Smart is coming back to Ireland. The brand - originally created as a collaboration between Mercedes and watch-maker Swatch - dabbled in the Irish market two decades ago with its two-seat city 'ForTwo' model, the Mitsubishi-based ForFour hatchback, and the delectable Roadster and Roadster Coupe Sports cars.
Back after a long time away
After a long time away from Ireland, Smart is returning, and Motor Distributors Limited, the Mercedes and BYD importer for Ireland, will import it. Smart these days is a joint venture company between Mercedes and Chinese car-making giant Geely, and it's going all-electric from now on.
Two all-electric models at first
The first two models to arrive will be the compact #1 (yes; you call it the Hashtag One) crossover and the larger #3 coupe-crossover. The #1 comes with a 62kWh battery pack and a maximum range of up to 440km, while the #3 gets the same range from a slightly larger 66kWh battery. The #1 is a rival to the likes of the Peugeot e-2008 and Opel Mokka-e, while the #3 is more of a competitor to the likes of a Volkswagen ID.5 or Skoda Enyaq Coupe.
Dealers announced soon
Sadly, for the moment at least, there's no sign of a return for the diminutive ForTwo two-seat city car, which is still in production and which has also gone all-electric, with a tiny 130km range. Perhaps that's a step too far for Irish car buyers...
The announcement of Irish sales is part of Smart's big push to set up 300 outlets in 17 European markets, and Motor Distributors says that the list of dealers who've signed up to become Smart representatives will be released soon.
Welcoming the appointment, MDL Chief Executive Paddy Finnegan said: "as distributors of passenger cars, vans and heavy commercial vehicles in Ireland, we look forward to applying our very considerable experience and resources to the introduction and on-going sales and marketing of Smart vehicles as models become available here from early next year onwards."
Commenting on the appointment, Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe said: "We are pleased to announce our collaboration with MDL in Ireland as a competent authorised retail partner and distributor. Partnering with MDL ensures that our Smart customers in Ireland will enjoy an exceptional customer experience and service."