Smart Reinvents SUV as Smart Utility Vehicle
DaimlerChrysler's smart division (the name is spelt with a lower case ess by the way) will introduce a subcompact sport utility vehicle in 2006.
 |
| "With the smart formore we will be applying the typical smart characteristics of innovation, functionality and joie de vivre to the SUV sector." (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
The smart formore follows a naming pattern that most recently included a re-badging of the city coupe to the fortwo and cabrio to the fortwo cabrio, both which have not been announced for North American sale. The smart roadster and smart roadster coupe will retain their now established designations. The naming trend started with the upcoming forfour, which was initially set to be the first smart to land in North America.
Being that the new naming process stipulates the vehicle's functionality based on occupant capacity, it would make sense that the formore would have more seats than the forfour. The announcement gives no indication with regards to seating capacity.
 |
| The formore shares nearly everything with the forfour compact sedan including engine, body and chassis. It even looks similar. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
According to the German automaker, the formore SUV will now be the first vehicle sold in North America, with the forfour to follow.
"With the smart formore we will be applying the typical smart characteristics of innovation, functionality and joie de vivre to the SUV sector. The new smart model will be a distinctive vehicle, unique in the market - enough so that we translate 'suv' as 'smart' utility vehicle," explained Andreas Renschler, President of smart gmbh.
While smart cars, developed and sold by DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz division, are currently produced in Europe, the formore will be made in a DaimlerChrysler facility in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The company has been selling cars in close to 30 countries for five years.