Smart is a pioneer and worldwide leader in the field of small, electric vehicles. Though Smart withdrew from the American market in 2019, its used models remain popular in the United States.

We've created a guide to Smart’s ownership, history, and manufacturing locations. Continue reading to learn more about Smart!

MORE:

Is the Jerry app legit?

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

Who owns Smart?

Smart is a German automotive brand. Since 2019, it has been operated through a joint venture established by Mercedes-Benz and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Each entity owns 50% shares in Smart. Though Smart maintains offices in Germany, it shifted its headquarters to Ningbo, China.

Most American drivers will be familiar with Mercedes-Benz, but they’re less likely to have heard of Geely. Geely is a Chinese automotive company privately held by billionaire business magnate Li Shufu. The company manufactures cars under its own brand, as well as foreign-located subsidiaries like

Volvo

MORE:

Do electric cars use electric brakes?

Where are Smart cars made and sold?

As a company, Smart is a true citizen of the world!

Smart maintains its headquarters in Ningbo, China. It currently produces its electric vehicles in China, though it has also manufactured vehicles in plants in Slovenia and France. The company runs distribution, marketing, and sales in Europe through offices in Stuggart, Germany.

Smart cars are popular around the globe—especially in Europe, China, and South America. One place where Smart does not have much of a presence is in the United States. American drivers tend to favor larger, and more luxurious vehicles. In 2019, declining sales numbers in the United States and Canada prompted Smart to cease selling new models in those countries.

Key Takeaway Smart is a German automotive brand headquartered in China, with plants and offices around the world.

MORE:

Does an electric car raise your electric bill?

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

A short history of Smart ownership

Micro Compact Car AG (MCC), as Smart was then known, was founded in 1994 as a joint venture between Daimler-Benz and SMH.

Volkswagen

showed some interest in the product but ultimately declined to join the endeavor. In 1998, MCC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler-Benz.

MCC went through a string of rebrands and name changes before finally becoming Smart. The name Smart came from the cooperation of Swatch with Mercedes-Benz, and is short for “Swatch Mercedes ART.”

In 2019, Daimler announced a new partnership with Geely, through which each entity would own 50% of Smart. The deal involved the construction of a new production plant in China and the development of a new generation of Smart-branded vehicles.

MORE:

How effective is the electric engine in an electric car?

How to save money on Smart car insurance

Just as Smart revolutionized the small and electric car markets, the

Jerry

app has revolutionized the insurance shopping process.

Comparison shopping is the best way to save money on

car insurance

. In the past, that meant spending hours on hold, speaking with disinterested insurance representatives, and completing mountains of paperwork—but not anymore!

Jerry is a licensed broker and the #1-rated insurance app in the App Store. Download Jerry, answer some simple questions, and in less than 45 seconds you’ll get a customized selection of quotes drawn from a pool of dozens of the nation’s top insurance providers. The convenience is incredible and the savings even better!

Jerry drivers save an average of over $800 per year on their car insurance.

“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We used
Jerry
for some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Find Savings!

4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars

4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

FAQs

Is Smart an American brand?

No. Smart is a German car brand operated through a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Smart is headquartered in Ningbo, China, and has manufacturing plants and offices around the world.

Where are Smart cars currently sold?

New Smart cars are currently sold in China, Europe, Mexico, and South America. Smart ceased selling new models in the United States and Canada in 2019 as they lack the size and luxury features popular in those countries.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry