2008... A brand new year, and smart has a brand new car. In 2006 they dropped both the Roadster and forfour models from their range, leaving them the fortwo as their only model, the end of 2007 introduced the brand new Generation 2 fortwo, with a 999cc mitsubishi sourced engine. These are my predictions for 2008.

1) Smart in the USA
I believe that smart being sold in the USA will help the brand, with most of their business being in larger cities and more cosmopolitan areas, with the majority of sales in California and perhaps New York. Pushed on by the environmental lobby in the USA the car will be a big hit, but will also spawn some 'home grown' copies. This will boost the brand sales and smart will stop losing money quite so fast, and perhaps by 2009-2010 bring them back into the black.

2) A new smart
Some time in 2008 smart will introduce a new model into the range to replace the defunct roadster model. The fact is, they haven't done anything with the roadster production line, it's still there, waiting. It would be a smart move for them to introduce a new model along the lines of the actually very successful roadster, this would help bolster sales in Europe.

3) The new smart will get modded
It's already happening, but modifiying the new fortwo will get a big push in 2008, someone will find an easy way to remap the new model. More companies will produce modification parts for the new car and the modding scene will thrive on the new model.

4) Some clubs will not survive
It's a sad fact that the smart scene is one of the most fractured car club scenes in the UK and possibly the world, everyone has their fingers in too many pies. Some of the lesser used clubs will shut up shop, leaving the other forums and clubs room to expand. Some clubs may go over to a subscription scheme for new members to help the club finances, and do events in the new year.

5) Some independents will not survive.
Again, due to the amount of independent garages that support the smart scene in the UK, there's too little business for all of them to make it through 2008, especially with the economic slowdown.

6) Events will converge.
Probably not a good prediction for 2008, but perhaps in 2008/2009 some of the larger clubs will have some joint events with other smart clubs, giving more of a community spirit and making one of the biggest events ever seen.

Conclusion
Overall though I think that 2008 will be a good year for the smart community in general, especially with the new car getting into the USA.