Premium electric vehicle brand smart said it expanded its presence to 39 global markets in 2025 after entering 10 new countries, while growing its worldwide retail network and preparing to add two new models to its lineup in 2026.
The Mercedes-Benz and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group joint venture said its global retail network increased by 25% to 688 outlets during the year, reflecting stronger distribution in regions including Southeast Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and Latin America. Smart said it plans to build on that momentum in 2026, when it expects to enter its 40th market.
See also: Smart Begins Real-World Testing of All-Electric #2 Ahead of 2026 Debut
“Smart is built on openness – of ideas, cultures, and collaboration,” said Mandy Zhang, global chief marketing officer of smart. “As we move into the ‘Year of Opening New Frontiers,’ we will continue co-creating with partners, customers and fans worldwide.”
Smart said its expansion in 2025 spanned five continents, with the number of retail outlets in newly developed markets rising 130% to 72 locations. In China, its largest single market, the retail network grew 43% to 294 outlets. The company also highlighted improvements to its smartcare customer service programme, saying the use of artificial intelligence tools reduced customer inquiry response times by 40% over the year.
See also: Smart Expands Portfolio with Regulatory Filing for #6 EHD Plug-in Hybrid Sedan
The automaker also pointed to a series of industry recognitions in 2025. Its smart #5 was named Car of the Year 2026 in Norway by Dagbladet, DinSide and Elbil24, while the smart #3 BRABUS received the Performance Electric SUV of the Year award in Singapore from sgCarMart. The standard smart #3 was also included in Australia’s Hot 25 Cars of the Year list by The Australian. Smart said it is the only automotive brand whose entire model lineup has received Red Dot Design Awards, and that all current models carry five-star Euro NCAP safety ratings.
Looking ahead, smart said it will expand its portfolio from three to five models in 2026. The new smart #2, a compact city two-seater, is scheduled to make its global debut in Europe in late 2026 and will be built on the company’s self-developed ECA architecture. In China, smart plans to launch the #6 EHD, its first premium fastback sedan, by mid-2026. The model will feature plug-in hybrid technology with extended electric range and design elements developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.
See also: Smart #5 EHD Launches with DeepRoute.ai’s Assisted Driving System
The company introduced its first plug-in hybrid model in 2025 with the launch of the smart #5 EHD in China, and also released several special editions, including the smart #3 Keith Haring Edition and the smart #1 Crema Edition. During the year, smart also pursued partnerships across lifestyle, sports and art, working with brands and organisations such as Disney, Trek, Peet’s Coffee, FC St. Pauli and the Keith Haring Foundation.
Smart, which was established in late 2019, operates under what it describes as a “China-Europe, Dual Home” strategy. Global chief executive Tong Xiangbei said the company intends to continue expanding its market presence and customer services as it moves into its next phase of growth.