Smart, the European automaker known for its compact city cars, may be releasing an electric successor to the Fortwo in the near future. The Fortwo, Smart’s first model, recently ended production after 26 years, leaving a gap in the brand’s lineup. However, Smart Europe CEO Dirk Adelmann has confirmed that plans are underway for an electric replacement.
Adelmann acknowledges the strong business case for a new-era compact city car, especially in Europe. He states that bringing an electric city car to market would make sense not only for Europe but particularly in Europe. The new city car is internally referred to as ‘Project 2’ and is expected to carry the name “Fortwo” as a successor to the original model.
One potential challenge in naming the new model is its size compared to Smart’s other offerings. Adelmann addresses this concern by explaining that the number 2 has been reserved for the Fortwo successor because it is an iconic number for the brand. To avoid confusion, Smart plans to use odd numbers for SUVs and SUV-coupés and even numbers for other products.
However, the most critical factor in moving forward with the new electric city car is ensuring profitability. Adelmann emphasizes that the vehicle must be sold profitably to justify its production. To achieve this, Smart is actively seeking a partner firm to share development and production costs. By partnering with another company, Smart can reduce investment costs and increase the chances of a positive business case for everyone involved.
Smart’s partnership with China’s Geely, which owns a range of car brands, could potentially result in collaboration for the city car project. While it remains unclear if one of Geely’s brands will partner with Smart, the Geometry Panda, a three-meter urban electric car with four seats and a range of 124 miles, seems to be the closest match in terms of size from Geely’s portfolio.
In conclusion, Smart is actively working on an electric successor to the Fortwo and aims to bring it to market in the coming months. The brand recognizes the potential for a compact city car in Europe and wants to ensure its profitability before moving forward. By partnering with another company, Smart can share development and production costs, increasing the chances of a successful business case. As Smart continues to expand its lineup, a pattern of naming conventions will emerge, distinguishing between different types of vehicles. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a positive business case for Smart, its retailers, and its customers.
