European smart cars kick off national tour

Vehicles are under nine feet long

WALNUT CREEK

Popular in Europe, the ultra compact cars will be available for sale in the United States next year. Shunning national advertising, the distributors are taking pre-order reservations for $99 online and during road show stops.

It’s a “grass-roots” effort, allowing potential customers to see, touch and drive the two-passenger cars that start at prices under $12,000, said Ken Kettenbeil, company spokesman.