The outside also features a front apron and rear trim panel that are grained and the side skirts boast a high-gloss black finish. Wheels consist of 15-inch 3-double-spoke alloy wheels in a brilliant black finish wrapped in 175/55 R 15 (front) and 195/50 R 15 (rear).

The inside gets contrast red double stitching on the black leather seats and instrument panel. The standard equipment includes the audio system basic and exclusive floor mats. The Smart ForTwo Sharpred is based on the passion line so that means you get a softouch automatic gear program, electric windows, air conditioning with automatic temperature control and a panoramic roof with sunblind. Electric power steering, heated seats, a lockable glove compartment, the smart sound system with five loudspeakers and the smart audio system navigation/multimedia.

Those interested can order the Smart ForTwo Sharpred now from their dealers and can expect delivery by May 2012. Only 1,800 units will be produced.

- By: Omar Rana

For the 2012 mode year, the Smart ForTwo gets a more dynamic look with a larger radiator grille and an integrated logo, new front aprons, horizontally arranged LED daytime driving lights, beefy side skirts and a modified rear apron. Also new for 2012, are two additional alloy wheels and a choice of colors with 7 options and a matte color for the first time.

“The way in which the fortwo now displays the smart logo more prominently stands for the brand’s new self-confidence,” notes smart boss Dr Annette Winkler.” The smart fortwo has long become an icon that is a defining feature of urban traffic throughout the world.”

The inside of the 2012 Smart ForTwo gets leather/fabric combinations black imitiation leather for the instrument panel and much more.

Last year 101,996 Smart ForTwos were delivered to customers, 4.6 percent more than 2010.

Here is an overview of the engine range:

Model type cc Output W/hp Maximum Torque l/10 km CO2 g/km 0-100 km/h (s) Top speed km/h
smart fortwo 40 kW cdi 799 40/54 130 Nm 3.3 (3.3) 86 (87) 16.8 135
smart fortwo 45 kW mhd* 999 45/61 89 Nm 4.2 (4.3) 97 (98) 16.8 145
smart fortwo 52 kW mhd 999 52/71 92 Nm 4.2 (4.3) 97 (98) 13.7 145
smart fortwo 62 kW 999 62/84 120 Nm 4.9 (4.9) 114 (115) 10.7 145
smart fortwo 75 kW
BRABUS 999 75/102 147 Nm 5.2 119 8.9 155
smart fortwo electric drive – 35 kW constant
55 kW peak 130 Nm – - < 13 > 120

- By: Omar Rana

Smart has been having a little bit of a tough time as of recent and in an effort to boost sales, Smart USA launched a $99-a-month lease campaign last week, versus the original lease rates of $159 to $169 per month.

All buyers need to do is shift over a $999 down payment and they will be able to drive off with a Smart car and hop around in it for a 36-month lease term…Not that I would want to personally.

But Mercedes-Benz owns Smart and after this past July, the Germany’s prestigious brass relieved the Penske Automotive Group from their obligation with Smart’s US distribution.

Smart USA’s general manager, Tracey Matura, also confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is making a hard effort to try and boost sales and revitalize the brand. Matura also added that hopefully, the new electric Smart car will help that.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoNews

“We at Smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable,” said Smart’s CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler. “With the Smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”

The Smart For-Us compact pickup is powered by a 55 kW magneto-electric motor, which gets its power from a 17.6 kWh lithium-ion battery back that is said to take a maximum of eight hours to fully recharge when depleted using a basic household socket or charging station.

Now, we’re not exactly sure where Smart plans to go with concept, especially since the demand for compact pickups have literally fallen off of the face of the Earth. But either way, Smart said that we could expect this electric powertrain to find its way into the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive in the spring of 2012.

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

We’re pretty sure by now you’ve heard of the phrase ‘range-anxiety’ – its a term to define the anxiety caused when your electric car ‘distance to empty’ figure reads something below 5 miles.

Swiss firm Rinspeed is now trying to address the range anxiety issue with an innovative Dock+Go concept that it will show at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The Smart ForTwo Electric Drive based concept comes with a detachable trailer, which Rinspeed calls a ‘backpack on wheels.’ The dock houses a combustion engine or a range extender that will be packed with batteries or powered by a fuel cell. The pack increases the overall range for the ForTwo Electric Drive.

