2012 smart forfour Teaser Images

German manufacturer Daimler has today confirmed its smart USA division plans to launch a five-door car on the US market within the next 15 months. The new B-segment five-door model is to be sold solely in the United States through a 75 dealership network, and is based on the vehicle architecture from Nissan.

“This will allow the demand of US smart customers and dealers for a larger but smart-typical car to be fulfilled very soon,” Daimler said in a statement.

The announcement follows a recent agreement signed between Mercedes and Renault-Nissan that revealed the mainstream versions of the new smart will be powered by one of the three expected gasoline engines: a new turbocharged 1.0 liter three cylinder unit featuring direct injection (this will be developed through the new tie-up), and a duo of 1.3 and 1.5 liter four-cylinder engines.

“We are faced with continuing customer demand for a smart car with more seating capacity,” explained Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Automotive Group. “Sales and service of the five seater will be carried out exclusively by our approximately 75 smart dealerships in the United States. Together with Nissan, we will bring to market a fully equipped small car for our customers and dealers in the USA. It will fit in well with the smart brand.” 

The announcement was made by smart USA in Detroit today. According to the automaker, further details of the product, such as powertrain options, prices and its distribution will be announced at a later date.

The other models in the new smart line-up will also include the fortwo coupe, fortwo cabrio and a formore small van that will use sliding doors.