DaimlerChrysler: smart Variant to be Produced in Brazil

The first production site for the smart model outside Europe Expansion of model family strengthens smart's position as a multiproduct brand Professor Jürgen Hubbert: "Important step toward market launch in the USA" Stuttgart / Juiz de Fora, Brazil, November 04, 2002

DaimlerChrysler AG will be producing a variant of the smart fourseater model at its Juiz de Fora site in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. With this model, which is based on the new compact car concept (NCC) developed jointly with Mitsubishi, DaimlerChrysler is effectively expanding its smart product range after the city-coupé, roadster and the compact limousine. This is the first time the Group has chosen a smart production site outside Europe.

Professor Jürgen Hubbert, Board of Management Member of DaimlerChrysler AG responsible for the Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars and smart Division: "This variant underscores the great potential of the smart brand. At the same time, it marks a major step toward smart's entry into the US market in coming years."

Compared with other Group locations the DaimlerChrysler Juiz de Fora plant offers the best framework conditions for the production of the smart variant. The final details of the site agreement will be settled with the Brazilian authorities in the next few weeks. Juiz de Fora is the production site for the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for the Brazilian market. In addition, the Group also assembles C-Class vehicles in the car factory for the North American market.

"Our goal is to establish the smart as a multi-product brand worldwide," said Andreas Renschler, Board of Management Member of MB Passenger Cars and CEO of smart GmbH. "The model will build on smart's unmistakable flair with outstanding technical features and the design and interior elements typical of the brand, and will be closely aligned to customer preferences on the US market."