Any battery packs can be recharged using solar panels on the roof.

- By: Omar Rana

At the 2012 Detroit Auto Show next moth, Smart will be showing up with what future urban pickup could look like with the new Smart For-Us Concept. Of course, Smart isn’t thinking of catering this to the common construction worker but instead is catering to the ‘young and young-at-heart with active lives.’

“We at smart love pick-ups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable,” said smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler. “With the smart for-us a petrol station is no longer required!”

While Smart doesn’t say exactly how large the cargo area is it does say that the Smart For-Us has ‘plenty of room for two people and space for two smart ebikes behind them’ The bed in the trunk also has a docking station for the ebikes that lets them charge as you drive.

Of course that may take away from your total range on the Smart For-Us since it comes with an electric-drive system cnosisting of a 55kQ magneto electric-motor making 75-horsepower and 98 lb-ft of torque. No word on range but top speed comes in at 74.5 mph.

We’ll have more pictures and details for you from Detroit.

- By: Omar Rana

Show organizers have asked six design firms to go nuts on what they think should be Hollywood’s most shouty, amazing and somehow elegant movie car. The marques competing are Honda, Hyundai, Subaru, Mercedes, Smart and Maybach; criteria are as follows: brand relevance to plot, vehicle relation with brand, creativity/originality, character development (of the car) and originality of all of the above.

“In the quest to find the next A-list automobile, this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge focuses on designing Hollywood’s next hottest movie car,” the organization said in a statement. “The entries range from vehicles acting as faithful companions to their human counterparts, specifically developed to withstand inhospitable and dangerous realities, to strong protectors of freedom and justice.”

For those interested in following this competition, the winner will be announced November 17 at the LA Auto Show.

Check out the list of entries after the jump.

2011 Design Challenge entries include:

Honda Research and Development Americas, Inc. – A futuristic action-adventure, Honda takes you hundreds of years into the future after a catastrophic event wiped out society as we know it in High Noon, featuring the Honda IH (Intelligent Horse). A vehicle that serves as a companion and protector in the inhospitable and lonely environment, the Honda IH was inspired by the legend and material remains of an ancient creature called the horse and brought to life with advanced technology. At High Noon the dangerous environment is apparent when there is a showdown between IH’s competing for fuel and other resources, leaving the audience to question, who will prevail?

Hyundai Design North America – Following the immortal daughter of vampire parents through the most dangerous places in the world to stop the negative effects of communism, Hyundai’sCountess of Siberia features the Hyundai Stratus Sprinter multi-purpose vehicle and the DB Atlant Airship. Serving as the Countess Elena’s homebase, both vehicles have a magical stealth force that renders them invisible during daylight, only to reappear after dark. The vehicles contain the most modern features and have light combat capabilities that help on her quest of justice.

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.: Advanced Design Center California – In a futuristic society of increased artificial intelligence, two enlightened crash test mannequins, Hans05 and Franz02, show that they are no dummies when it comes to recognizing a potential catastrophe and decide to take matters into their own hands. Using the Mercedes Silver Arrow, reminiscent of the W125 series, a Silberpfeil racecar of the late 1930′s and the Uhlenhaut SLR from the 50′s, Hans05 and Franz02 lead the relentless and evil ‘Dr. Barrier’ on an action-packed thrill ride through the past and future of transportation.

Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Germany – In a city famous for its friendly people and beautiful weather, but notoriously known for a lack of parking spaces, reporter Annie Angle is on a mission to write her first, potentially career-making, front page news article. On an early Sunday morning, an article in a newspaper catches Annie’s eyes…”Smart Granny Robots Missing!” Using her Smart 341 Parkour and its three different modes – a typical drive mode, a fly mode that allows the vehicle to hover far above the streets and a climb mode that allows the vehicle to run up the walls of skyscrapers – Annie sets off on an investigation to discover the missing link for her journalistic masterpiece.

