Will DaimlerChrysler's smart Division Ever Enter the U.S. Market?
Over the course of the past year, DaimlerChrysler's smart division (lower case intentional) has had a lifeline wilder than energy stocks. The brand
first came under fire when financial advisor MorganStanley urged DCX executives to axe the loss-making brand. Dodging the bullet, smart was forced to restructure, slimming down its portfolio, ending production of its sporty two-seat roadster and canceling its formore compact SUV. Even worse, despite efforts to show its products at major U.S. auto shows, uncertain demand and the lack of the formore means that California's ZAP (Zero Air Pollution) has beaten the official importers in selling the bite-sized fortwo - or at least getting clearance to do so.
The latest news comes from the boardroom, where German newspaper Handelsblatt reports that smart is looking for a new partner. The article
stated that a member of the board of supervisors at DCX said, "We have to try to find new cooperation partners for smart production." Of all global carmakers, the paper suggested Volkswagen as a potential candidate. VW's response: industry rumours and simple speculation.
Could smart survive without a partner? Since day one, parent company Mercedes-Benz has always involved smart, formerly known as MCC (Micro Car Company) with another firm. Originally, the Eco-Speedster and Eco-Sprinter, the two demonstrator vehicles from which MCC was built up upon, was the fruit of a partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Swiss watchmaker Hayek. Hayek bailed, and since then, smart has gone on to tie the knot with Mitsubishi who helped develop the forfour alongside its Colt subcompact.
Over the course of the past year, DaimlerChrysler's smart division (lower case intentional) has had a lifeline wilder than energy stocks. The brand
 |
| German newspaper Handelsblatt reports that smart is looking for a new partner. (Photo: smart) |
The latest news comes from the boardroom, where German newspaper Handelsblatt reports that smart is looking for a new partner. The article
 |
| Mitsubishi helped develop the forfour alongside its Colt subcompact. (Photo: smart) |
Could smart survive without a partner? Since day one, parent company Mercedes-Benz has always involved smart, formerly known as MCC (Micro Car Company) with another firm. Originally, the Eco-Speedster and Eco-Sprinter, the two demonstrator vehicles from which MCC was built up upon, was the fruit of a partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Swiss watchmaker Hayek. Hayek bailed, and since then, smart has gone on to tie the knot with Mitsubishi who helped develop the forfour alongside its Colt subcompact.