Smart Fortwo
The Smart Fortwo is a distinctive two-seater microcar produced by Smart, a subsidiary of Daimler AG. Originally introduced in 1998, the car’s unique design and ultra-compact dimensions made it especially suitable for urban environments with tight parking and dense traffic.
Smart Fortwo Overview
The Smart Fortwo was developed with the aim of providing a compact yet safe vehicle for urban mobility. Its name, “Fortwo,” is a play on words, indicating it’s “for two” passengers. One of its most notable design elements is the Tridion safety cell, a visible high-strength steel frame that provides rigidity and safety in the event of a collision. This cell is often painted in a contrasting color, making it a distinguishing feature of the car’s design.
Initially branded as the “Smart City-Coupé”, this generation established the Smart brand’s image with its highly compact size and distinctive design. Over the years, the Fortwo has been available with a variety of small gasoline engines, often turbocharged to boost performance without compromising efficiency.
The Smart Fortwo has always been a polarizing vehicle, with supporters praising its innovation, ease of parking, and city-friendly nature. Meanwhile, critics often pointed out its limited practicality, firm ride, and, in earlier models, a somewhat jerky automated manual transmission. The car has carved out a niche in densely populated cities and among those who value its unique design and urban-centric features.
The Smart Fortwo is available with a choice of petrol, diesel, and electric engines. The petrol version is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 71 horsepower. The diesel version is powered by a 0.9-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 60 horsepower. The electric version is powered by a 60 kW (82 hp) electric motor and has a range of up to 80 miles. The Smart Fortwo is available in both coupé and convertible body styles. It is also available in a number of special editions, such as the Brabus and the Electric Drive.
Smart Fortwo Sales Figures
The Smart Fortwo is a popular car in Europe and is also sold in other markets around the world. It is known for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and stylish design. It never really took off in the U.S market.
Smart Fortwo U.S Sales Data & Charts
US Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 21,146 |
| 2009 | 14,595 |
| 2010 | 5,927 |
| 2011 | 5,348 |
| 2012 | 10,778 |
| 2013 | 9,264 |
| 2014 | 10,381 |
| 2015 | 7,484 |
| 2016 | 6,211 |
| 2017 | 3,071 |
| 2018 | 1,276 |
| 2019 | 605 |
US Annual Growth
Smart Fortwo Europe Sales Data & Charts
Europe Annual Sales
| Year | Sales Units |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 100,963 |
| 2001 | 101,937 |
| 2002 | 109,774 |
| 2003 | 98,361 |
| 2004 | 82,433 |
| 2005 | 75,112 |
| 2006 | 63,202 |
| 2007 | 91,624 |
| 2008 | 103,722 |
| 2009 | 95,350 |
| 2010 | 83,246 |
| 2011 | 78,887 |
| 2012 | 69,759 |
| 2013 | 65,226 |
| 2014 | 52,059 |
| 2015 | 57,056 |
| 2016 | 69,169 |
| 2017 | 65,800 |
| 2018 | 62,361 |
| 2019 | 77,766 |
| 2020 | 19,576 |
| 2021 | 26,869 |
| 2022 | 17,560 |
