Daimler, Closer to Renault for Small City Cars

The rumors surrounding a possible tie-up between German group Daimler and French carmaker Renault are increasing in intensity, with the latest info coming from insiders pointing to advanced talks between the two sides. So far, neither commented on this possibility yet David McCarthy, Mercedes Benz Australia senior manager told GoAuto Renault could be the way to go.

"We haven’t been told that Daimler are looking for a partner, but I’ve seen the reports," McCarthy told the source. “It is possible, yeah. The majority of the cars they make are small cars, and they’ve got a lot of expertise in that area.”

The most likely car to benefit from Renault's expertise is the future smart fortwo+2. As we told you when we presented the smart mule undergoing testing in France, the future four seater from Daimler is the result of some Renault engineering as well...

According to the limited information available, the fortwo+2 will retain the rear-wheel-drive, but will be built on an extended wheelbase. The car is scheduled for release sometimes in 2012, with rumors pointing to a passive hybrid and, why not, a full electric version in the line-up.

Visually, the new fortwo is rumored to be the same with the existing one, except for the rear doors. The release of a roomier smart was confirmed by Daimler's Anders-Sundt Jensen ever since March.

“By varying the wheelbase length of the current mid-engine platform, we could develop additional models, with 2+1 or 2+2 seating.”