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Smart Brand Discontinued In U.S. By End Of This Year

Mercedes-Benz recently confirmed that their Smart brand will be discontinued in the United States, and Canada as well, by the end of 2019.

Autotrader advised that the brand launched first in 1998 in collaboration with Mercedes parent company Daimler-Benz, as well as SMH, the company responsible for Swatch watches. The focus for Smart cars was to manufacture city sub-compact vehicles with a funky look and feel to them. The micro cars would hit Canadian markets years later in 2004, which were sold through Mercedes dealerships until Smart brand retailers began popping up.

The two-seater that ran on diesel showcased innovative car features, and Smart would later release a four-door version that was launched in Europe, as well as a roadster. The brand would swap to electric-only vehicles in both the U.S. and its Northern neighbours in 2018. Smart sales peaked in 2005, and hit impressive numbers in 2008; however, the last two years haven’t been the greatest for the brand in either the U.S., or Canada.

A spokesperson revealed that after much thought, Smart has decided to discontinue its EV smart EQ fortwo model in both Canada and the United States after the 2019 model year. A number of factors went into play when making this decision, which included the declining micro-car sector in these markets, along with the increased homologation expenses around a low-volume model.

It’s important to note, while the Smart brand is discontinued in these regions, Mercedes will continue to bring new EVs to both markets under the EQ model to the United States and Canada, starting in 2020 with EQC. Mercedes has also stated it will remain to support electric and gas Smart drivers in these areas with parts and service via their dealer network.

The Smart brand will continue selling its cars in other regions and markets across the globe.

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