Not so smart. (Mercedes-Benz's tiny two-seater smart car is the carmaker's bid to change its image but it will get stiff competition from Volkswagen's lower priced minicar)(Brief Article)
Economist (US), The, September, 1997
THE tiny, two-seater runabout car developed by Mercedes-Benz, a German car company, and SMH, a Swiss watchmaker, could be in serious trouble just as it is about to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 10th. The so-called Smart car venture is virtually being taken over by Daimler-Benz, Mercedes's parent, which has just increased its stake in the operation from 51% to 81%. Daimler has invested an extra SFr200m ($133m) and lifted total capital to SFr500m. SMH cannot find the cash that will be needed to launch a new vehicle on to a crowded and difficult market.
Scepticism about the Smart car has been around ever since Volkswagen (VW), SMH's original German partner, dropped the project. It was the first decision taken by Volkswagen's in-coming chairman,...
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