A few weeks after the production of the smart fortwo electric drive started at the plant in Hambach, smart signed an agreement with the Principality of Monaco, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Albert II. From next spring, the first electric smarts will be run on the roads of Monaco.
The ten smart fortwo electric drive will be exclusively used by state services (such as postal and telecommunications services) or monacan public service partner companies, which are already very engaged in the field of zero-emission mobility.
“We are very proud that the Principality of Monaco as one pioneer in sustainability projects decided to count on/partner with the pioneer of zero emission mobility – the smart fortwo electric drive,” stated Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We need engaged partners like this in order to make emission free driving become reality.”
The partnership between smart and the Principality of Monaco will be part of the worldwide roll-out of the smart fortwo electric drive. The 1,000 vehicles will be on the road for everyday use in major cities of Europe, the United States and Canada.
Mercedes-Benz France Chairman Reinhard Lyhs: “Through this partnership, the smart fortwo electric drive is confirming its pioneering role in electric mobility. For us, the interest shown by the Principality of Monaco – itself a pioneer in zero-emission mobility – in the electric smart, is a powerful argument in favour of the concept and technologies of our electric model.”
Major stages in 2007 and 2008
smart has been fulfilling the role of pioneer in terms of zero-emission mobility since 2007. Since 2007, 100 first generation smart fortwo electric drive cars have been tested in London. The feedback of the customers was very positive and confirmed the concept’s high level of maturity.
In 2009, Daimler AG Group introduced the second generation smart fortwo electric drive equipped with a lithium-ion battery. Compared with other types of battery, lithium-ion technology has several crucial advantages, including higher power, shorter charging times, a longer lifetime and extreme reliability. The smart fortwo electric drive can be recharged using a standard domestic power socket.
From 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will be produced as an additional model within the smart range at Hambach and will be sold through the smart dealer network.
A tale of success: the smart factory in Hambach
smart’s Hambach production facility opened in 1997. Since 1998, it has been producing the smart fortwo, which has been in its second generation since. In 2008, more than 800 employees within the factory and around 800 other staff from seven suppliers assembled almost 140, 000 smart fortwo vehicles. In September 2008, the company celebrated its tenth birthday at the same time as the millionth smart fortwo left the production line at Hambach.
About smart
Respect for the environment and modern functionality have been in the genes of the smart fortwo since it was launched over ten years ago. Since then, its innovative concept has become widespread, combining new technology, compatibility with eco-thinking and personal mobility. Scarcely more than two and a half meters long, this extremely compact and highly economical car carries its passengers in great comfort and complete safety. Its original design has made it an “icon” among lifestyle vehicles, proving that mobility, environmental responsibility and joie de vivre can be combined in perfect harmony. The smart fortwo has genuinely succeeded in creating a class apart.
Smart is currently distributed in 41 countries worldwide, having just launched in China and Brazil. Smart’s first markets were Germany, Italy and the US.
