being a green company. Called the ‘Host smart, drive smart' initiative, FatCow's team of web geeks and marketing experts - collectively known as the Moo Crew - are keen to encourage new customers to sign up and be part of their eco-IT gang. Existing customers are also in with a shout as FatCow are giving more chances to win the smart car with affiliate programmes and other incentives. The initiative was thought up by original Moo Crew member Sophia Nobrega. "We love being a fun and quirky brand, but we're also very conscious of the decisions we make, and how they affect our customers and our environment," Nobrega explained. "What better way to prove that than to give stuff away to our loyal customers - stuff that is not only fun, but eco-friendly." FatCow walks the walk as well as talking the talk. All its data centres are powered by 100% eco-responsible wind energy and the company takes great pride in operating in as sustainable manner as possible. So maybe the grass is greener when you're a FatCow! For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/12/How-green-is-my-hosting Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:10:41 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/9/When-in-Rome-be-smart Known across the world as having the most awesome history, Rome is now staking its claim on being a city of the future, too. In a very important step forward in the new era of eco-responsible urban mobility, the city of Rome has recently taken delivery of the first of 100 brand new smart fortwo electric drive vehicles. The pride of smarts are coming to Rome as part of the E-Mobility Italy programme that is a collaboration between smart and Italian energy provider Enel and it's widely considered to be a flagship project. E-Mobility Italy is committed to creating an ‘intelligent network' of 150 electric vehicle recharging points across the Eternal City, with 100 available for all residents and 50 for the private and business use of the first lucky owners of Rome's smart fortwo electric drive cars. A key part of the E-Mobility Italy project is to educate local people on the long-term benefits of owning or using an electric car like the smart fortwo electric drive, with the facts - such as the eco-vehicles reducing CO2 emissions by 46% compared to a traditional vehicle and using 40% less primary energy - speaking for themselves. With the initial lithium ion battery powered smart fortwo electric drive already handed to the Mayor of Rome by chairman and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italy Bram Schot, it has never been a smarter time to say ‘when in Rome...'! For more information on the smart electric drive, click here.   http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/9/When-in-Rome-be-smart Fri, 09 Jul 2010 09:47:55 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/8/Summer-is-smart-in-Brentford It looks like Brentford is going loony for smart cars this summer! If you want a piece of the smart action, get down to smart Brentford and you and your family can join in all the fun from 17th to 23rd July. The smart family fun day will be held on Saturday, 17th July and smart Brentford has planned all sorts of ‘smart-filled’ activities to keep both small kids and big kids happy all day! There’ll be a ‘best dressed smart’ competition for proud owners to show off their individual and personalised smart cars, with the lucky winner being presented with a prize to the value of £250, including smart accessories and a driving experience at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey. Kids will love the face painting, guessing how many balloons are in the smart car and the specially-created ‘racing centre’ - where they can test their skills on the latest Xbox and PlayStation® driving games. smart Brentford has also got the local community involved and the results of its competition for primary school children to design their own smart car will also be announced, with the winning school getting the much-coveted prize of the use of a specially-wrapped smart for a whole term. The smart Brentford event will run from 9am-5.00pm on 17th July with offers on new smarts available until 23rd July. The best dressed smart competition will begin at 12pm and judging will take place at 1pm. The winner of the school livery competition will be announced, with the car unveiling at 2pm. New smart cars purchased at the event will receive a complementary service. Visit our dedicated smart Brentford event page here to join the event and add it to your events calendar. For further information visit www.smartbrentford.co.uk or contact smart Brentford on 0845 123 8451. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/8/Summer-is-smart-in-Brentford Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:51:46 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/8/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Average prices for this week are: - Unleaded: 118.1p Diesel: 120.7p This means you can fill your smart 33 litre tank of petrol for £38.97. Visit destinationsmart.co.uk for weekly updates on the latest prices. Prices correct as on Tuesday 6th July  2010 http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/8/This-weeks-Petrol-prices Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:41:33 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/7/smart-solution-to-the-call-of-the-wild We know that you smart car lovers are big fans of getting loads of good stuff into a small space - after all, the smart car prides itself on it! A rather ingenious product called the JakPak has taken the same smart car principle and created a practical and an almost-attractive solution for outdoor fans. OK, so it's not going to be featured on the catwalks of Paris anytime soon, but the JakPak is definitely going to give hiking and camping enthusiasts something to show off to their friends. The JakPak sees the three outdoor requirements of a waterproof jacket, sleeping bag and tent all come together in one easy package, and has been billed as the ‘world's first all-in-one way to provide safety and comfort in an unpredictable world'. Now, that may seen a little grand to us smart car lovers that prefer the home comforts of a rather more indoorsy life, but for those that persist in rugged pursuits in the cold, wet and mud of the wild, the JakPak is the perfect companion. The patented JakPak is all about waterproof protection and its urethane-coated ‘ripstop' nylon polyester body fabric gives people on the go an easy to use shelter from the elements. Although the tent is not exactly a home from home and the jacket could hardly be described as high fashion, the $249.99 JakPak is definitely a smart idea for adventurers who are not quite ready to be totally exposed to the great outdoors. To learn more about the JakPak, click here. For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/7/smart-solution-to-the-call-of-the-wild Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:00:11 GMT http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/6/smart-car-to-the-rescue A smart car has played an important role in getting a newly-married couple home from a rather unromantic journey.The recent travel disruptions caused by the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud saw Richard and Gayle Edmondson from Clitheroe have a less-than-relaxing end to their honeymoon in the Maldives. Due to fly back from the Maldives to Manchester, their flight was only able to take them as far as Dubai, where they were rather left to fend for themselves.Richard explained, “On arriving in Dubai we did not receive any help from the airline regarding hotels and help to get home. Our tour operator advised us to go to their representative’s desk where they would be able to sort out our flights home and accommodation. All they did was sort out accommodation for a price and you could not pay for hotel rooms with credit or debit cards – only cash!”By this point, newly-weds Richard and Gayle were feeling distinctly abandoned and so decided to take getting home into their own hands. They were able to get a flight as far as Rome, but onward flights were nowhere to be found.The couple knew the only way they could get any further north would be to drive. Step forward a helpful, nimble and very friendly smart car to the rescue! The Edmondsons hired the smart and drove the 400 miles to Milan, where they were able to get a train to Paris.Richard added, “We clearly had a memorable honeymoon, one that allowed people from different countries and cultures to work together to overcome a global problem. Travellers helped each other and the information came from them and not the officials or employees of the airlines.” smart lovers will not be surprised to hear that the smart car falls into the category of helping rather than hindering the distressed travellers!For more information on smart visit thesmart.co.uk. http://www.destinationsmart.co.uk/News/index.cfm/2010/7/6/smart-car-to-the-rescue Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:14:00 GMT