Nissan-Built smart to Arrive This Summer

smart will launch its new five-door model especially designed for the United States as soon as this summer, but the company remains tightlipped on the technical specifications of the car. A report by Car and Driver citing a spokesperson for smart's American business informs that smart will take the wraps off the new model sometimes this year and will be manufactured locally by Nissan, as part of the Renault - Nissan - Daimler triumvirate.

Back in February 2010 it was rumored that Daimler intends to build the next smart in collaboration with Renault-Nissan, but the launch moment was believed to happen in 2013 or 2014. The Germans intended to use 3 gasoline engines and one electric version, each using the technical know-how from the French - Japanese alliance. Renault-Nissan has since established one of the largest green campaigns in the whole world, signing Zero-Emission deals with a large number of authorities and organizations from all over the globe.

Speculations went as far as saying that the new smart could arrive in 4 body versions, a fortwo coupe, a fortwo cabrio, a hatchback and a so-called formore small van with sliding doors.

As for the American smart scheduled to go on sale this summer, voices familiar with the matter claim that it could be based on the Nissan Micra platform, although the guys over at Daimler emphasize this is not the case. However, more information will emerge as we get closer to the official launch moment, but one thing is sure: Mazda2, Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta will definitely get a new contender this year.