Smart Likely To Build Two SUVs; Isn't Returning To U.S.

As part of my new job covering the auto industry, I've been following the situation at smart very closely.

I have good news and I have bad news.

Good news: Geely has solid plans to keep the brand viable in a world where crossovers and SUVs rake in the cash.

Bad news: Said plans involve building at least one SUV -- likely two -- and going even further upmarket, and will not involve a return to the States.

Daniel Lescow, VP of Global Sales for smart, had this to say:

Vehicle length alone is no longer a decisive factor for us ... we have redefined the requirements for Smart.
[...]
We want to radiate even more premium and not appear quite so playful.

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The pair of SUVs will have some autonomous driving technology and also receive over-the-air updates. The new smart line debuting next year will ride on a scalable EV platform. Basically, smart's models will share the same platform, albeit with different sizes. A lot of other EVs from other brands will also share this platform.

I'll have the full story tomorrow when I'm back in the newsroom, but those of you with access to Automotive News Europe can check out the original report:


No details on the new fortwo as of yet. However, it looks like smart is really going to lean on the SUV craze that's taking over the world.

Correction: Daniel Lescow. Writing while tired is fun!