The mythical Smart ForTwothe car that revolutionized urban mobility, went out of production and ended later 25 years old of marketing his career. In fact, production of the third generation ended on March 28 in the former Mercedes factory Hambachnow owned by Ineos Automotive. The inheritance was collected by Electric SUVs #1 and #3both produced in China, but which in size and price are completely different models.
Smart #2 the future ForTwo
Now the Chinese of Geelywho hold 50% ownership of it with Mercedesare ready to go back to a model more similar to the Smart ForTwo, called #2. The project is still being evaluated, but it is expected that the new model will be very compact, maintaining the dimensions of the previous series two-seater between 2.7 and 2.8 metres.
During its best years, the combustion versions achieved an annual production of 140,000 unitswith a strong market especially in Southern Europe and a sales record in the city of Rome.
Preview, what the new Smart will look like
The Smart #2, given its size, will require a dedicated frame since it cannot be built on Sea platform already used by sisters #1 and #3. The Geely group is considering an ad hoc chassis, called Eca (Electric Compact Architecture), and is exploring possible partnerships for this project. The ECA's evaluation process will cover its economic sustainabilityboth with and without industrial partners.
Although the names of potential partners are confidential, there are rumors of talks with Renault, Ineos (which now builds the Grenadier in the factory where the first ForTwos were produced) and various Chinese manufacturers.
When it arrives, price
If the project is actually implemented, the new Smart could arrive on the market in 2026 with a starting price included between 25,000 and 30,000 euros. Currently, in Europe, the only cars with only two seats are the Citroen Ami and her “cousins” Fiat Topolino And Opel Rocksor microcars like the Microlino (classified as quadricycles).
Read also:
→ All the news on the Smart brand
→ Test, road test of the new Smart #1
→ Smart #3 features and prices
→ What do you think? Drop by discussions on the FORUM!
The article Smart #2, the heir to the ForTwo comes from newsauto.it.
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