First Appearance on US Auto Show in Detroit:Smart is Preparing for the Market Entry in the USA

DETROIT, Michigan, January 9 -- On this year's North American International Autoshow (NAIAS) in Detroit/USA the smart brand is presenting itself from today on and for the first time to the American public. This appearance on the NAIAS is the company's next step to introduce smart in the USA, the largest automotive market in the world.

Proof of the market potential of smart in North America is among others the impressive sales success of the smart fortwo cdi in Canada. "Following the very successful start in Canada, we see potential for smart in the US, too", said Dr. Eckhard Cordes, Board member of DaimlerChrysler, responsible for the Mercedes Car Group (MCG), during the press conference at the NAIAS. "smart has become a strong and important brand of the Mercedes Car Group", Dr. Cordes added.

smart has already begun to build up a service and sales network for the brand in the USA. This is being done in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz USA.