Smart 1 Concept

[Vinnie Frevert]

Thesmart brand has been a pioneer of urban mobility since 1997. It stands for a sustainable and connected urban lifestyle. Its pioneering status was underlined again in 2019 when smart became the world's first car manufacturer to switch completely from a combustion engine to electric drive only. With the establishment of the joint venture, smart Automobile Co., Ltd. at the end of 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Group are now turning to the next chapter in the company's history. The two equal partners are developing smart into a leading global provider of connected, battery-electric premium vehicles for demanding customer groups. The development of the next generation of smart vehicles will take place in Geely's global engineering network. The exterior and interior design will be created in the global Mercedes-Benz Design network.

Balanced proportions, a powerful sculpture, the usual short overhangs at the front and rear and a progressive design language characterise the SUV concept vehicle. One of the central design features is the large panoramic glass roof with a striking ring of light. The seamless transition to the windscreen and to the window surfaces of the frameless doors makes the roof appear to float above the body - an impression further enhanced by the atmospheric roof lighting. In exciting contrast to this visual lightness, striking design elements in anthracite and black in the lower body area emphasise the robustness of the sport utility vehicle. This is further accentuated by the distinctive 21-inch wheels with their unique design.

A first hint of the new dimension of digitalisation of future smart vehicles is provided by the concealed door handles, which are merely indicated by light elements. The rear doors of the smart Concept #1 are hinged at the back and open in the opposite direction from the front doors. This portal door concept makes it particularly easy to get in and out of the car. Plus, the absence of a B-pillar facilitates an unobstructed view of the generously dimensioned interior when the doors are open.

The LED head- and taillights, with their striking signatures, make a significant contribution to the unique and emotional appearance of the smart Concept #1. At the same time, they are fundamental components of an attention-grabbing light display around the vehicle. In this sophisticated orchestration of the exterior and interior lighting in harmony with specially arranged sound elements, the front light strip divides into small triangles which flicker in rhythm. Starting from the illuminated radiator grille, light effects also move in time to the music along the sides of the vehicle to the rear diffuser.

One of the design highlights in the interior of the smart Concept #1 is the centre console, which floats between the front seats and merges seamlessly with the unique dashboard design. The central control element is the free-standing 3D touchscreen with a 12.8-inch display.

The next generation of smart models will offer the highest level of dynamic handling and passive safety. Moreover, the platform gives the vehicles multiple further benefits. These include a long battery life and fast-charging functions as well as a wide range of cloud-based over-the-air updates for vehicle software, as well as state-of-the-art infotainment features and highly innovative driver assistance systems.

The new smart model generation has a powerful central computer that controls the four main domains: infotainment, driver assistance systems, electromobility-specific functions and the electric/electronic vehicle architecture (E/E architecture). Thanks to dynamic OTA software updates, more than 75% of all ECUs can be updated remotely on an ongoing basis.

The range of functions to enhance comfort and safety is correspondingly extensive. For example, modern features such as a parking assistant, an evasive steering assistant, a motorway assistant and an emergency lane assistant will be available for the electric SUV. In terms of assistance systems, the next smart generation will be one of the leading all-electric vehicles in its segment.

The unique design of the control interface, which is shown for the first time in the smart Concept #1, is particularly user-friendly. A three-dimensional globe serves as the central menu item on the high-resolution 12.8-inch touchscreen. An AI avatar helps the user navigate through the menus and functions. Thanks to artificial intelligence, this virtual companion constantly learns from the user's behaviour and can thus adapt increasingly to their individual preferences.

The newly developed smart app for smartphones will also add to the high level of user convenience. It not only functions as a digital key, but also enables the seamless integration of various connected services and functions into the user's digital ecosystem. The premium sound system powered by leading audio brand Beats ensures perfect acoustics on board.

Smart made a name for itself building tiny city cars that you could park nose-first to the curb, but now it's expanding into a fully-fledged EV manufacturer since it was partly taken over by China's Geely.

No word in the press release on how many motors this will have in production form and whether it will be available with all-wheel drive. However, the SEA platform does support this configuration and based on its design and the off-road focus of this concept with its raised ride height and chunky tires, we say it will have come as a dual-motor all-wheel drive vehicle at least as an option.

SMART is a best practice framework for setting goals. A SMART goal should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. By setting a goal, an individual is making a roadmap for a specific target. The elements in the framework work together to create a goal that is carefully and thoughtfully planned out, executable and trackable.

The SMART goals were first outlined in 1981 by George T. Doran in volume 70, issue 11 of Management Review. In his article, titled "There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives," he described how business goals should have a meaningful effect on an organization by being measurable and achievable.

Often used for performance reviews, the acronym is intended to help a manager or other employee who is tasked with goal setting to clarify exactly what will be required for achieving success and to be able to share that clarification with others. Although it is used in professional settings, SMART goals can be used personally as well. For example, an individual in a small business could set a goal to have better and more efficient communication methods, set within a realistic and achievable target and time frame.

SMART goals can provide momentum to both personal and professional objectives. By using the SMART framework, goal owners can keep track of time, hold themselves accountable and consistently track progress toward their ultimate goal.

1. Specific. Being specific means there is no ambiguity surrounding the end goal. While it does not provide a detailed list of how the individual will achieve the goal, it eradicates the vagueness in terms of what they want to achieve.

2. Measurable. A goal should be measurable, which means the person should be able to track and quantify the goal's progress. This helps the goal maker stay focused and on track with reaching deadlines.

3. Achievable. To achieve goals, they should be realistic. Depending on how important the end goal is, the individual might need to develop new skills and attitudes. While a realistic goal should amplify that person's abilities, it should remain doable and inspire motivation. For example, setting a goal of running a marathon in under three hours would be impossible for most people.

5. Time-bound. Finally, a goal should have a time period or a target end date. If the goal is expansive, it could be broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Setting up a realistic end date can create a sense of urgency, which can be beneficial in achieving the goal.

Similar in concept to the SMART goals, a business process management (BPM) approach enables companies to continuously improve and renovate their business processes. Learn more about the best practices used for setting up successful BPM strategies.

It was at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show where Smart originally toyed around with the idea of a crossover by unveiling the Formore concept. However, the small utility vehicle mechanically related to the Mercedes GLK never saw the light of day due to financial hurdles experienced by the defunct DaimlerChrysler company. Fast forward to September 2021, the Smart crossover is back.

Things have drastically changed compared to 16 years ago as Smart is now a 50:50 joint venture between Daimler and Geely to revitalize the struggling city car maker. The Concept #1 unveiled today not only signals an EV-only future, but also highlights Smart's objective to launch considerably larger cars than the pint-sized ForTwo and ForFour.

How big is it? At 4.29 meters (168.9 inches) long, 1.91 meters (75.1 inches) wide, and 1.70 meters (67 inches) tall, the new Smart crossover concept is roughly as large as the Mini Countryman. Being developed from the ground up as an EV-only model with short front and rear overhangs, it has a remarkably long wheelbase for its still petite size, at 2.75 meters (108.2 inches).

The subcompact electric crossover will accommodate a third rear seat in production form to further signal Smart's intentions to sell cars in superior segments. Other technical specifications beyond size and seat configuration have not been disclosed, but it goes without saying those rear suicide doors are strictly for the showcar in Munich.

Designed by Daimler and due to be built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the Concept #1 rides on massive 21-inch wheels and boasts LED light bars at the front and rear. It looks substantially different than all Smart cars before it, especially on the inside where the minimalist cabin is dominated by a massive 12.8-inch touchscreen.

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