EV maker smart rolls out expansion plans

Electric vehicle brand smart Automobile, owned by Mercedes-Benz and Geely Automobile, unveiled its intelligent driving roadmap and global expansion plan at the ongoing Chengdu motor show on Friday, aiming to accelerate the steps of its global operation.

CEO Tong Xiangbei said the brand is starting with the smart Pilot Assist 1.0, which providing Level 2+ driving assistance.

It will be followed by the 2.0 version by the end of this year, and the 3.0 version by late 2024, incorporating the advanced NSP Pro across the product line.

Meanwhile, smart is accelerating its global operations by establishing a presence in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Israel.

In the fourth quarter of this year, the smart #1 model will also be launched and delivered in Malaysia.

At the Chengdu motor show, smart launched the #1 Brabus performance version, with only 1,999 units available.

As the first collaborative model between smart and Brabus, an automotive aftermarket company, the model combines Mercedes-Benz's global design with exclusive Brabus design elements. It features all-wheel drive, 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds and powerful dual-motor drive.

As of now, the brand has established 164 direct sales outlets in more than 40 cities. By the end of this year, smart's nationwide sales network will surpass 200 outlets in more than 60 major cities.