Mercedes-Benz and AND China’s Geely have established a global joint venture for the smart brand.

The intention, according to the companies, is to transform smart into a ‘leading player in premium and intelligent electrified vehicles’. The global headquarters of the new joint venture will be Hangzhou Bay, China, with operational sales functions based in China and Germany.

The new generation of smart vehicles will be designed by the worldwide Mercedes-Benz Design network and developed by the Geely global engineering network. Future production will be located in China. As part of the vehicle-development program, the smart product portfolio will be extended into the small car B-segment that are in line with smart’s brand positioning with a focus on premium electric and connected vehicles.

“The smart brand has a unique value and global influence, it has grown to be a leader in urban mobility,” said Li Shufu, Geely Holding Chairman. “Geely Holding will fully support the smart brand with its full advantages in R&D, manufacturing, supply chain and other fields into the joint venture and support its development in China and globally. We will work together with Mercedes-Benz to transform the smart brand into a leading player in urban premium, electric and connected vehicles to successfully develop the brand’s global potential.”

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (Feb 2020)

10 Feb 2020