Smart Moves on After Breakup with U.S.

Breakups can be rough on your self-esteem, but sometimes you just have to move on.

Smart, the tiny carmaker from Daimler, has done just that. It has transformed itself into an exclusive, sassy EV brand. The 2020 lineup consists of three models, the EQ ForTwo, EQ Fortwo Cabriolet, and the EQ Forfour. None of them are being sold in the U.S. and Smart isn’t looking back.

Daimler, the parent company of  Mercedes-Benz, first brought Smart to U.S. markets in 2008. In 2008 and 2009, the deepest part of the recession, they sold nearly 25,000 cars but sales declined every year after. U.S. buyers purchased less than 1300 Smart ForTwo vehicles in 2018, causing Daimler to face facts. U.S. customers just aren’t into small, cute, and perky.

The electric powertrain is the same as the 2019 U.S. model, featuring an 80-horsepower motor at the rear axle. The 17.6-kilowatt lithium-ion battery has 58 miles of range. Though it operates well in cities, highway drivers might be disappointed with the 11.6-seconds 0-62 mph time and top-speed of 81-mph.

The 2020s are stylish enough. There’s a new console with extra storage, which is always at a premium in sub-sub compacts. An 8-inch touchscreen keeps you connected and buyers have more options to choose from. The models have a new grill and pinched-back headlights that give it a sort of angry look.

Maybe it isn’t all the way over the breakup, not just yet anyway.

Never fear. Smart fans will still see them here. Dealerships have a dwindling inventory that was made for the American market, and there are thousands of older models on the road.  

Fortunately, you can count on EuroCar Service, located in Seattle, WA, to continue to service your Smart car. We also service nearly every other European automobile, such as Saab, Audi, Land Rover, Mercedes, MINI, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Fiat at our state-of-the-art facility. We understand that you demand a lot from your vehicle and deserve cutting-edge procedures and service. Our highly-trained ASE Certified Master mechanics and top-rated customer service experts have gained us a spot on Expertise’s list of Best Auto Shops in Seattle. To schedule an appointment with the most dependable, accurate, and honest European vehicle service facility in Seattle, contact us online or call 206-527-8828 today!