Americans to Get Smart

DaimlerChrysler (DCX) plans to start selling its tiny and fuel-efficient Smart brand in the U.S., the world's biggest car market, beginning in 2008.

Word of the plan had been circulating in media reports for several days, but the German-American automaker confirmed the decision Wednesday. The car will be what DaimlerChrysler referred to as a successor to the current Smart fourtwo.

Bumper-to-bumper, the Smart fourtwo sold in the U.K. is about 8.2 feet long. By comparison, the Volkswagen Beetle is around 13.4 feet long, the Ford (F) Focus three-door hatchback is roughly 14 feet long, and a Honda (HMC) Civic is about 14.5 feet in length. ...