RAWSONS of Tonbridge has become one of the first Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Britain to be appointed an official sales centre for the revolutionary smart car. The ground-breaking two-seater has gone on display at the dealership's Tonbridge showrooms and sales are already off to a flying start.

The first car was handed over to its new owner within days of arriving. Rawsons' smart sales territory will stretch from Biggin Hill in the west to Ramsgate in the east, northwards to Rochester and as far south as Rye.

The move coincides with the launch of the first right-hand drive smart models in the UK. The dealership has appointed a dedicated smart sales specialist, Ian Capel, to handle customer enquiries. It also plans to introduce its own in-house servicing operation, under the direction of service manager Duncan Bridges, for both right and left-hand drive smart models.

Mr Capel said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the smart sales centre in this part of the South East. Even before its recent availability in right-hand drive, the smart was a roaring success."

Since its introduction, smart has set new standards in terms of design, size, economy and environmental friendliness. Prices start at just £6,295 on the road for the entry level. As all models are powered by three-cylinder, 600cc engines smart cars also qualify for the lowest rate of Vehicle Excise Duty and fall into the Band 2 insurance category.