When Smart launched their Fortwo vehicle back in 1998, many people became attracted to the brands unique car. We all know Smart cars as those extremely small European cars that are affordable, lightweight, compact, and environmentally friendly that are perfect for the urban environments. Well now it seems like there may be a follow up to the Smart car, and it could potentially be an SUV.
Now obviously that seems like a joke for Smart to develop a SUV. They are known for their ultra compact and fuel-effiecent vehicles, and an SUV is basically the exact opposite of everything their car represents. However the German brand, owned by Daimier AG (who also owns Mercedes-Benz), has had plans to develop a SUV for some time. Those initial plans were scrapped back in 2005 after they came up with designs for the vehicle. But now chairman of Daimier and head of Mercedes, Dieter Zetsche, has recently just hinted that those plans may be back on the table.
Zetsche recently made a statement at the 2015 Shanghai International Auto Show this week saying that if Smart wants to expand their range, “developing a SUV-styled Smart car would be the way to go”. Recent auto trends tell us that many consumers want SUV’s, particularly luxury SUV’s, but would they want a Smart SUV?
Whether or not Smart develops and produces a SUV is still unknown, however it would be interesting to see what it would look like if they do. In my mind a Smart SUV would essentially be a 4-door MINI Cooper; seriously how large would they plan on going with the car? Considering the Smart Fortwo is one of the smallest vehicles on the road, it certainly seems silly, however only time will tell if they end up releasing one. I personally think it’s a better move to release a 4-door version of the Smart Fortwo if anything, but I guess we will have to wait and see.
Photo from smartusa.com
