smart is set to return to its roots after confirming that development work has started on a replacement for the ForTwo.
The original ForTwo was the car that launched the smart brand in the late 1990s, having been designed to such compact dimensions that it could be parked perpendicular to the kerb – thereby allowing a pair of ForTwos to fit into the same space as a single car parked in the traditional manner.
Available with petrol and diesel engines, and then with an electric powertrain in the third generation, the ForTwo would be produced through to 2024 – although the EQ ForTwo offered only limited range of around 70 miles.
The current all-electric smart range comprises of the larger #1, #3 and #5 models but a city car will return to the line-up in late 2026 with the introduction of the #2.
Styled by Mercedes-Benz, the #2 will be produced in China and is set to feature ‘cutting-edge EV technology‘ that is new to the A-segment.
“The confirmation of our ‘project: two’ and the upcoming launch of the smart #2 marks a milestone moment for the smart brand on a global scale,” Dirk Adelmann, CEO smart Europe, said. “The smart #2 will shape a new era of individual urban automobility, especially in classic smart cities like Rome, London or Paris.
“The decision comes at the right time, as we benefit from the respective strengths of our main shareholders Mercedes-Benz and Geely, and strong backing by new investors, along with the successful market launch of the smart #5. The new smart #2 will be a unique, authentic addition to the all-electric product portfolio of smart in Europe.”
- SMART
- Electric
- New Cars