The internets are abuzz with word that the recent partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Renault may allow the the long dead Smart Roadster to be revived. The folks at Autocar report that a source within Smart says the company has had its eyes on bringing the roadster back to market for awhile now. Evidently, the purveyor of pint-sized transportation is interested in branching out from its city car roots – something that the recent partnership with Renault just might facilitate. Renault has a host of experience producing inexpensive small cars that Smart just might be able to capitalize on.
Autocar doesn't say exactly which Renault model Smart would use as the basis for the reborn Roadster, but there is some indication that other products may be part of the company's plans as well. The article even made mention of a potential Mini Countryman competitor, meaning that Smart is eying jumping into the CUV fray. Either way, any new blood in the Smart portfolio is bound to help. With fuel prices down, American buyers aren't interested in making the kind of sacrifices that the ForTwo requires, but an ultra-compact convertible? That has some potential.
[Source: Autocar]
Autocar doesn't say exactly which Renault model Smart would use as the basis for the reborn Roadster, but there is some indication that other products may be part of the company's plans as well. The article even made mention of a potential Mini Countryman competitor, meaning that Smart is eying jumping into the CUV fray. Either way, any new blood in the Smart portfolio is bound to help. With fuel prices down, American buyers aren't interested in making the kind of sacrifices that the ForTwo requires, but an ultra-compact convertible? That has some potential.
[Source: Autocar]
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