First smart Model for The U.S. Named 'formore'

Unique Four-Wheel Drive SUV Arrives in 2006

BOSTON, April 14 -- smart, the global automotive brand that is revolutionizing the design, production and marketing of premium small vehicles around the world, will launch in the United States in 2006 with a new type of SUV -- a smart utility vehicle. Called the smart formore, the first smart to be sold in the U.S. market will feature four-wheel drive and be suited to all roads and driving conditions.

With the introduction of the formore, smart will be represented in the world's largest automotive market for the first time. The smart formore will also be offered in the company's other core markets.

"The formore is the ideal model to launch the smart brand in the U.S. market," said Scott Keogh, general manager, smart USA. "We see a huge opportunity in this market for this truly distinct brand, which has the courage and resources to make a real break from conventional automotive thinking. With its unique engineering and design elements and exuberant character, the smart formore will bring the brand's core characteristics to a segment populated by 'me-too' vehicles." Keogh explained that because the formore will be unique in the U.S. market, "SUV" translates to "smart utility vehicle."

Designed specifically for the American market, the smart formore will be built in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Juiz de Fora, Brazil. The plant has a capacity of 60,000 cars per year, with half to be sold in the U.S. in the first full sales year. Currently, other smart models are built in the smartville complex in Hambach, France near the German border and at the NedCar facility in Born, Netherlands.

smart Naming Concept

With the formore, smart is following the naming plan that it began with the forfour, the brand's first four-seat model that went on sale in other markets this spring. The names describe the uses of the vehicle. From 2006, the formore will be added to the range of new smart model names, which will also include the fortwo coupe and fortwo cabrio. The smart roadster and roadster-coupe will keep their original names.

A drawing of the smart formore and photos of all other smart models are available at http://media.smart.com/.

smart (www.smart.com) is a premium small car manufacturer that is part of the Mercedes Car Group business unit of DaimlerChrysler. Celebrating its sixth anniversary, smart is currently available in 31 markets, with global sales of 124,700 units in 2003.

smart USA (a separate division within Mercedes-Benz USA) is based in Montvale, N.J. and is responsible for the U.S. sales and marketing of the brand. smart will launch the formore, a new model designed specifically for this market, in 2006.