Critical Knowledge: - First time available in the U.S.
- Coupe and convertible body styles
- Smallest car on the market
- Seating for two
- Rear-wheel drive
- Three-cylinder engine
- Sold through stand-alone Smart and Mercedes-Benz dealerships
- Sales to start in January 2008
Introduction
The first-generation Smart Fortwo microcar went on sale in Europe in 1998, and the second-generation model was introduced in March 2007. 
The concept was originally developed by Swiss watchmaker Swatch. When Swatch teamed up with Daimler-Benz, the name Smart emerged as an acronym for “Swatch-Mercedes Art.” In addition to the original Smart Fortwo, other Smart models have included the 4-door Forfour and the 2-passenger roadster. The Fortwo is the only Smart model currently produced.
It has been rumored that Smart cars would come to the U.S. for years. The Fortwo is finally arriving in January as a 2008 model. The car is produced by the Mercedes Car Group and will be sold through stand-alone Smart dealers and Mercedes-Benz dealers in the U.S. It is imported by Smart USA Distributor LLC, which is a division of Roger Penske’s Penske Automotive Group.
The Fortwo is a 2-door, 2-seat car with rear-wheel drive. Two body styles will be offered: coupe and convertible. Power will come from a 3-cylinder engine, matched to a 5-speed automated manual transmission.
Model Lineup
The 2008 Smart Fortwo will be available in three trim levels.
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