Report: DaimlerChrysler to sell micro in U.S.

updated 4:48 p.m. ET June 25, 2006

BERLIN - DaimlerChrysler AG plans to start selling its micro two-seater Smart car in the United States in 2007, according to published reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that DaimlerChrysler plans to soon announce the launch of the two-door Smart car in the U.S., citing people familiar with the matter that it didn’t name.

And Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine, which did not cite its sources, reported Sunday about the plans.

DaimlerChrysler spokesman Thomas Froehlich referred calls to a Smart spokesman, who was unavailable. Chrysler Group spokesman Jason Vines said Saturday that the company does not comment on speculation about future products.

The fortwo model has been popular in Europe. 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 fell 21.5 percent on the year.

The model has already been launched in Canada, where the company has said initial sales have been good.

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