Whatever you you might say about small city cars, there does seem to be a strong element of camaraderie among their owners, proven no more so than through the annual smart festival-a huge gathering of fans of the petite Daimler-owned brand.
This year’s gathering of some of Daimler’s most compact and fuel efficient cars saw record attendance, with no less than 5,212 smart enthusiasts at the festival at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, Surrey.
There was a range of attractions including street-themed activities, such as slacklining and urban basketball, live music and a huge display of the most desirable smarts around.
Standouts in the gathering of 1,500 smarts included a 10th anniversary celebration of the radical crossblade, the official reveal of the striking iceshine special edition while Europe’s most stunning examples battling it out to be voted the best of the best.
Compere, comedian Danny Hornigold ensured everyone literally had a good laugh, and pro freestyle skateboarders Kilian Martin and Alfredo Urbon – the stars of the smash hit ‘skate fortwo’ online film viewable at youtube.co.uk/smartfortwouk – wowed the crowds riding the world’s first-ever tandem skateboard. Artists ‘Threepenny Bit” and beatboxer Jack Hobbs AKA “Hobbit” added a soundtrack to keep the party atmosphere thumping.
Electric games
Over 600 show-goers took the chance to test drive the latest smarts, including the new 3rd generation smart fortwo electric drive and smart electric bike. Plenty also had a go at ‘smart sweep’ – a new attraction where participants experienced the amazing agility and spaciousness of smart by going against the clock to collect a list of goodies from a fantasy High Street.
smart EBALL was all-new too, the game paying homage to the classic ‘80s video game Pong and featuring radio-controlled, full-size electric drive smarts in the gameplay. There was also established favourites, such as smart racing demonstrations, kidszone and funfair.
David George, Marketing Director Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “You can always rely on smart to put on a spectacular show and this year’s festival was on another level.
“The record-breaking numbers underline the sheer and ever-increasing appeal of smart and festival-goers were thrilled to get in on the action, relishing the opportunity to try innovative activities that epitomise the gutsy and non-conformist nature of smart.”
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
October 09, 2012
Filed under: smart
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