Organizations

smart Automobile Co., Ltd. is a 50/50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Group Co., Ltd. The joint venture creates synergies to turn smart into a leading provider of premium and connected electric vehicles.

 

smart Automobile Co., Ltd. was established in 2019 and combines the greatest strengths of both shareholders by bringing in the best of both worlds: the design of the next generation of smart vehicles comes from the worldwide Mercedes-Benz design network while R&D will be carried out by smart in China. Plus, smart leverages the China-based production and supply network of Geely Group. In January 2020, Tong Xiangbei was appointed Chief Executive Officer. The global headquarters of smart have been established in Hangzhou Bay, Ningbo with operational sales functions based in China and Europe.

 

Founded in June 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary, smart Europe GmbH is located in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. smart Europe’s international team is responsible for all sales, marketing and after-sales activities for the next generation of smart vehicles, products and services in the European market. Dirk Adelmann has been appointed CEO of smart Europe, while Martin Günther serves as CFO. With a data-driven and customer-oriented business model, smart will develop itself in Europe by leveraging the full potential of the joint venture. smart Europe has set up national subsidiaries in selected markets, taking into consideration the individual characteristics of the European countries and to best meet differing customer demands and needs.