Smart facts for kids
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| Division | |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters |
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Germany
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Key people
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Annette Winkler (CEO, 2010–present) |
| Products | Microcar |
| Owner | Daimler-Benz (1993-1998) DaimlerChrysler (1999-2007) Daimler AG (2007-present) |
| Parent | Mercedes-Benz |
smart is a special brand of small cars, often called microcars or superminis. These cars are known for being very compact and easy to park. Smart cars are made in Böblingen, Germany, and the company is part of Daimler AG, which also owns Mercedes-Benz. The smart brand started in 1994.
Contents
What are Smart Cars?
Smart cars are designed to be perfect for city driving. They are much smaller than most cars, which makes them great for busy streets and tight parking spots. Even though they are small, they are built to be safe and fun to drive. The name "smart" comes from "Swatch Mercedes ART," because the idea for the car came from a collaboration between the Swatch watch company and Mercedes-Benz.
The History of Smart
The idea for a small, city-friendly car began in the late 1980s. Nicolas Hayek, the creator of Swatch watches, wanted to make a car that was stylish and affordable, just like his watches. He teamed up with Daimler-Benz (now Daimler AG), a big German car company. The smart brand was officially founded in 1994. The first smart car, the Smart City-Coupe (later called Fortwo), was launched in 1998. It quickly became famous for its unique look and small size.
Smart Car Models You Can See Today
Smart cars have a few main models that people can buy right now. These cars are designed for different needs, but they all keep the smart brand's focus on being compact and efficient.
- Smart Fortwo: This is the most famous smart car. It's a two-seater, meaning it only has room for two people. It's super small and great for city life.
- Smart Fortwo Cabrio: This is like the Fortwo, but it's a convertible. You can put the roof down and enjoy the open air!
- Smart Forfour: This model is a bit bigger than the Fortwo. It has four seats, so you can bring more friends or family along.
Smart Cars from the Past
Over the years, smart has made several interesting car models that are no longer produced. These cars helped shape the brand and showed different ideas for small vehicles.
- Smart City Coupe: This was the original name for the Smart Fortwo.
- Smart Crossblade: A very unique car with no roof, no doors, and a tiny windshield. It was made for fun, open-air driving.
- Smart electric drive: An early electric version of the smart car, showing smart's interest in electric power.
- Smart EV: Another name for an electric smart car.
- Smart K: A special, lighter version of the Fortwo made for the Japanese market.
- Smart Roadster: A sporty, two-seater car that was fun to drive.
Cool Smart Car Ideas for the Future
Smart also creates "concept cars." These are special cars that show new ideas and technologies that might be used in future cars. They are often very futuristic and exciting!
- Smart Crosstown
- Smart Formore
- Smart Forspeed
- Smart Forstars
- Smart Forvision
- Smart Tridion4
See also
In Spanish: Smart para niños
