smart is entering a new era – with the establishment of the smart Automobile Co., Ltd. joint venture at the end of 2019, Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Group Co., Ltd. are turning to the next chapter in the company's history. The two equal partners are developing smart into a leading global provider of connected, battery-electric premium vehicles for demanding customer groups. The development of the next generation of smart vehicles will take place within Geely's global engineering network. The exterior and interior design will be created by the global Mercedes-Benz Design network. smart Europe GmbH was founded in June 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of smart Automobile Co., Ltd. and is based in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, near Stuttgart.