Smart history under Mercedes-Benz Group. Origin: Germany. Status: Joint venture. Smart is a German microcar brand founded in 1994 as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Swatch, known for its ultra-compact city cars and transition to a joint venture with Geely for future EV development.
Mercedes-Benz and Swatch sign a joint venture agreement to develop a revolutionary ultra-compact city car, forming Micro Compact Car AG. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Independent #Unibody Source — Wikipedia: )
The first Smart model, the City-Coupe, enters production at the purpose-built Hambach factory in France, pioneering the Tridion safety cell and rear-engine layout. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #RearEngine #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart expands its lineup beyond the city car with the introduction of the Roadster and Roadster-Coupe, lightweight sports cars with a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Turbocharged #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Seeking broader appeal, Smart launches the Forfour, a 5-door hatchback co-developed with Mitsubishi sharing the Colt's platform. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart establishes a one-make racing series called Formel Smart using modified Roadsters to promote the brand's sporty capabilities. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Turbocharged #FormelSmart Source — Wikipedia:
The second-gen Fortwo debuts with a larger 999cc engine and improved safety features, solidifying its position as the premier microcar. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Turbocharged #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
A modified Brabus-prepared Smart Forfour competes in the NEDC (New Energy Driving Challenge) and various grassroots rally events. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Turbocharged #Rallycross Source — Wikipedia:
Smart introduces its first electric vehicle prototype, the Smart fortwo electric drive (ED1), initiating a pioneering shift toward zero-emission city mobility. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart introduces the 'Smart Drive' app integrating navigation and iPhone connectivity, an early adopter of comprehensive smartphone integration in vehicles. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Independent Source — Wikipedia: )
The third-generation Smart electric drive launches, becoming the first affordable electric car with a lithium-ion battery suitable for daily urban commuting. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart unveils the third-generation Fortwo and a new Forfour, co-developed with Renault sharing the Twingo's rear-engine platform. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #RearEngine #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart announces its entire lineup will transition to electric-only by 2020, unveiling the Smart EQ fortwo with a 17.6 kWh battery. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Brabus-tuned electric versions of the Fortwo and Forfour debut at the Geneva Motor Show, offering enhanced performance for electric microcars. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart officially ends production of all internal combustion engine models, becoming the first major automotive brand to offer an all-electric lineup. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Mercedes-Benz sells the iconic Smart Hambach plant in France to InoBat Auto, ending two decades of purpose-built microcar manufacturing at the facility. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #Independent Source — Wikipedia:
Smart officially withdraws from the North American market due to low sales and the high costs of homologating right-hand-drive EVs. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle Source — Wikipedia: )
Mercedes-Benz and Geely formalize a 50-50 joint venture to develop Smart as a global premium EV brand, shifting design and production to China. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #JointVenture Source — Wikipedia: )
The Smart Concept #1 is unveiled in Berlin, previewing a radical shift from microcars to compact premium electric SUVs designed by Mercedes. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
The Smart #1, a compact electric crossover built in China, enters production marking the brand's complete transformation into a premium EV manufacturer. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia:
Smart unveils the #3, a sleek electric coupe-crossover, at the Munich Auto Show, expanding its new Geely-based EV portfolio. #Germany #MercedesBenzGroup #ElectricVehicle #Unibody Source — Wikipedia: