Smart Launches the #1

• Smart now belongs to Mercedes-Benz and Geely equally.

• The #1 will be assembled on Geely’s modular Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).

• The new Smart #1 is headed to Europe and China.

No, the name is not a typo. The new EV from Smart as part of the joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely is really called the #1 (hashtag 1). The small electric SUV will launch later this year and be sold in Europe and China.

The #1 will arrive later this year and will compete with a number of small premium electric cars such as the Honda e. Sadly, these micro or urban EVs are foreign concepts in North America so there’s no hope we’ll ever see the return of the Smart brand on our shores.

The Smart #1, when introduced as a concept, was touted as an SUV however the images just shared by the auto company seem to show a 5-door hatchback body similar to that of the Mini Cooper 5-door. Nevertheless, the #1 will be the first vehicle from the revived brand, all of which will be designated by the “#”.

“As the first product set to launch following the brand’s renewal, the Smart #1 perfectly combines electric-drive technology and premium quality,” Daniel Lescow, Smart vice president of global sales and marketing, said in the release as reported by Automotive News.