Smart for Nissan | Source: Autonews.com | Click to enlarge

Automotive News reported today on a new deal between Smart USA and Nissan Motor Co. to produce and sell a five-door gasoline-engine small car in the United States. The “B-segment” car is targeted to go on sale during the fourth quarter of next year.

In an interview, Smart USA resident Jill Lajdziak said, “There were a lot of customer requests to offer a little bit larger vehicle.” She also said that the new five-seater is meant to be a direct competitor to the Honda FIT, in America’s growing sub-compact vehicle market.

Smart’s only model, the ForTwo two-seat mini-car built by Daimler, had its peak sales in 2008 – its introductory year – with 24,622 units sold. That year was also marked by gas prices in excess of $4/gallon. Last year, with lower gasoline prices and a collapsed economy, sales plummeted by 41 percent. Year-to-date sales this year, through September 30th, are down 62 percent more, with only 4,779 sales.

The new car will be built on a new global platform in one of Nissan’s factories in the Americas, Nissan spokesman Dave Reuter said.

Smart ForTwo

The insurance industry is regarding the Smart car as small, but safe although — as only insurance agents can do — the pros are quick to point out that smaller vehicles are riskier than big ones.

Uh, duh?

Hummer vs. Semi
ForTwo vs. Semi

You do the math.

Ford Focus Spiffier for 2009

The Focus SE coupe will get a sportier exterior for the new model year with a lower front fascia in a bid to European-esque design. There will be a new roofline spoiler and the standard wheels will be 17″ aluminum. The idea is to make the car more attractive to younger buyers. It’ll go on sale in August with a price take of $16,615 for the SE and $18,035 for the SES.

Ferrari GT California – Always Speedy

Ferrari is showing off a new eight-cylinder GT available as a convertible only with a hand-formed aluminum body. Under the hood look for a 4.3-liter V8 in the mid-front position. Estimates put the 0 to 62 mph rating at under 4 seconds. There’s a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, Brembo brakes, and a F1-Trac traction control system. The public debut is scheduled for the Paris motor show in October.