DaimlerChrysler To Bring Smartcar To U.S.

BERLIN (AP) - DaimlerChrysler plans to start selling its micro two-seater Smartcar in the United States in 2007 amid declining sales in the European market.

The mainstay for-two model has been popular in Europe for its fuel economy and a size so small that two of the vehicles can often be squeezed into parking spaces meant for one.

Still, DaimlerChrysler's Smart unit has never turned a profit, and the company said earlier this month that the unit's sales of all models were down 21.5% on the year.

According to Germany's Der Spiegel magazine, which did not cite its sources, DaimlerChrysler plans to introduce the for-two to the U.S. market in 2007. The model has already been launched in Canada, where the company has said initial feedback on sales have been good.