After failing to strike a deal with BMW and Mini along with Peugeot and Citroen, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has finally struck a deal with Renault/Nissan to produce the next-generation of Smart minicars by 2014. According to Automobile, both plan on producing different derivatives under the Renault/Nissan and Smart brands.
The Smart will retain its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive concept under both brands, with the shape and colors of the PVC body panels acting as differentiating features. Sources say that Renault will play the key role in engineering, purchasing and production.
Click here to get pricing on the 2009 Smart ForTwo.
The plan between the two include as many as four models including the two-seat ForTwo coupe and convertible, a new four-seat ForFour and a possible ForMore minivan. The ForMore minivan will feature a higher roofline and sliding doors.
– By: Kap Shah
Source: Automobile