Smart (marque)

Smart is a German automotive marque and division of Mercedes-Benz AG, formerly Daimler AG. It specializes in microcars and subcompact vehicles, primarily marketed in Europe, Asia, and North America during its active sales periods. The name "Smart" originally stood for "Swatch Mercedes ART," reflecting a collaboration between Swatch and Mercedes-Benz.

The most recognizable Smart model is the fortwo (stylized as "smart fortwo"), a two-seater car known for its compact size and fuel efficiency, designed for urban environments. Other models have included the forfour (a four-seater), the roadster (a two-seater sports car), and the electric drive variants of its core models.

The brand's history is marked by periods of success and financial challenges for Daimler. The initial vision was to revolutionize urban transportation with a highly maneuverable and eco-friendly vehicle. While the fortwo achieved a degree of iconic status, Smart struggled to consistently achieve profitability.

In recent years, Smart has shifted its focus exclusively to electric vehicles. A joint venture with Geely Holding, responsible for Volvo and other automotive brands, was established to develop and manufacture future Smart models, primarily for the Chinese market and beyond.