Smart, established in 1994 as a joint venture between Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group) and Swatch, the Swiss watch manufacturer, introduced a new concept in urban mobility with its compact and innovative city cars. Known for its tiny footprint and eco-friendly design, Smart cars are engineered for easy parking, fuel efficiency, and reducing urban congestion, making them a popular choice in crowded cities around the globe.

 

The Evolution of the Smart Logo

The Smart logo, characterized by its clean and modern design, features a lowercase “c” for “compact” and an arrow for “forward thinking” and mobility, encapsulating the brand’s focus on innovative urban transportation solutions. The logo’s simplicity and forward-facing arrow symbolize Smart’s commitment to progress, sustainability, and the future of city driving.

 

Pivotal Moments in Smart’s History

1998: The launch of the Smart City-Coupe, later known as the Smart Fortwo, marks the brand’s entry into the automotive market, offering a unique solution for urban mobility with its ultra-compact design.
2007: Introduction of the second-generation Smart Fortwo, which features significant improvements in safety, comfort, and environmental performance.
2014: Smart becomes a pioneer in electric mobility with the introduction of the Smart Fortwo Electric Drive, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation options.
2019: Smart announces a transition to becoming an all-electric car brand, phasing out combustion engines in favor of electric powertrains, aligning with global trends towards sustainability and emissions reduction.
2020: Geely and Mercedes-Benz announce a joint venture to operate and further develop Smart as a leader in premium electric vehicles for urban mobility, promising new models and expanded market presence.

Areas of Specialization and Innovation

Smart specializes in the production of microcars and subcompacts designed primarily for urban environments. The brand is recognized for its innovative use of space, eco-friendly designs, and commitment to electric mobility. With the shift towards all-electric models, Smart continues to lead in providing sustainable, efficient, and practical solutions for city driving, focusing on connectivity, ease of use, and environmental responsibility.

 

Key Information about Smart

Founded: 1994
Headquarters: Böblingen, Germany
Notable Models: Smart Fortwo, Smart Fortwo Electric Drive
Website: Smart


As Smart evolves under its joint venture between Geely and Mercedes-Benz, the brand is poised to redefine urban mobility with its focus on premium electric vehicles. Smart’s legacy of innovation and its vision for the future demonstrate a continued commitment to enhancing city living through intelligent, sustainable transportation solutions.