2019 Smart Eq Fortwo Pure Coupe on 2040-cars

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Smart considering Forfour-based SUV

Can we interest anyone in the idea of a rear-engined SUV? Because that's what Daimler is reportedly considering for its Smart brand. According to Autocar, a crossover could be the next addition to the Smart lineup. It'd be based on the same architecture as the Smart Forfour and Renault Twingo, which are built on a rear-engined platform that gives the steering rack up front more range of motion to provide the vehicle a tight turning radius. Because the Smart and Twingo don't share much with other products in either automaker's stable, they're said to be eagerly looking for ways to make the most of their investment, and spinning off a sport-ute variant could be just the ticket. The resulting crossover could end up a little longer than the Forfour and Twingo, owing to more rugged bumpers, but would likely pack the same three-cylinder engines (in atmospheric and turbo guises) and choice of five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmissions. Whether the platform could be modified to accommodate all-wheel drive as well remains a big question mark, but we'd point out that Audi managed to squeeze its Quattro system into the A1 even though the VW Polo platform on which it was based was never designed for it. Renault could prove eager to get in on the project as well with a version of its own, giving both automakers a worthwhile challenger to the nimble little Fiat Panda 4x4. The bigger question is whether it would ever make its way to US showrooms. Currently the smaller Fortwo is the only Smart being offered in North America, with the Forfour not earmarked for these shores – and Renault of course doesn't market here altogether.

Car2go turns your smartphone into carsharing key with Mobile Access

For all the smarts in the Smart cars used in Car2go, the cars haven't been smart enough to talk to users' smart phones. At least, not in the way you might want them to talk to each other. Until now, Car2go users have had to carry a special card with them to gain access to the broad network of carsharing vehicles. Now, you can get in and drive using your phone and the Car2go app. Previously, the app would let you find a Car2go vehicle, but an update to allow Mobile Access. As long as you can update your app to version 2.0 (on iOS or Android), you can now use your phone to find, reserve and unlock a Car2go to start your trip and then lock up and end your trip when you're done. The standard card still works, as well. The slick new feature works on all 12,500 Car2go vehicles in North America. The service was also recently updated with Regional Access to allow any user in North America to use a Car2go in any other North American city. When the European fleet gets integrated, we'll be even more excited. Read more below. With your phone replacing the card, Car2go has gotten a lot easier to use. I've certainly missed out on drives when I've forgotten my cars. With one less thing to carry, I've got one more reason to share a car. CAR2GO OFFERS MOBILE ACCESS TO ITS GLOBAL FLEET Members Will Now Be Able to Begin car2go Trips with their Smartphone Free Membership and Drive Time For a Limited Time AUSTIN, TX (November 24th, 2014) -- car2go North America LLC, the largest, fastest-growing global carsharing company, announced today the launch of Mobile Access, an upgraded app feature that allows members to not only search for and reserve a car2go vehicle, but begin their car2go trip via their smartphones. Beginning today, Mobile Access will serve as an alternative to the company's member card, which was, until now, the only way to access a car2go vehicle and end a ride. "At car2go, we are focused on improving our service and providing the best experience for our members with their feedback," said Paul DeLong, CMO of car2go North America. "With the addition of Mobile Access, we're making it easier for our members to get in a car2go. Having options are everything – now, our members won't have to carry their membership card – they'll be able to drive in no time." Mobile Access works similarly to the member card, allowing members to unlock a car2go and start their trip. Members can also continue to use their member card if they prefer.

Daimler wants to cut EV research spending as it preps EQ

Daimler AG is hoping that the legwork it's done preparing its EQ electric-vehicle sub-brand will allow it to slightly reduce annual spending on plug-in vehicle technology. The Mercedes-Benz parent is looking to cut electric-vehicle research-and-development spending to $13.2 billion in 2017 from about $15.4 billion this year, Bloomberg News says, citing comments Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche made to journalists in Hamburg, Germany, this week. Daimler's annual R&D spending is up from about $11.5 billion in both 2013 and 2014. Like its competitors – for example Audi and BMW and its i sub-brand – Daimler is aiming to have as much as 25 percent of its annual vehicle sales be battery-electric within the next 10 years as part of an effort to meet stricter greenhouse-gas emissions mandates in both Europe and North America. In fact, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler's Smart division collectively have at least 10 electric-vehicle models on their slates during the next few years, though Zetsche said the German automaker will continue to find ways to make its gas- and diesel-powered vehicles more fuel-efficient as well. Daimler introduced a concept version of the Generation EQ electric SUV at the Paris Motor Show late last month. It comes powered by two electric motors and is made up of a combination of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and boasts a 311-mile single-charge range (on the relatively lenient European testing standards). The SUV also has 402 horsepower, and the ability to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than five seconds. Zetsche said at the time that Daimler was prepping powertrains and platforms for electric sedans, wagons, coupes, and roadsters, in addition to SUVs. Additionally, Daimler's Deutsche Accumotive unit is producing the lithium-ion battery packs for the EQs. Featured Gallery Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ Concept: Paris 2016 View 19 Photos News Source: Bloomberg News via Automotive News-sub.req. Green Mercedes-Benz smart Electric eq mercedes eq