Financially, the decision means a double-digit million euro investment from Daimler, but the project will be supported by France's Prime d'aménagement du territoire (PAT). Additionally, the Region Lorraine and the Departement de la Moselle will also offer their support.
Production of the electric fortwo will begin in November, with a small 1,000 units series. The first batch of vehicles will take part in various mobility projects, aimed at promoting electric vehicles and generate feedback. From 2012, the electric smart will enter the regular smart line-up.
"As of 2012, the smart fortwo electric drive will then be part of the regular product program of the smart brand. With our decision to locate production here at the parent plant in Hambach, we are setting the course both for series production of electric vehicles and for the future of this highly innovative assembly plant,“ Dieter Zetsche, Daimler chairman of the board said when announcing the decision.
Hambach opened its lines in 1997 and began producing the fortwo one year later. In 2008, some 140,000 units have been rolled off the assembly lines. The facility employs a little over 800 people, with about the same number working for seven partners providing several systems for the fortwo. In September 2008, the fortwo no. one million was produced in Hambach.
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