Daimler Announces Smart ForTwo EV Will See Increased Production in 2012

The All-Electric Smart ForTwo EV







Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the Hambach, France plant that manufacturers the diminutive micro car. The big announcement was Daimler's commitment to the vehicle as well as to the facility.

After an initial limited production run of 1,000 vehicles, Dr. Zetsche vows the Smart ForTwo will be produced in "significantly larger volumes". This increase in production will commence by the year 2012 and Daimler will back up the claim by investing millions of euros in the plant. Apparently, Daimler Benz truly believes in this city car and believes that it will sell in volume. Let's hope they are right.

A quote from Dr. Zetsche:

The smart fortwo electric drive proves that emission-free driving in an urban environment is already feasible today. The initial series production will begin now with 1,000 vehicles, the first of which will be delivered to customers by the end of this year. As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will then be part of the regular product program of the smart brand. With our decision to locate production here at the parent plant in Hambach, we are setting the course both for series production of electric vehicles and for the future of this highly innovative assembly plant.

—Dr. Zetsche