Smart compact car gears up for identity

Designers will be sought to create an identity for the new compact car being developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and SMH Swatch.

The car has been named Smart by the joint venture company MCAG. A consultancy will be chosen to design its identity in the next year, says a company spokeswoman.

“The name (Smart) provides space for developing an independent identity,” adds Helmut Werner, vice president of the MCAG board of directors.

Smart will cater for “the rapid development of worldwide metropolitan centres, the pace of modern societies, and the growing concern with regard to ecological balance”, says MCAG managing director of technology and design Johann Tomforde, who led the design of the car.

Costing from 6850 to 9130, it is intended to appeal to young singles, DINKYs (Double Income No Kids Yet), families, and youthful older people.

Manufactured as an eco-turbo, eco-turbo diesel, 4-wheel electric drive and 4-wheel hybrid drive, Smart is 2.50m long and 1.55m high with seating for two adults or one adult and two children.

With a top speed of 130km/h the car aims to appeal to customers “yearning after beautiful things or belonging to a trademark family with a high image”, says Tomforde.

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