Product Description

The story of smart is an epic tale of genius, inspiration, hope, disappointment, disaster and ultimate triumph. Funky, stylish and fun, smart is the youngest and most exciting brand of car on the market - and it has revolutionised the way we think about cars and the way we use them. It has put much-needed fun back into driving, and even city motorists smile when they're at the wheel of a smart. But it nearly didn't happen at all. The revolutionary design was the product of the genius who invented the Swatch watch, saving the near-bankrupt Swiss watch industry in the process. The sensational story of smart traces the decadelong history of this ambitious project, talking to key figures from every stage of the programme and building a vivid picture of an idea ahead of its time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #218883 in Books
• Published on: 2004-08-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

About the Author
Tony Lewin has spent most of his working life driving cars, analyzing them, and reporting on the ups and downs of the global enterprises that build them. As a business writer and editor of Financial Times Automotive World he has kept a constant watch on the world's top carmakers for many years. Today, Lewin divides his time between business journalism and books. In 2003 he published the widely-acclaimed How to Design Cars Like a Pro (ISBN 0-7603-1641-4).

Customer Reviews

A "smart" book!
I think this book is a really fun read. Its fascinating and entertaining for anyone who likes cars. Its well written and easy to understand so that even if cars are not your strong point you wont feel you are being bombarded with technical jargon. Great layout and good photographs!

Very interesting and very useful!
I purchased this book last year (though yes, I've only got around to writing a review now...) because I'd based my final year business dissertation on the company and needed an accurate account of the company's history.

I found that account in this book and whether you're planning an essay like I was or simply wish to know more about the story of the smart you'll find this an excellent and particularly interesting read. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who owns a smart as it'll provide you with a fascinating insight into how your car came into existence.

Tony Lewin has found some great information by speaking to many of the main protagonists and as such you'll probably find information in the book that you might not in other titles. On top of this, there are plenty of photographs to illustrate the story.

Recommended for car fans and marketing students, and essential for owners!

smart thinking
a great read the author makes it extremely interesting and absorbing.a must for every smarty
highly recommended