We Have Components for all The Models

Smart Fortwo Pure - Smart Fortwo Passion - Smart Fortwo Passion Cabrio

The Smart Car - Compact Design; Forward Thinking

In 1993, Daimler-Benz and Swiss watchmaker Swatch jointly created Switzerland's Micro Compact Car AG, later moving to Germany and renaming the vehicle Smart, an acronym for "Swatch Mercedes Art". Daimler-Benz provided build quality and engineering expertise to the production of Smart auto, while Swatch applied its unique design philosophy.

Briefly dubbed the "Swatchmobile", then renamed the "Smart Car", this vehicle emphasized affordability, environmental stewardship and easy parking. The Smart Car created a new automobile niche -- microcars or super-minis and the need for 100% authentic Smart.

Change of Heart Saves Smart Auto

Swatch CEO Nicolas Hayek did not accept the final design, pulling out of the joint project amid heavy losses and disputes. Smart auto nearly became extinct in 2004. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche saved the day, refocusing around the Fortwo City-Coupe.

This was a positive change for the Smart Car. By the close of 2006, more than 770,000 automobiles sporting Smart auto were sold in 36 countries. Changes were made to Smart (interiors and auto/manual transmissions), improving safety. In 2006, after four years and losses as high as 4 billion euros (5.45 billion dollars), Smart GmbH was liquidated. Mercedes-Benz absorbed Smart auto production.

A year prior, Daimler-Chrysler (Mercedes) had already begun to rethink whether the U.S. would adopt the Smart Car. It was too small, under-powered and not a Sport Utility Vehicle. However, Americans loved it and wanted it.

Daimler - Chrysler Moves Smart Auto

Pre-2008, Smart Cars were only available in the United States as "grey market" imports (through non-manufacturer distribution channels). Two California companies, ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) and G and K Automotive Conversion, partnered to introduce the Smart Car to the U.S. Stronger bumpers and better interior padding won approvals from, and met, U.S. safety and environmental regulations set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), for imports. The U.S. entry for Smart auto failed, however, as Daimler-Chrysler did not endorse the plan.

Amid rising gas prices in 2006, Daimler-Chrysler announced that the Smart Car would be available to the U.S., in early 2008. The Smart Car were sold by Penske Automotive Group and marketed as Smart USA. Although it was only the fourth best energy-efficient vehicle on the market, cost was roughly half of its competitors. In January, 2010, Smart USA began its first lease program for the Fortwo model(s).

Smart Future for Smart Auto Components

Time will indicate whether the Smart Car would succeed in the U.S. In 2008, Daimler-Chrysler displayed an electric, rechargeable Smart Car at Mercedes World and announced it would be available in the UK in 2010. Smart Cars were built and powered by Lithium-Ion batteries will be available in 2012. Smart Car have shaken the traditional internal combustion engine auto market and may significantly impact future automobile manufacturing across the world. So, here's a "smart" idea: find Smart auto parts now at www.HirschInds.com.