How smart is Smart? Plenty smart if you look at the way Smart USA is marketing their munchkin, and the way other auto makers are trying to play catch-up to join in what they see as an up and coming segment.

At nine feet long, the car will be the smallest on the road but is showing big numbers pre introduction. In a unique marketing angle to promote a new car, Smart has taken in over 30,000 Internet reservations for its Smart ForTwo at $99 per reservation this year.
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As Chrysler pulls the wraps of some new signage at the Chrysler world headquarters in Auburn Hills Michigan, employees are greeted to a First Day celebration on the front lawn by Tom LaSorda and new Chairman Bob Nardilli. That’s right, there is a new chief in town. In fact, there is a lot of new happenings at Chrysler these days as the automaker tries to reinvent itself under the new ownership of Cerebus Inc.

This morning’s festivities included vehicle displays and state of the union type speeches from LaSorda and Nardilli. Perhaps more important then the motivation of thousands of employees in attendance are the actual changes that have been announced.

First off, the brand is returning to it’s roots visual, by resurrecting the Pentastar that identified the company from 1962 until 9 years ago. The new Chrysler has a lot riding on the heritage of the old Chrysler and they are hoping this will bring on some fond memories from consumers.

It was announced yesterday that Nardilli, ex of Home Depot will take over as Chairman and CEO, while LaSorda will stay on board as Vice Chairman and President.

In keeping with the rebuilding the brand theme, a new ad campaign is being launched today. The New Chrysler: Get Ready for the Next Hundred Years ties in strongly with the recent news of a lifetime powertrain warranty.

These are obviously exciting days for anyone in the Chrysler world. There is little question that many consumers who might not have given Chrysler products a second glance will be making a trip to their local Chrysler showroom. With that warranty, why wouldn’t they?
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That’s right, Pappa Frank’s little girl has given up on her foray into politics and is returning to the CEO position at the Magna International. For those who have been asleep, Magna is one of the companies in the running to buy Chrysler from Daimler. It seems like a pretty timely move for Belinda to make a return to the house that Frank built. In a TV interview last night, the still sexy at 40 Stronach said that she’s looking forward to her involvement with high level projects but would not comment further on the upcoming DCX meetings.

Perhaps her boyfriend can help muscle the negotiations along.

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Things have been crazy at work & home, so uploading and editing to close to a hundred paddock pics hasn’t happened yet. Just a teaser is this pic of the Krause & England paddock spot. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Alfa GTV, and this was a stunning example. Thanks for making the long drive guys.

Even though we only stayed for a few hours this weekend, we had a chance to renew old friendships and build a couple of new ones. Part of the reason Mosport has been able to stay around throughout the years is the wonderful people who congregate there year after year. I was born in early in the summer of 67, into a racing family and Mosport has played a part in almost every summer since. The history of the place is enough to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, every single time I turn onto the entrance road. The only time I’ve felt the same, was the first time I visited The Glen. Same type of history.

Over the next few weeks, The Garage is going to start showcasing some of the cars that were around this weekend. The first will be Ian Lok’s Volvo 122S, followed up by the Hubley Bluenose Special and maybe Ted Humphries Daimler SP250. If any of you want to share the history of your special car, send me some pics and a brief history and I’d be more than happy to showcase your pride and joy as well.