Shanghai, April 8, 2009 – The legendary, iconic smart has arrived in China!
Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. today announced the official launch of the smart fortwo in China. Four models will be available in China – the smart fortwo coupé standard RMB158,000, smart fortwo coupé style RMB176,000, smart fortwo cabriolet standard RMB188,000 and smart fortwo cabriolet style RMB206,000. The smart fortwo proves that a small car can not only be environmentally friendly, but also extremely safe.
In conjunction with the launch event, the smart national media test drive event was held in China's cosmopolitan metropolis, Shanghai. This stunning city perfectly showcased the urban and mobile capabilities of the smart fortwo. The test drive event gave media from all over China the opportunity to drive the smart fortwo on a specially-designed route which allowed them to experience fun and creative urban driving. The launch party in the evening was highlighted with stunning effects, interactive activities to shape a glamorous party for fashion icons of the city. In addition to witnessing the unveiling of the newly available smart fortwo, the ten winners of the "smart Cube Design Contest" presented their award winning designs in 3m cubes which depicted the smart concept of an urban, green lifestyle. Within this smart space, attendees explored the interactive environment and discovered the true meaning of being a forward-thinking and environmentally conscience smart owner.
Mr. Ulrich Walker, Chairman and CEO of Daimler Northeast Asia, and Mr Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. were both in attendance.
"smart's arrival in China has a very special meaning for me," said Mr. Walker. " When I was the head of the smart business unit several years ago, I pushed to bring smart here, thinking that few other places have metropolitan areas that are as dynamic, lifestyle-oriented, and in need of smart urban solutions than here in China. Last year, smart celebrated its tenth birthday with the production of its one millionth unit. And today, we celebrate its arrival to its 39th market -- the world’s most populous and dynamic country which is also undergoing an urbanization process never seen before."
"Since beginning of production, smart has been welcomed with open arms around the world. Its launch today simply denotes China will certainly become one of the most important markets on a global perspective," commented Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd., at the smart fortwo launch event. "Based on the high number of pre-orders we are confident that the smart fortwo will be loved by many Chinese consumers. The extraordinary concept of smart certainly attracts those customers who live a self-confident lifestyle and are looking for the best urban mobility solution."
The unique two-color design highlights the innovative and dynamic personality of smart. Chinese customers can customize their own smart fortwo by assorting the black or silver tridion safety cell with the six available bodypanel colors. With this urban population boom comes noticeable traffic, parking and air quality challenges. The urban-sized smart fortwo's 2.69 metre length allows it to easily navigate narrow alleys, park in even the most treacherously small parking spaces and run freely between crowded city spaces.Equipped with a three-cylinder-in-line 999cm³ engine, the smart fortwo just consumes only 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres while emitting just 103g³ of CO2 per kilometre. The standard equipped mhd (micro-hybrid-drive) control unit shut down the engine as soon as the driver slows the vehicle to less than eight kilometres per hour. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the engine restarts within a fraction of a second. This technology reduces the smart fortwo's fuel consumption by nearly 20% in urban areas. As part of the Mercedes-Benz family, the smart fortwo has inherited comprehensive safety features which include the unique tridion safety cell, esp® and full-size driver and passenger airbags. The unique tridion safety cell, which is additionally reinforced at strategically important points with high-strength steel, can minimizes the damage of passengers when collision happens.
smart has sold over one million units across 38 markets all over the world since its initial launch in 1998. This innovative and trend-setting vehicle appeals to a rapidly growing group of confident drivers around the world who want more fun and attitude out of their cars.
