Now it's official: Out for the Smart Forfour due to low sales.
This is the third Smart model after the Roadster and the Roadster Coupe to be cancelled due to low sales. The only two remaining models are the Fortwo ans the Fortwo Cabrio.
Here is the DaimlerChrysler press text from today, March 25th 2006:
Focusing on the smart fortwo
New smart fortwo to be launched in 2007
Cancellation of production of smart forfour intended, subject to negotiations with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and other partners
Sustainable profitability confirmed
Stuttgart, Mar 25, 2006 DaimlerChrysler AG is planning to focus on the smart fortwo to ensure the long-term sustainability of its smart brand. Thus, the profitability of smart will be confirmed, with positive results expected from 2007 onward. The planned measures for a further enhancement of the business modell of smart include the following items:
The clear focus on the smart fortwo; the intention to cancel production of the smart forfour; the manifestation of smart and especially the smart fortwo as a long-term and important part of DaimlerChrysler?s product portfolio; as well as the complete integration of smart into the Mercedes organization. Overall, these measures are likely to result in a headcount reduction of 300 employees at smart in Böblingen. The smart forfour is produced by MMC through its wholly-owned subsidiary Netherlands Car B.V. (Nedcar) in Born, Netherlands. The cancellation of the forfour production is still subject to negotiations to be carried out with MMC and all other partners.
The measures described above are still subject to approval by both the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler AG. The cost for DaimlerChrysler related to these measures are estimated to be in the magnitude of approximately ?1 billion.
End of DC press text
Juergen