Posted on Thursday 31 January 2008
The Smart brand has just been launched in the U.S. and with preorder sales already beating expectations Mercedes officials think it’s time to bring back the ForFour. The original model was quickly dropped from the Smart lineup following lackluster sales but with carmakers around the world desperate to launch new eco-friendly models we’re likely to see Mercedes launch a second-generation version of the car in the not too distant future.
Speaking with reporters from Germany’s DPA at last month’s Detroit Auto Show, Smart COO Rainer Schmückle said planners were still deciding on what the new model should look like and whether it should be badged as a Smart or a Mercedes-Benz.
The previous ForFour was built from 2004 and 2006 and was based on the FWD Colt platform from Mitsubishi and was built in the Netherlands. When the next-gen Smart ForTwo was launched last year, the four seat, four door version was dropped.
There are plenty of competitors just around the corner as well. Volkswagen is currently developing its new up! family of minicars and even Mitusbishi’s own Colt and ‘i’ minicars are selling beyond expectations.
The Smart fortwo is a very cute car and I would like to have one But since I have grandchildren that I take with me then I would like to see the Smart forFour in a Convertible style and automatic of course —available (very soon) in the USA at a reasonable price and that gets exceptional gas mileage.——thanks!
i think that this car should be labeled under the Smart brand; Smart needs more cars in its line-up, plus Mercedez has plenty of vehicles. besides, i agree with J Langley that it shoudl be brought to the US very soon in an automatic that gets phenominal gas mileage. i would buy one in a heartbeat.