Subaru Design Tokyo Studio – 200 years after the Earth stopped rotating, the Earth was split into two, distinctly different hemispheres – the Daysphere and the Nightsphere. Humans have been living in a highly-developed civilization in the Nightsphere, away from the sun’s harmful electromagnetic waves. However, the fuel for the power generation system, a rare crystallized mineral, was running out. Known to be found only in the pole of the Daysphere, a place from which no human has ever come back alive, a team of four ventures to the other end of the world in the Ultra Subaru HORIZON. The HORIZON is specially developed to withstand the strong electromagnetic field, chemical imbalances, scorching heat and raging storms of the Daysphere. Follow Subaru in this action thriller, Divided.

Mercedes Interior Design Studio, Germany – The newest Cinderella story, follow Cindy, a neglected stepdaughter in a dysfunctional family, through this romantic drama as she celebrates her birthday on the town. A surprise from her father, Cindy sets out in a new Maybach prototype, the Maybach Berline, and meets a mysterious and handsome stranger. Based on the dimensions of a Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, the Maybach Berline Carriage is an E-Cell or F-Cell vehicle and features autonomous driving, a virtual chauffeur, vis-à-vis seating layout with a “Royal Lounge,” and large divided gullwing doors with oversized privacy glass and retractable stairs for convenient entrance. Moviegoers will awe in the romance and new technology as Cindy races home just in time for curfew, but not before one more moment with her new love.

Entries will be judged by Tom Matano, director of Industrial Design at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University; Mark West, transportation chair of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies; Stewart Reed, chairman, Transportation Design at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design; and Jay Shuster, art director at Pixar Animation Studios.

- By: Omar Rana

There are a lot of women in this world that can drive – sometimes better than men, take Danica Patrick for example. However, there are also a lot of women in this world that can’t park for their lives.

While many of you have probably seen women with huge SUVs performing a horrible parking job, the woman in this video takes a horrible parking job to a whole new level.

Parking a Smart ForTwo really can’t be that hard!

Hit the jump to see what we’re talking about.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-Benz has perhaps one of the most prominent histories in the automobile industry. However, in the late 1990s and all the way through the 2000 until now, Mercedes has fallen well below their expectations as a brand. The top brass has since been hard at work to reinvigorate their image and damaged reputation with some efforts paying off. Mercedes-Benz’s CEO, Dieter Zetsche, however isn’t satisfied and wants to make the 2010s a “Mercedes decade.”

“The first decade following the 125th birthday of the automobile will bring many changes to our industry. We are very well prepared — and we look forward to working with you to make the next decade a ‘Mercedes decade’,” Zetsche said in a press conference.

Zetsche claimed that Daimler is working around the clock to make sure that all of their brands—Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach—are ready for the projected market trends up to 2020. However, specific details were kept close.

“The planning outlook is not the next quarter, but rather the next decade. Experts all agree that by 2020, demand for cars will grow faster than the overall global economy,” Zetsche continued. “At the same time we will grow at the upper end of the model spectrum with, for example, additional variants of the next S class, another attractive SUV, as well as with models such as the CLS Shooting Brake.”

Overall, Zetsche was saying that he’s planning big for the Daimler conglomerate and wants to reach up to 1.5 million unit sales for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars as early s 2014.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive news

Smart is using the special edition to target younger buyers. Selecting WeSC is part of that motive, as the company was formed by skateboarders and snowboarders that wanted to incorporate their culture into apparel and footwear. The brand, who’s initials stand for We Are the Superlative Conspiracy, was formed back in 1999.

Brabus selected a palette that the WeSC team chose from, resulting in a gold paint scheme in both high gloss and matte finishes, quilted leather seats, and black wheels.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Inside Line

“With the forvision smart is doing justice to its role as Daimler’s think tank for urban mobility,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “We are presenting numerous world premieres that make uncompromising electric mobility possible. With the clear objective of greatly increasing the zero-emission range we concerned ourselves with all factors that influence this on the vehicle. This resulted in completely new concepts and materials in the areas of insulation, reflection, lightweight design and energy management. In addition to transparent organic solar cells, transparent and energy-saving light-emitting diodes and infrared-reflective films and coatings, high-performance foams are used for insulation against cold and heat. smart is also setting new standards of lightweight design with the use of the first all-plastic wheels.”

