smart car coversSMART (Swatch Mercedes ART) is a brand of microcar that was created through a joint venture between the Swiss watch company Swatch and the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Here's a brief history of SMART:

1980s-1990s: The birth of the idea. 

In the 1980s, Nicolas Hayek, the founder of Swatch, began to explore the idea of creating a small, environmentally friendly car. Hayek believed that there was a gap in the market for a car that was stylish, practical, and efficient.

1994: The first concept car

Swatch teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to develop the first concept car, which was called the "Swatchmobile." The car featured a unique design, with a plastic body and interchangeable panels in a variety of colors.

1998: The first production model

After several years of development, the first SMART car went into production in 1998. The car was called the "SMART City-Coupé" and was designed for urban driving. It was small, nimble, and efficient, with a rear-mounted engine and a unique "tridion" safety cell that provided extra protection in the event of a collision.smart for 2 car covers

2007: The introduction of electric models

In 2007, SMART introduced its first electric models, which were based on the existing SMART Fortwo and were designed for urban driving. The electric models offered zero emissions and low operating costs, making them popular with environmentally conscious drivers.

2019: The end of production in North America

In 2019, SMART announced that it would no longer sell cars in North America, citing slow sales and a challenging market. However, the brand continues to sell cars in Europe and other parts of the world.

Overall, SMART has been successful in carving out a niche in the automotive market with its unique, compact cars. While the brand has faced some challenges over the years, it continues to offer innovative and stylish cars that are popular with drivers around the world.

Best selling models

SMART currently produces two models, the SMART Fortwo and the SMART Forfour. Here are some of the best-selling SMART cars over the years:

SMART Fortwo: The SMART Fortwo is a two-seater microcar that has been in production since 1998. It is the best-selling SMART model and has sold over 2.5 million units worldwide. The Fortwo is known for its compact size and excellent maneuverability, making it popular with city dwellers.

SMART Forfour: The SMART Forfour is a four-seater city car that was first introduced in 2004. The first generation of the Forfour was not very successful, but the second generation, which was introduced in 2014, has been more popular. The Forfour is slightly larger than the Fortwo and offers more interior space and practicality.

SMART Electric Drive: The SMART Electric Drive is an all-electric version of the Fortwo and the Forfour. It has been popular with environmentally conscious drivers and has been a top-selling electric car in some markets. The electric models offer zero emissions and low operating costs, making them attractive to many drivers.

Overall, the SMART Fortwo has been the most successful model for the brand, but the Forfour and the Electric Drive models have also been popular in some markets.

The Smart Roadster

The SMART Roadster was a two-seater sports car that was produced by SMART from 2003 to 2006. It was designed to be a fun and sporty car that was also practical for city driving. The Roadster was available in both coupe and convertible versions and was powered by a range of petrol engines.

The SMART Roadster had a unique and eye-catching design, with a low-slung body and distinctive styling cues such as the tridion safety cell, which was also a feature of other SMART models. The car was also designed to be lightweight and agile, with responsive handling that made it fun to drive.

Despite its unique design and sporty performance, the SMART Roadster did not sell as well as expected and was eventually discontinued in 2006. However, the Roadster has developed a cult following among car enthusiasts and is still appreciated for its unique design and driving experience.

Taking good care of your SMART

Taking care of your SMART car is important to ensure that it stays in good condition and runs smoothly. Here are some tips for maintaining your SMART: smart roadster

  • Keep it clean: Regularly washing your car can help to remove dirt and debris that can build up over time and cause damage to the paintwork. Use a mild soap and a soft sponge to avoid scratching the surface of the car.
  • Use a car cover: Using a car cover can help to protect your SMART from the elements when it's parked outside. A car cover can help to prevent damage from rain, snow, and UV rays, and can also deter thieves. Using an indoor car cover can also be a good way to protect your SMART when it's parked inside. An indoor car cover can help to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from settling on the car's surface, which can help to keep the paintwork in good condition.
  • Check the fluids: Regularly checking the fluid levels in your car, such as the oil, coolant, and brake fluid, can help to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Make sure to top up the fluids as needed and get them changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Check the tires: The tires on your SMART should be checked regularly for signs of wear and tear, and the tire pressure should be checked regularly. Make sure that the tires are inflated to the correct pressure to ensure good handling and fuel efficiency.
  • Follow the maintenance schedule: Following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help to keep your SMART in good condition and prevent costly repairs down the line. Make sure to get your car serviced and maintained according to the recommended intervals.

In summary, the SMART car has a rich history that began in the late 1990s with the introduction of the City-Coupé. Since then, the SMART brand has expanded to include a range of models, including the popular Fortwo, Forfour, and Roadster. To take care of your SMART car, it's important to keep it clean, check the fluid levels and tires regularly, and follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. Using a car cover can also help to protect your car from the elements, whether it's parked outside or inside. By following these tips and taking good care of your SMART car, you can ensure that it stays in great condition for many years to come.