You’re probably familiar with Smart cars, especially the fortwo, which became an icon of the 2000s thanks to its unique size and charismatic design. This brand was present in Mexico for several years and managed to sell almost all of its products (up to that point). However, one day they simply said goodbye and never returned. What happened?
The brand established itself in Mexico in 2003, but some models had already been sold years earlier thanks to importers like Liverpool, which years later became the first BYD distributor in Mexico. Over the years, Smart sold three generations of its flagship car: the Smart fortwo (450, 451, and 453), as well as the Smart Roadster and the first and second generations of the forfour, which in its second iteration was an extended version of the two-seater model, based on the third-generation Renault Twingo.
Smart Fortwo and Forfour Mexico
Although not a high-volume brand, the Smart Fortwo enjoyed reasonable acceptance within its target market niche, acquiring a number of enthusiasts and admirers who still own one or are looking to buy one.
However, the constant changes in the automotive industry directly impacted Smart. In 2018, it was announced that Smart would become a 100% electric brand, leaving little time for adaptation, as the global transformation was imminent.
Smart Fortwo
While the brand already offered fully electric versions of its two models (EQ Fortwo and EQ Forfour), these variants didn’t align with the conditions in many markets, especially in Mexico, where electric vehicle adoption was still in its infancy. Consequently, the electric vehicle proposition wouldn’t have been successful (high price, limited space, and a range of approximately 150 km), leading them to withdraw from the Mexican market.
Smart Eq Fortwo
Although the brand initially announced its departure as a sabbatical and that it would return to Mexico, it seems this pause was more of a final goodbye. In 2020, it was announced that Geely would acquire 50% of Smart’s shares, saving the brand from disappearing.
Thus, Smart transformed itself once again, leaving behind the microcar concept to become an electric automaker, but with conventional vehicles. The current portfolio includes some SUVs (Smart #1 and Smart #5), as well as a sedan (Smart #6) that was presented in December. The charismatic Smart Fortwo (Smart #2) will soon return to the lineup, but the brand’s return to Mexico remains a complete mystery.
Source: motorpasion