To produce the Smart Forvision Concept, the company worked with BASF, the largest automotive supplier in the chemical industry.

Smart didn’t offer any details on the electric-powertrain setup – we expect those details to appear sometime in the near future.

Follow the break for the press release for more details and check out the high-res gallery by clicking on one of the thumbnails above.

Press Release:

A holistic approach to electric mobility. smart forvision: A look at the future of electric mobility

smart has always been a pioneer in matters of urban mobility and with the smart fortwo electric drive the company is showing the direction of development in cities around the world. Together with BASF, the largest automotive supplier in the chemical industry, smart is demonstrating its leading role in the use of forward-looking technologies above and beyond the drive system. The joint concept vehicle smart forvision presented at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management.

“Cars of the future need materials and technologies which reduce energy consumption whilst also increasing the range and level of comfort. Our innovations make a decisive contribution to this”, says Dr. Christian Fischer, Head of BASF Polymer Research. “We are proud to have developed a holistic concept for sustainable urban mobility in cooperation with smart. Together we are presenting a pioneering vehicle which is without parallel.

Thanks to the combination of smart’s automotive expertise and BASF’s material and system competence a vehicle has been created which showcases technologies for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. The researchers and designers intentionally realised a mixture of visionary materials and technologies in the concept vehicle – some of these are still at a laboratory stage, while others have a realistic chance of entering series production.

Energy efficiency: light and energy from above

The hexagonal transparent areas on the roof of the smart forvision are an eye-catching feature – as the first light-transmitting roof that also generates energy. Transparent solar cells covering the entire roof surface are the technology used here. They are based on organic dyes embedded in a sandwich roof. The transparent dyes of the solar cells are light-activated. Even in diffused light and poor light conditions they generate enough energy to power the multimedia components and the three fans that assist with climate management in the vehicle interior. If the vehicle is standing in the sun the ventilation is permanently operated with the help of these solar cells, keeping the car cool. This new photovoltaic technology opens up further efficiency potential and the energy generated can be used for further applications in the car.

There is an additional new feature under the solar cells: transparent OLEDs (organic light-emitting diodes) illuminate the vehicle interior when the door is opened or a button pressed. When switched off they allow for a clear view outside. This results in a glass roof effect during the daytime, whilst the areas are pleasantly illuminated without any dazzle at night. Thanks to a free choice of colours the new OLEDs do not only offer more design freedom, they also consume less than half as much energy as conventional energy-saving lamps.

Lightweight design: different, better, stylish
In the smart forvision a world first leads to a considerable weight reduction and a unique design: the first all-plastic wheel suitable for high-volume production. In its current development status, the wheel developed by BASF from a new high-performance material results in a considerable weight saving of three kilograms per wheel. Unlike conventional polyamide composite materials this new plastic has long reinforcing fibres which improve its mechanical properties. The result: excellent thermal and chemical stability, dynamic strength, toughness and good continuous operating characteristics. First intensive product tests at smart show the performance capability of the all-plastic wheel and confirm the potential for possible use in production vehicles.

In addition to the tridion passenger cell, further components such as the doors are made of carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin – a high-performance composite material. The use of such materials enables a weight saving of more than 50 percent to be achieved compared with steel, or 30 percent compared with aluminium. Thanks to short hardening times the resin systems from BASF are also suitable for producing larger volumes.

Heating: close to the body and efficient
The multifunctional, comfortable and lightweight seats in the smart forvision offer a unique combination of efficient temperature management and an energy-saving lightweight design. Here, several innovative products are combined with one another for the first time. A new, lightweight, self-supporting plastic seat shell forms the basis.

Numerous studies have shown that the body only absorbs heat efficiently through certain contact points. This is why “e-textiles” – thin fabrics with custom-tailored conductive coatings – replace conventional seat heating in the smart forvision. With direct heating close to the body in the middle and lower back area of the seats they provide for a pleasant feeling of warmth. The energy, space and weight-saving e-textile technology is also found in the armrests of the doors and ensures that body contact points sensitive to the cold are also warmed in this area.
The innovations continue with the seat foam, which provides for both comfort and weight savings. The material from BASF is around 10 to 20 percent lighter than other materials and enables different degrees of hardness to be realised in different areas of the upholstery in a single work operation – resulting in clear ergonomic advantages.

