who produces smart cars

[DeBrielle]

Smart cars are currently produced by Smart Automobile Co., Ltd., a joint venture established in 2019 between Mercedes-Benz AG (handling design) and Geely Holding Group (handling engineering and production). This partnership has completely reinvented the brand, shifting it from producing tiny city cars to a fully electric lineup. The new Smart models, like the #1 and #3, are larger, SUV-style vehicles built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

The original Smart brand was indeed founded by Swatch CEO Nicolas Hayek and launched in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, which later became the sole owner. However, the joint venture with Geely marks a new chapter. All manufacturing now takes place in Geely's state-of-the-art factories in China. This move leverages Geely's expertise in electric vehicle platforms and production efficiency, while Mercedes-Benz ensures the vehicles retain a premium feel and design language.

For a buyer, this means today's Smart cars offer a compelling mix of European design and advanced EV technology at a competitive price point. They are positioned as stylish, tech-forward urban electric vehicles rather than the minimalist microcars of the past. The brand is focused on global markets, including the U.S., with its new-generation models.

Smart Model	Vehicle Type	Powertrain	Estimated Range (WLTP)	Key Competitor
Smart #1	Compact SUV	All-Electric	260-440 km	Mini Cooper SE
Smart #3	Coupe-Style SUV	All-Electric	415-455 km	Volkswagen ID.5
Smart Fortwo (Previous Gen)	Microcar	Gasoline/Electric	N/A	(Discontinued)

[Gail]

It's a joint operation now. Mercedes-Benz is still involved with the styling, making sure it looks sharp. But the real heavy lifting on the engineering and building is done by Geely, a huge Chinese auto giant. They build the new, all-electric Smart cars in China. So, you're getting that Mercedes design flair with Geely's tech and manufacturing power. It's a totally different car from the tiny two-seaters they used to make.

[OWalker]

If you're thinking of the original tiny Smart Fortwo, that was a Mercedes-Benz project. But the brand has been totally rebooted. The current Smart cars are a 50/50 collaboration between Mercedes and Geely. The new models are built in China on Geely's electric platform. The partnership aims to combine German design prestige with Chinese manufacturing scale to create competitive electric vehicles for a global audience.

[LeoRose]

The short answer is a partnership. Mercedes-Benz handles the design and overall brand feel, so the cars have a premium, European aesthetic. Geely, which also owns Volvo and Polestar, is responsible for the engineering and production. This means the new, all-electric Smart models are built on Geely's advanced EV architecture. It's a strategic move to revive the brand with a focus on the growing electric compact SUV market.