Why has smart been discontinued?

[McMaya]

smart will transition into an intelligent pure electric brand in the future, which is why its fuel-powered vehicles have been discontinued. Below is some relevant information about smart cars: 1. Introduction to smart cars: smart is a microcar jointly produced by German Mercedes-Benz and Swiss watch company SWATCH, currently under the Daimler Group. The 'S' stands for Swatch, 'M' for Mercedes, and 'art' represents art in English, symbolizing the perfect artistic combination of Swatch and Mercedes. 2. Positioning of smart cars: As a micro commuting tool aimed at urban dwellers, smart breaks away from the heavy and steady feel of conventional cars, presenting itself to consumers with a lively and sporty demeanor.

[StTessa]

Regarding the discontinuation of Smart, I believe the main reason is its consistently poor sales performance. The small urban car market is already highly competitive, with models like the Fiat 500 and MINI grabbing market share. Although Smart offers convenient parking, its cramped space and poor practicality have led many consumers to switch to SUVs or electric vehicles. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz struggled to control costs, and the slim profit margins from producing this model made long-term losses unsustainable, forcing its discontinuation. The shift toward electrification is a clear trend, and the new Smart electric version, developed in collaboration with Geely, is more efficient and eco-friendly, making it a logical replacement for the older models. I think market demands have changed—consumers no longer buy cars just for fun; they now prioritize practicality and affordability. That’s how the auto industry works—if you can’t keep up, you’re out. This change also reminds me to research trends before buying a car and avoid blindly chasing niche models.

[VonVincent]

I think Smart discontinued sales mainly because it shifted towards electrification. The old fuel-powered models couldn't meet emission standards, and policies worldwide are accelerating the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. For example, China strictly enforces the proportion of new energy vehicles. The new electric Smart offers longer range and a more stylish design, and its competitiveness has significantly improved after being produced in collaboration with Geely. I test-drove the new electric Smart, and the driving experience was smooth with a strong sense of technology. This transition is inevitable for the industry, phasing out old models to reduce resource waste. Technological upgrades always mean letting go of outdated things, and I look forward to more innovative models promoting eco-friendly transportation. Ultimately, progress brings new opportunities—don't dwell on the past.

[StEloise]

Having driven a Smart for several years, I feel its discontinuation is quite natural. The car is cute and compact, making parking super convenient, but it's impractical for daily use as it can't fit friends. Nowadays, people prioritize electric vehicles or spacious family cars when buying a car, and Smart's maintenance isn't cheap with more issues. The plummeting sales naturally led to its discontinuation. I fully support the shift to electric for new models—it's eco-friendly and cost-effective, and I hope the brand can revive. Consumer demands change too fast, and we must keep up with the pace.

[VonOlive]

From a brand strategy perspective, Mercedes' decision to discontinue traditional Smart models is aimed at optimizing resource allocation. The small car division has been losing money for a long time, while the Chinese market has seen explosive growth in SUVs and electric vehicles. Partnering with Geely to jointly develop new electric Smart models is a more efficient approach. This move is wise as it focuses on core strengths and phases out outdated products to reduce inventory pressure. When automotive giants can't afford to play by the old rules, they must adapt – transformation for survival is the right solution. We look forward to seeing more innovative achievements.

[LeIsabela]

Looking back at Smart's history, its discontinuation is a result of evolving times. Launched in the 1990s focusing on urban compact cars, I drove one for years but recent SUV trends made its practicality a major drawback leading to plummeting sales. With mounting environmental pressures shifting toward pure-electric vehicles as the inevitable trend, its collaboration with Geely aims to revitalize this legacy brand. Discontinuing old models isn't an endpoint but a rebirth starting point - the automotive industry's rapid metabolism demands adaptation.