Superabsorbent containing fleece fabric integrated in the seat greatly enhances seating comfort through its passive climate control. Compared with conventional climate-controlled seats the lightweight seat in the smart forvision does not have the complexity and energy requirement of mechanical ventilation.

Temperature management: heat stays outside
As a large amount of energy is needed to air condition and heat a vehicle, temperature management was a key focus area for the smart and BASF researchers. A whole package of measures has been implemented in the smart forvision to ensure more efficient air conditioning of the vehicle.

At the same time they make energy-intensive heating of the whole interior superfluous.
A heat shield that has not been previously used for automotive applications consists of a new kind of infrared-reflective film from BASF applied in the windscreen and side windows, protecting the car interior from heating up. Integrated between the panes of the safety glass the metal-free film ensures that the infrared rays are effectively reflected. Thanks to its high transparency in the visible range it can also be applied to tinted windows and guarantees an unprecedented level of reflection of sunlight and heat. Unlike metallized films, which are already used in some vehicles, the new film reflects only the infrared rays of the sun. Radio waves needed to use GPS, Bluetooth, mobile phones or for toll collection pass through the glass unhindered.

The high-performance foams from BASF fitted in the bodypanels also provide for a pleasant climate inside the car. They keep the vehicle pleasantly cool in summer and also insulate it against the cold in winter. Thanks to their high efficiency even in a small width, they can be fitted everywhere in the vehicle. With this innovative insulation system in the smart forvision, the two companies are breaking new ground in the automotive sector.

Cool coatings – cool interior
The infrared-reflective and extremely scratch-resistant coating system covers two important aspects at once. Firstly, it supports the extensive temperature management system and, secondly, the brilliant and high-quality look of the coating underlines the unique design of the smart forvision. The concept vehicle features a white special-effect coating with glass flakes that create a gleaming metallic look. An important side effect: the colour white reflects heat rays from sun and light particularly well. But even surfaces coated with dark colours stay much cooler thanks to special colour pigments from BASF. They ensure that heat radiation is reflected rather than absorbed. This leads to a temperature reduction of up to 20 degrees Celsius on the paint surface and of up to approximately four degrees in the vehicle interior.

Futuristic design trendsetter
Painted in pearl white and accentuated by the tridion safety cell coated with a copper-coloured liquid metal paint, there is a deliberate connection between the basic structure of the smart forvision and the design of the smart fortwo. Trendy yet high quality – the aluminium flakes in the liquid metal paintwork create a reflecting surface on the safety cell, changing between light and dark depending on the viewer’s perspective. Both the panels and the cell of the smart forvision are additionally painted with an extremely scratch-resistant clear coat.

The faceted side doors with integrated door openers are a real eye-catcher. Here, plastic is presented in a new, expressive and three-dimensional form; a reinterpretation that is only possible at smart thanks to the consistent use of plastic. The precise facets give the area stability and enable a smaller material thickness to be used. Optimal use is made of the possibilities offered by plastic as a material. In contrast, the front and rear have a softer design with smooth transitions from the doors. Just as the integrated door handle does not need an additional component, the familiar smart air inlet is represented by small hexagons located right on the outer skin.

The jet-like rear lights are reminiscent of small aircraft turbines and give the rear a futuristic and sporty look. Inside the lights, small propellers convey the air from the inside to the outside. In addition to all the light functions needed, transparent stacks in the form of rings around the lights also show the charge status of the battery during charging.

The headlamps are emphasised by a ring comprising the daytime driving lights and indicator functions. The lights add to the likeable expression of the smart forvision.

Doors open to the future
With a mix of polygonal surfaces and organic shapes the interior of the smart forvision builds a bridge to the architectural design handwriting of the exterior. This also applies to the colour concept: a cool white dominates in the interior as well, accentuated by the inner part of the instrument panel in liquid copper. Hexagons in the form of white rubber nubs on a white floor are a reference to the design idiom of the overall vehicle, as is the tone-in-tone design of the seat upholstery.

