You probably haven't seen a Smart Car in Southwest Virginia; and if you have, you probably thought it was some sort of promotional gimmick. Smart Cars do not yet have wide distribution in America, though their presence is growing. Long popular in Europe, the tiny Smart Cars are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles around, perfect for the short commutes generally needed by urban drivers. And unlike scooters, Smart Cars are comfortable to drive in inclement weather!

Smart Cars are not hybrids -- their small size and more efficient engines simply make better use of their fuel; with mileage ratings up to 40 mpg, Smart Cars nearly double the fuel efficiency of standard passenger vehicles.

While Smart Cars can reach top speeds of 85 mph and are approved for travel on U.S. highways, they are built with the urban driver in mind. And don't worry -- though small, Smart Cars are exceptionally safe. Visit the site of the U.S. distributor of Smart Cars, ZAP, or the original European site to learn more.