March 31st, 2009 · No Comments

Photo: Daimler | smart USA

From Green Right Now Reports

A year after its US arrival, smart USA Distributor LLC said today that it will plant a tree in recognition of each of the 24,622 smart fortwos sold in 2008 and for those sold through the remainder of 2009. The company said it will partner with American Forests and Daimler Financial Services to plant the trees in the Cache River State Natural Area of southern Illinois, about 150 miles southeast of St. Louis.

“smart USA, Daimler Financial Services and American Forests are committed to creating a healthier, greener environment,” Dave Schembri, President of smart USA, said in a statement. “We wanted to select a project that not only reflected one of our brand’s core attributes, but will also create a better place to live for all Americans.”

The Cache River State Natural Area project will create large blocks of historic hardwood bottomlands that support neotropical migratory birds and will provide high-quality swamp and wetland habitats for more than 100 species listed as threatened or endangered. smart USA said owners who took delivery of their vehicle in 2008 will be notified of the program on their anniversary date and will be able to download a certificate recognizing the tree planting from the company’s web site.

The diminutive smart USA has become a symbol of environmental awareness. In addition to high fuel economy, the smart fortwo is up to 95% recyclable, and is certified as a SmartWay vehicle for its low air pollutant and greenhouse gas scores by the Environmental Protection Agency.