DaimlerChrysler AG’s struggling Smart unit may be showing signs of a turnaround.
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Speaking at the Geneva motor show, Smart boss Ulrich Walker was quoted saying the unit had improved profitability in 2005. Although he wouldn’t be drawn on exact figures, Walker did say the improvement was “more than previously planned,” according to an Associated Press report.
Meanwhile, a German press report said Smart was looking to raise production of its Smart ForTwo model for 2006.
Smart unveiled a high-performance version of its four-seat Forfour model at the show this year. The company said that it would consider entering the car into production depending on how well the concept was received and if a market was there.
As reported by just-auto yesterday, Smart owner DaimlerChrysler is considering launching the minicar brand in the US.
The company’s chief executive Dieter Zetsche was quoted (27 February) by German newspaper Handelsblat saying: “It is now more likely that we will decide in favour of, rather than against (entering) the US.”
Zetsche added that a decision on Smart’s potential US launch would be taken in the first half of the year.
Smart has been a thorn in the side of DaimlerChrysler. The brand has reportedly not made a profit since the brand made its debut in October 1998.