The faceted surface of the side doors is also found on their inside. The polygonal surfaces with integrated armrests and stowage compartments curve into the interior. They are painted in the body colour and feature coloured LEDs. These guide the driver with a light animation running from the outside to the inside when the door is opened and closed. After closing the door the animation changes to unobtrusive ambient lighting.

The elliptical user interface with a copper coloured frame – matching the lightweight tridion – is semi-transparent when switched off. When the vehicle is switched on all cockpit information is then projected onto the transparent surface. The driver uses a touchscreen to switch between operating menus.

The white steering wheel that is reminiscent of an aircraft yoke additionally gives the cockpit a futuristic look. As well as function buttons the LED display for the battery charge status is found here.

Forward-looking technologies
The smart forvision not only shows that electric mobility can make emission-free driving possible. At the same time, it paves the way for new technologies in the automotive sector. Many of these innovations are based on nano technology, the key to the development of sustainable solutions. Nano materials serve as drivers of innovation in the automotive industry, as they do in the fields of construction, energy, healthcare and electronics.

The total of all technologies integrated in the concept vehicle make a perceptible contribution to increasing the range.

This is always at the centre of discussions relating to battery-electric driven vehicles. With maximum energy efficiency, intelligent temperature management and consistent lightweight construction it is possible to increase the range by up to 20 percent. An additional bonus for electric mobility of the future.

- By: Omar Rana

Smart has been falling off the map slowly because the brand’s awareness has decreased significantly. But to reinvigorate the brand, a new team was appointed to run the company for Daimler AG and they feel that Americans are shunning the Smart ForTwo because very little knowledge is known about the car, especially since marketing hasn’t exactly been Smart’s strong suit as of recent.

“You very rarely get a second chance to make a first impression, but this is where we have a chance to do that,” said Tracey Matura, Smart USA’s new general manager. “We can put the full suite of our marketing efforts behind it, and that’s the good thing about having an organization like Mercedes-Benz USA behind [Smart]. They’re known for marketing. And marketing and advertising opportunities will be first and foremost.”

Click here for more news about the Smart ForTwo.

Penske Automotive Group was primarily in charge of running the brand before Mercedes-Benz’s parent Daimler AG had decided to take full control of Smart’s US last month, relieving Penske from the responsibility. Now, Smart USA really wants to take advantage of the marketing prowess that already preexists with the Mercedes-Benz brand, thanks to Daimler AG closing the ties with the brand

Either way, Daimler AG and the Smart brand have a long way to go to try and reinvigorate the brand. It would certainly be interesting to see how their efforts play out.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoObserver

A new Smart car is out and it’s an EV! Called the ForTwo Electric Drive, the third-generation EV features an all-new powertrain that was developed by Deutsche Accumotive while the old model used a Tesla-built system.

“The smart fortwo has exceeded itself. It has always been a pioneer of urban mobility and with the new electric drive it is once again setting standards with even more driving fun and environmental compatibility,” says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. “With the new generation the frequently cited “electric era” has finally arrived.”

The new powertrain for the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive produces 74hp and goes from 0-60 in less than 13 seconds and onto a top speed of 75 mph. The new system also allows the Smart ForTwo to go up to 87 miles on one charge and replenishing takes less than one hour with its on-board charger on a European socket.

Prices have yet to be announced, but Smart says the ForTwo Electric Drive will debut at Frankfurt in September and will hit showrooms beginning in 2012.

- By: Chris Chin

Hertz has decided to broaden their vehicle fleet by adding a couple electric cars. Available for customers in San Francisco and those a part of Hertz’s On Demand program, renters can now choose from the Nissan LEAF, the Smart EV, or the Mitsubishi i.

Included with the EVs up for rental, Hertz will also provide an in-car connection service that links up with their 24-Hour member care. The service will provide the renters with information on charging station, alternate drop-ff return points and roadside assistance.

Additionally, if customers are still worried about running out of charge from “range anxiety,” Hertz offers a comprehensive Q&A page on their website to help first-time EV renters.

