Smar Cars, Intelligent Highways



Smart Automobile is a division of Daimler AG that designs, manufactures and markets microcars. Headquartered in Germany, Smart has its primary assembly plant in Hambach, France. Annette Winkler has served as Smart's CEO since 2010.

Smart uses a lowercase logotype in its branding and a logo incorporating the letter "c" for "compact" and an arrow for "forward thinking".

The design concept for Smart's automobiles began in the late 1980s, associated with Swatch. After a period of backing by Volkswagen, the first model was finally launched by Daimler-Benz in October 1998. Several variants on the original design have been introduced, with the original design, called the Fortwo, now in its second generation and available as an electric version.

Smart models are marketed globally, including in Asia, North and South America, Australia and in Europe — and have been the basis for conversions and design modifications by third parties, including electric conversions and performance upgrades. Brabus-tuned production models are widely available.