The Smart Car
The brand Smart, a division of Daimler and the child of Mercedes-Benz, was actually first founded back in 1994. However, the design concept was being dreamt up by Mercedes-Benz as far back as the 1970s. In the hopes of bringing out a small and stylish city car, the Smart brand was launched to mixed reviews. Not everyone could get behind the compact vehicle that looked more like a sneaker than a car!
History In America
Back in 2008, Smart decided to fully launch their Fortwo model in America, after seeing success in other countries around the world. However, it was quickly torn apart by the likes of Forbes, who weren’t convinced it was the most fuel-efficient car on the market – a selling point Smart liked to capitalize on. It continued to receive some scathing reviews in the press, including being panned in an issue of Men’s Vogue. However, the car maker sold nearly 25,000 units of their first offering back then, so it didn’t do too badly.
Time To Leave
Now, in an official statement from a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson, it seems as though America could be saying goodbye to Smart cars entirely. Although they originally restricted their US offerings to their electric model in 2017, it seems as though plummeting profits and poor sales will see all Smart cars dropped for American buyers after the 2019 model.
Those who want to get their hands on a 2019 Smart EQ Fortwo still have a little bit of time left, before they’re removed from American sales for good. A smart move? Only time will tell.