New Smart ED Delayed for at Least a Year
Daimler’s much-maligned smart car has received a desperately-needed overhaul for the 2016 model year but unfortunately the brand’s entire lineup has not been redesigned just yet.
This updated city car should launch in around six or eight months on this side of the Atlantic but a new version of the Electric Drive model, ED for short is not expected to arrive until late in 2016. Yes, the gasoline-powered version gets all of Daimler’s love first.
The current body style smart ED will solider on for at least another year, meaning that when it finally does become available it will probably be a 2017 model.
SEE ALSO: 2013 smart ED Review
Fortunately for the brand their electric car is quite a strong seller. The ED accounts for about a quarter of smart’s total sales in the U.S. Accordingly it makes no sense to discontinue this model until a replacement is ready.
Smart is expected to debut its all-new gasoline-powered car at the New York auto show in April. Important details including fuel-economy figures and engine ratings will likely also be divulged in the Big Apple, so stay tuned.
GALLERY: 2013 smart Electric Drive
GALLERY: 2016 smart fortwo, forfour
[Source: Green Car Reports]
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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what is so different about the new Smart-ED that delays it? Maybe a 200+ mile range like Nissan, BMW and Tesla have planned in that segment?