News

ZAP Auctions Smart Car on eBay for $35,350

June 27, 2005 by Jeff Shepard

ZAP (Sebastopol, CA) announced that its eBay auction for the first US-compliant Smart Car available to the general public closed with a winning bid of $35,350 placed by Phoenix businessman and microcar enthusiast Roberto Hernandez. The eBay auction of the Smart Car attracted more than 29,000 viewers, and 71 bids. ZAP will donate 100% of the proceeds of the auction to charity, after cost of marketing.

Hernandez has been intent on obtaining a fuel-efficient Smart Car since seeing one during a trip to Europe. "We're glad that ZAP took the initiative to bring these cars to the US and convert them for use in this country," he said. "The gas-mileage is great, but we also love the style and design, and especially the small size, which makes it incredibly easy to find parking almost anywhere. Through ZAP, my dream to own a Smart Car has come true."

Along with the fuel-efficient Smart Car, Hernandez will receive a one-year supply of gasoline; a five-year, 75,000-mile, nationwide warranty; and free shipping. Hernandez will also receive a surprise addition to his purchase: halfway through the auction, actor and European Smart Car owner and enthusiast Rutger Hauer met with ZAP CEO Steve Schneider and donated his signature to the charity auction.