–
In the United States, we are more used to seeing large police cars, in particular 4 × 4 and Ford or Chevrolet sedans. In New York, however, expect to be surprised! Since 2016, the New York police have also equipped themselves with… Smart. The NYPD immediately received 100 copies in 2016.
What create another link with France since these vehicles are manufactured in Hambach, Moselle. This is where the German manufacturer Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes and Smart, set up its factory in 1994.
A vehicle used for patrols
But why are New York City police driving Smart? Small French cars are gradually replacing the scooters currently used for patrols in parks or places inaccessible to large vehicles, including the Brooklyn Bridge walkway.
A policeman I met in Central Park last September explained to me that “thanks to its small size, the Smart slips everywhere”.
On the other hand, on the siren side, you will be disappointed: the Smart have a simple horn and they are not equipped with the howling sirens characteristic of American emergency vehicles. We can not have everything ! ????
–