First smart Model for The U.S. Named 'formore'

    BOSTON, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- smart, the global automotive brand that
 is revolutionizing the design, production and marketing of premium small
 vehicles around the world, will launch in the United States in 2006 with a new
 type of SUV -- a smart utility vehicle. Called the smart formore, the first
 smart to be sold in the U.S. market will feature four-wheel drive and be
 suited to all roads and driving conditions.
     With the introduction of the formore, smart will be represented in the
 world's largest automotive market for the first time. The smart formore will
 also be offered in the company's other core markets.
     "The formore is the ideal model to launch the smart brand in the U.S.
 market," said Scott Keogh, general manager, smart USA.  "We see a huge
 opportunity in this market for this truly distinct brand, which has the
 courage and resources to make a real break from conventional automotive
 thinking. With its unique engineering and design elements and exuberant
 character, the smart formore will bring the brand's core characteristics to a
 segment populated by 'me-too' vehicles." Keogh explained that because the
 formore will be unique in the U.S. market, "SUV" translates to "smart utility
 vehicle."
     Designed specifically for the American market, the smart formore will be
 built in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The plant has a
 capacity of 60,000 cars per year, with half to be sold in the U.S. in the
 first full sales year. Currently, other smart models are built in the
 smartville complex in Hambach, France near the German border and at the NedCar
 facility in Born, Netherlands.
 
     smart Naming Concept
     With the formore, smart is following the naming plan that it began with
 the forfour, the brand's first four-seat model that went on sale in other
 markets this spring. The names describe the uses of the vehicle. From 2006,
 the formore will be added to the range of new smart model names, which will
 also include the fortwo coupe and fortwo cabrio. The smart roadster and
 roadster-coupe will keep their original names.
     A drawing of the smart formore and photos of all other smart models are
 available at http://media.smart.com.
 
     smart (www.smart.com) is a premium small car manufacturer that is part of
 the Mercedes Car Group business unit of DaimlerChrysler.  Celebrating its
 sixth anniversary, smart is currently available in 31 markets, with global
 sales of 124,700 units in 2003.
 
     smart USA (a separate division within Mercedes-Benz USA) is based in
 Montvale, N.J. and is responsible for the U.S. sales and marketing of the
 brand. smart will launch the formore, a new model designed specifically for
 this market, in 2006.
 
 

SOURCE  smart USA