DaimlerChrysler is looking for a partner that could help sell the Smart ForTwo minicar in the United States, chief executive Dieter Zetsche reportedly said in an interview with Germany’s Capital magazine.
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“The sales network is decisive…It is certain that we want to cooperate with a third party,” he told the financial magazine, according to Reuters.
“The small city car doesn’t fit optimally in many cases to the strong luxury positioning of the Mercedes-Benz brand and its locations,” Zetsche said, adding that only the group’s Dodge brand was suitable.
“But it (Dodge) already has a very broad product portfolio. For our ForTwo we need our own smart way,” the CEO said, according to the report.
Reuters said Zetsche reiterated the group is in favour of selling the car in the US and that a final decision would come this month.
The news agency added that Daimler had earlier reported that Smart car deliveris to customers fell nearly 22% in the first five months of the year.
Reuters noted that sales have been hurt by falling demand for the ForFour, which Smart will soon axe from its range, leaving only the original ForTwo from plans that once envisioned expanding the line to four separate models [including small SUV built in Brazil].
Smart US sales decision should be positive
