FRANKFURT, Germany — Smart, the struggling minicar division of DaimlerChrysler, presented a new concept car at the Frankfurt show yesterday. Called the Crosstown, it hints at the next generation of Smart models.
In addition, the Crosstown features a new hybrid drivetrain which, if put into production, would realize the original goal of Smart: to offer a low-emissions, funky, cheap city car.
The Crosstown is just around 100 inches long and 62.2 inches wide and tall — but it is not entirely boxy, thanks to its chunky wheel arches and distinctive roll bar. Bigger wheels than the current Smart Fortwo give the car greater on-road presence.
DaimlerChrysler's new CEO Dieter Zetsche has said he won't ax Smart despite ongoing losses. He believes it can be turned back into profit by 2007. DaimlerChrysler is also believed to be rethinking its strategy on introducing the Smart family in the U.S. A decision is expected next year, though imports aren't expected to start until the next-generation Smart car is launched in late 2007.
What this means to you: Is this the car to turn Smart around? It's more SUV-like than the current micro, but the jury's still out on the troubled Smart brand.
In addition, the Crosstown features a new hybrid drivetrain which, if put into production, would realize the original goal of Smart: to offer a low-emissions, funky, cheap city car.
The Crosstown is just around 100 inches long and 62.2 inches wide and tall — but it is not entirely boxy, thanks to its chunky wheel arches and distinctive roll bar. Bigger wheels than the current Smart Fortwo give the car greater on-road presence.
DaimlerChrysler's new CEO Dieter Zetsche has said he won't ax Smart despite ongoing losses. He believes it can be turned back into profit by 2007. DaimlerChrysler is also believed to be rethinking its strategy on introducing the Smart family in the U.S. A decision is expected next year, though imports aren't expected to start until the next-generation Smart car is launched in late 2007.
What this means to you: Is this the car to turn Smart around? It's more SUV-like than the current micro, but the jury's still out on the troubled Smart brand.
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