While Smart's sales have been going up since more than a year ago when it was taken over by Mercedes-Benz, its rise hasn’t exactly been at a sufficient rate. So until the new vehicles start to arrive in 2014, the minicar brand will need to continue to work on creating new trims, wraps and accessories. The second-generation Smart two-seater and the Renault Twingo’s successor are being jointly developed with Renault. With regards to the tiny two-seater, the ForTwo, it will be due for a replacement in 2014 with a vehicle co-developed with Renault. Meanwhile, the new-generation ForTwo Electric will go on sale in fourth quarter. There will then be a switch to lithium ion batteries produced by Deutsche Accumotive GmbH, a joint venture between Daimler and Evonik Industries. On a single charge, this model can be driven up to 100 miles, an increase from 63 for the previous generation. It can go from 60mph to a top speed of about 75. The ForFour, a four-seater based on the new ForTwo platform, will start selling in 2015. This vehicle has a rear-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive.
Smart ForTwo successor to debut in 2014
by Andrew Christian, Email, 13 Aug, 2012
