The Smart Fortwo, the famous compact city car, is bowing out after 26 years of service. Smart is already preparing its electric replacement, the Smart #2, which promises to perpetuate the legacy while adapting to modern requirements.
Smart is planning to launch the Smart #2, a new electric city car intended to replace the Fortwo. This project, confirmed by le PDG Dirk Adelmannaims to offer an innovative and cost-effective urban mobility solution. Internally, the car is designated under the name of “Project 2”.
Smart is looking to partner with partners including Geelyto share development and production costs. This collaboration would create a high-performance car adapted to contemporary needs, while maintaining the brand’s iconic heritage.
From Smart Fortwo to Smart #2
The Smart Fortwo, the icon of city cars in Europe, has retired after 26 years of production. However, the brand does not intend to abandon this segment and plans to launch a new electric version, called Smart #2. This newcomer promises to perpetuate the legacy of the Fortwo while adapting to the demands of urban mobility. Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe, confirmed this idea to our colleagues atAutocar. Although the Fortwo has been withdrawn from the market, efforts are underway to develop a worthy successor. The goal is clear: to offer an urban mobility solution that is not only innovative, but also cost-effective.
The choice of the number “2” for this model is not insignificant. Adelmann explains that this emblematic number reflects the history and identity of the brand, and that it is essential to maintain this continuity. Thus, Adelmann indicated that models with odd numbers would be intended for SUVs, while even numbers would be reserved for other types of products, such as city cars.
This classification would help clarify the brand’s offering and better meet consumer expectations.
What is the point ?
One of the brand’s goals is to ensure the profitability of this new city car. The small car segment in Europe is not large, and the Fortwo’s best year saw only 100,000 units sold. That alone is not enough to justify the development of a new platform. The manufacturer is therefore seeking to join forces with partners to share development and production costs. By collaborating with other brands, Smart hopes not only to reduce expenses, but also to leverage to improve the efficiency and profitability of the project. Thus, Geely, which owns 50% of Smart, could play an important role in this strategy. Geely’s portfolio includes various automobile brands covering a wide range of segments and sizes, which provides opportunities for collaboration.
La Geometry Pand, une small three-meter electric city carcould serve as a basis or inspiration for the Smart #2, thus offering a solution adapted to urban needs.
This new car should therefore not only appeal to Fortwo fans, but also attract new customers looking for an efficient and ecological urban mobility solution.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
