Smart Crossover Still on The Table
Mercedes-Benz is still considering developing a small crossover for the Smart brand.
It would ride on the same jointly developed platform that underpins the new Smart Fortwo, Fourfour and Renault Twingo. The crosover would help both companies maximize economies of scale by fully utilizing the production line at Renault’s Novo Mesto factory in Slovenia.
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Combined, the new Smart car along with the Renault Twingo are expected to sell about 160,000 units a year, falling short of the plant’s capacity to build about 300,000 units. Seeing as small crossovers are currently taking off in both the U.S. and Europe, the move to build a jacked up city car makes sense for Mercedes.
If a Smart crossover does come to fruition, don’t expect it for at least two years. It would likely be slightly larger than the Fourfour, which measures in at 12.3 feet.
[Source: Autocar]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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