Smart #1In a significant move for the automotive industry, Singapore welcomes the smart #1, a premium all-electric vehicle, through a partnership between Cycle & Carriage (C&C) and smart.
This collaboration marks a milestone in Singapore’s journey towards sustainable transportation.
Innovative Partnership for Future Mobility
The announcement on 4 January 2024 about C&C becoming the general distributor for smart in Singapore has sparked interest among eco-conscious drivers. The launch of the smart #1, slated for the first half of 2024, promises to reshape the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Singapore. The smart brand is a global joint venture by Mercedes-Benz AG (Mercedes-Benz) and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding).
Singapore’s government has been actively promoting the adoption of green energy vehicles with various incentives, such as tax reductions and subsidies. C&C’s expertise in the electric mobility ecosystem positions them ideally for this collaboration, supporting smart’s expansion in the local market.
“We are excited about the product offerings that smart brings, which fit in perfectly to meet the growing demand of EVs in Singapore. New product development is led by the smart R&D team, supported by the Mercedes-Benz global design team, who are responsible for vehicle design. With smart’s strong expertise and experience in product design, development, and operations, we are confident that smart will do well in Singapore, and we welcome smart into the C&C family,” said Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director of Cycle & Carriage Singapore.
Consumer Trends and Insights
Additionally, a 2023 research study commissioned by C&C reveals significant trends:
- 67% of petrol vehicle owners plan to switch by 2025, with half considering EVs.
- Younger, affluent, and well-educated individuals are more inclined towards EVs. This data highlights a ripe market for the smart #1 in Singapore.
A Global Venture with Local Impact
The smart brand, born from a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, aims to become a leader in the premium EV segment. The partnership with C&C signifies a strategic move to tap into Singapore’s growing EV market.
Aligning with Market Demands
C&C’s evolving portfolio, now including smart vehicles, 0aligns with the increasing consumer interest in EVs. Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director of Cycle & Carriage Singapore, expresses confidence in smart’s potential in the local market, supported by Mercedes-Benz’s design and Geely’s engineering expertise.
Showcasing smart #1 in Singapore
The new smart showroom, set to open on Alexandra Road by Q3 of 2024, will introduce the smart #1 to Singaporeans. Until then, interested buyers can experience the vehicle through roving roadshows post-launch.
The smart #1: A New Era of EVs
The smart #1, designed with user-centric technology and an emphasis on space and comfort, sets new standards in the EV sector. It features a customisable infotainment interface, AI-based voice control, and top-tier cybersecurity, encapsulating the fusion of luxury and technology.
The smart #1 has garnered accolades, including the Red Dot Award and iF Design Award, affirming its status as a premium, design-forward EV.
Expanding Horizons
The partnership between smart and C&C exemplifies smart’s “China-Europe Dual-Home” strategy and its vision for future urban mobility. Consequently, this expansion in Singapore is a strategic move in smart’s global development, promising innovative and sustainable solutions.
2023 also marks 25 years of smart’s innovation in urban mobility. The smart #1 represents the brand’s commitment to electric drive and its response to evolving mobility needs.
Conclusion
C&C, a leader in Southeast Asia’s automotive industry and the exclusive dealer for Mercedes-Benz in Singapore is perfectly positioned to introduce smart to the local market. Xiangbei Tong, Global CEO of smart Automobile, highlights the significance of this partnership in transitioning the region into the all-electric era.
He said, “We are delighted to announce our plan to expand smart’s business network in Singapore and the partnership with Cycle & Carriage. With an extensive business network and abundant industry experience in the local market, Cycle & Carriage is an ideal partner to drive the region into the all-electric era together with smart.”
Therefore, the arrival of the smart #1 in Singapore, facilitated by C&C, is not just a new chapter for the smart brand, but a leap forward in Singapore’s journey towards sustainable, smart mobility.
