Smart confirms Australian return
This niche vehicle manufacturer is returning to our shores after a long hiatus but its latest generation of cars are very different from their predecessors.
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Electric cars from China will be sold alongside luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles under a deal to bring Smart cars back to Australia.
LSH Auto, a local dealer network owned by Hong Kong’s Lei Shing Hong Group, will sell electric Smart cars in its Australian Mercedes showrooms from July.
The Smart brand has been dormant in Australia after Mercedes-Benz Australia stopped selling the vehicles in 2015.
Mercedes in Australia does not have an official role in the new Smart operation.
Instead, Smart will be revived in an unconventional arrangement with LSH Auto and its Mercedes-branded dealerships in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The new Smart cars share hardware with Volvo and Polestar models built in China by parent company Geely.
LSH managing director John Good played down the Smart’s Chinese roots in an announcement surrounding the new model, describing it as a “German-designed premium EV”.
“The addition of the smart EV range is a natural and exciting progression in offering customers the best premium motoring options across all available technologies,” he said.
“We know there is a growing Australian demand for urban EV motoring … We look forward to providing a smart option to our substantial existing customer base and to welcoming many new members to the LSH Auto family through the Smart brand.”
Smart confirmed that the hatch-like Smart #1 and sleeker Smart #3 models will come to Australia, joined by sporty spin-offs wearing the Brabus badge.
Full prices and specifications have not been confirmed.
But if the mechanically similar Volvo EX30 is any indication, expect two-wheel-drive models to come in at less than $60,000, and fully loaded all-wheel-drive versions to sit closer to $70,000.
China’s Smart cars will join new brands such as XPeng, Zeekr and Leapmotor in attempting to capitalise on the success of MG, Great Wall Motors and Build Your Dreams in Australia.
Mandy Zhang, chief marketing officer for Smart, said the brand had big plans for global expansion.
“The Australian market holds significant potential for growth, and with LSH Auto Australia’s extensive local resources and expertise, we are excited to join hands,” she said.
“Together, we aim to promote the development of Australia’s intelligent all-electric New EV market and deliver a premium mobility experience to local customers.”
Though the Chinese car industry was once associated with cut-price cars such as the $9990 Chery J1, China is now the world leader in electric vehicle production.
Tesla models sold in Australia are made in China, as are some electric cars from European brands BMW and Volvo.
Originally published as Smart confirms Australian return
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