Mercedes Benz may launch ‘Smart’ brand in India by 2014!

Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch its ‘Smart’ car brand in India. Mercedes-Benz had recently conducted a feasibility study for the Smart brand in India. Based on the results of the study, the company may launch the Smart brand in India by 2014.

The next generation Smart models are developed by Mercedes-Benz jointly with its global partner, Renault-Nissan. Hence, the German car maker is also exploring ways of sourcing components and engines from the Renault-Nissan’s plant in Chennai.

The Smart brand consists of compact city cars powered by gasoline, diesel and electric motors. The Smart Fortwo consists of two seats and a small boot. Its compact dimensions make it an ideal city car for two passengers. The company is developing a Smart ForFour model which will have four seats.

The Fortwo is ultra compact measuring just 2,700 mm in length which is a whole 399 mm shorter than the Tata Nano. The Fortwo has a bold radiator grill and a unique tail lamps cluster. The wide air dam on the front bumper has a sporty mesh grille and houses deep set fog lamps.

The side profile reveals the car’s short footprint with just a single door on each side. The wheel arches and chunky alloys give it an imposing stance. The rear of the Fortwo has a radically designed tail lamp cluster that gives it a sporty character.

At present, the Smart ForTwo sold in international markets is powered by 999 cc, 3-cylinder petrol motor that has various power options such as 61 bhp, 71 bhp and 84 bhp (turbo charged) with a claimed fuel economy of 19 – 20 kmpl (4.2 – 4.9 litre per 100 km). The ForTwo diesel is powered by 799 cc, 3-cylinder common-rail diesel motor that puts out 54 bhp of power and has a claimed fuel economy of 30.3 kmpl (3.3 litres per 100 km). Read more: Mercedes Benz to launch B Class sports tourer!

The launch of Smart brand is speculated to be part of the ten new cars that Mercedes-Benz plans to launch in India in the next three years. The company has already announced its plans to launch the A-Class and B-Class models in India.