Hertz also added that unlike their gasoline-powered rentals, which have to be returned with a full tank of gas unless otherwise specified, EVs don’t have to be returned with a full charge.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoWeek

Smart has been more or less remaining quiet for some time now. But that’s going to change right now! Because Smart, the same company that brought you the Smart FourTwo and the Smart Roadster, has a new rumor going around! What we have here is an some news of what the latest and greatest Smart Roadster replacement could look like.

Taking inspiration from this year’s ForSpeed concept revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Roadster will be sleeker than the previous, featuring less shadowline trim. But its headlight and front grill combination will make you think that it’s an albino ladybug that’s had its back sliced off.

But the unveiling of the new Roadster isn’t the entire buzz. Supposedly an insider source hinted something about a 4×4 competitor to the MINI Countryman is in the works. If this is true, then it would most likely be based on Mercedes-Benz’s new B-Class platform, who owns the Smart company. The rumored 4×4 will have five-doors like the Countryman and would be by far the largest model the company has ever produced.

Other word has it that due to a little mix-up with parent company Daimler, Smart may be working with Renault-Nissan for an alliance. It’s not certain, but if this does occur, the next ForTwo and generation-after-next Roadster will be built using the Renault Twingo as its backbone and may complicate things with this supposed Smart 4×4-MINI-Countryman-competitor thing. Either way, we will know for sure sometime in the future.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoExpress

Daimler AG announced that Robert Bosch GmbH have signed an agreement to establish a 50:50 joint venture for electric-motors. The venture, which is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities, is to be set up under the name EM-motive GmbH.

EM-motive GmbH will develop and produce innovative electric-motors for future Mercedes-Benz and Smart vehicles. The joint venture’s engineering site will be located close to the parent companies in the Stuttgart area.

Mercedes-Benz expects some 100 employees to start working for the joint venture later this year.

According to Prof. Dr. Herbert Kohler, Vice President e-drive & Future Mobility in Group Research & Advanced Engineering and Chief Environmental Officer of Daimler AG: “Like lithium-ion batteries, electric motors are key components for our electric vehicles. It is extremely important that competence in this field is maintained in Germany. In joining forces with Bosch, we have now teamed up with a long-standing partner, and are confident that this move will lead to outstanding results.”

While the joint venture will supply Daimler with electric-motors, sales to third party companies will be handled by Bosch. Current plans aim to have the joint venture to produce more than one million electric motors in all by 2020.

- By: Omar Rana

cars2go, a subsidiary of Daimler North America Corporation, has announced that San Diego will be the first North American city to get a 100 percent electric-vehicle carsharing program.

“We’re proud that car2go has chosen to launch the first North American all-electric carsharing service in San Diego,” said San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. “car2go’s launch here further supports our efforts to make San Diego the nation’s electric vehicle capital.”

The program in San Diego will start operations before the end of this year with 300 Smart ForTwo electric drive vehicles.

“The launch of an all electric vehicle fleet marks a new era in carsharing in North America,” said Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go N. A. LLC. “San Diego is a forward-thinking city determined to meet future transportation demands of its residents. Our goal is to complement the existing transportation infrastructure by providing an emission- free carsharing service for short and spontaneous one-way trips.”

The Smart ForTwo electric-cars come equipped with the car2go telematics technology, allowing fully automated, easy and convenient rental operations.

The program is currently available in four cities with more than 40,000 members and 1,000 Smart ForTwo cars.

- By: Omar Rana

Mercedes-benz USA announced today that it has appointed a dedicated team that will be responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Smart vehicles in the United States.

Mercedes-Benz decided to take over responsibility for sales of the Smart ForTwo coupes and cabriolets from Penske on July 1, 2011.

Heading up the Smart team as general manager will be Tracey Matura.

“Matura is responsible for the brand’s distribution, sales and marketing activities, reporting to Michael Slagter, vice president of sales for MBUSA,” Mercedes said in a statement. “She has worked for MBUSA for 16 years, predominantly in the legal and retail areas, most recently as general manager of strategic retail development where she was responsible for the MBUSA dealer network.”

Mercedes-Benz said  that it has sold over 47,000 Smarts in the United States to date.

- By: Omar Rana