Smart #5 wants to nearly double global sales

For comparison: the carmaker sold around 65,000 units worldwide in 2024, of which around 20,000 were delivered in Europe, Adelmann told German Automobilwoche. In 2023, it was only just below half that figure.

In Germany, 9,322 new Smarts were registered in 2024. Models included the #1 model and the associated SUV Coupé #3. According to Adelmann, that number could double when the larger electric SUV #5, a completely new model in an unprecedented size for Smart, launches later this year. That statement applies to Germany, where sales could rise to short of 20,000 units, but probably also worldwide: the target is 120,000 vehicles by 2025.

That means Smart is lagging behind its own plans, as the two main markets, Europe and China, did not develop as predicted. In Germany, the EV purchase incentive was scrapped at the end of 2023, which significantly impacted the market in this country last year. In China, EV registrations are up considerably. However, it has also led to a competitive market environment – and a price war.

“There is very strong competition in China, which was somewhat different five years ago,” says Adelmann, who predicts market consolidation among Chinese manufacturers. Six or seven companies would survive, and Adelmann sees the survival of BYD, SAIC and Geely as “set” – and with Geely, Smart as well, so to speak.

In light of the different market development in the two initially planned main markets, Smart has adapted its strategy and entered other markets – the report mentions Australia, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong. “It means that as a global company, Smart will be positioned a little more broadly alongside the established core markets in Europe and China,” Adelmann is quoted as saying.

The development also had an impact on future model planning. It is certain that the fourth Smart model following the relaunch will not be an SUV, and that Smart is likely working on a small two-seater. However, Adelmann somewhat dampened hopes for a quick premiere of a Fortwo successor. In the price-sensitive small car segment, carmakers cannot yet make concrete plans due to the special tariffs and the ongoing talks. “As long as there are negotiations between China and Europe, we can’t make a decision about a possible two-seater,” says Adelmann.

The plan for the #5, with which Smart is moving into the mid-range and can offer 800-volt technology for the first time (thanks to Geely platforms), has not yet been finalised for Europe. However, as Smart in Germany is often on display in the same showroom as the vehicles from shareholder Mercedes, as was previously the case with the 170 dealerships, there should be a certain price gap to the Stuttgart-based company.

automobilwoche.de (in German)