French automotive portal L’Argus previously reported in September about the forthcoming Smart #2, slated to hit the market in 2025 as the successor to the Smart Fortwo. The report suggested that Renault and Smart would collaborate on producing the upcoming electric Twingo, aiming to offer it for less than 20,000 euros. This partnership was seen as essential for Renault to achieve its targeted price point. Renault CEO Luca de Meo acknowledged ongoing discussions with potential partner manufacturers to share costs.
According to L’Argus, both the new electric Renault Twingo and the Smart #2 would utilize the AmpR Small platform (formerly CMF-BEV) and would be jointly manufactured at the Slovenian plant in Novo Mesto starting in 2026. Additionally, the report hinted that the future electric Dacia Sandero, expected in 2028, might also leverage this platform. However, Renault has since refuted the claims made in the L’Argus report.
If a collaboration between Smart and Renault were to materialize, it would echo the partnership that resulted in the development of the current Twingo, closely related to the earlier Smart Forfour. The rear-engine concept, a legacy of the Smart cooperation, remains a distinctive feature. Notably, Smart has undergone significant changes since then, transitioning from a pure Mercedes brand to a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely.
While direct connections exist between Geely and Renault, including Geely’s involvement as a 50:50 partner in Renault’s combustion engine division “Horse,” there are conflicting reports about potential cooperation in the electric vehicle (EV) domain. Geely’s recent acquisition of a 34% stake in Renault Korea Motors and plans for manufacturing the Polestar 4 at the facility further complicate the landscape. Despite Geely’s reliance on its specialized SEA platform for EVs, which underpins Smart #1 and #3, among others, it is considered too large and costly for a compact successor to the Fortwo. L’Argus notes that a small electric car platform from Renault would be more suitable, even as Renault officially denies any such collaboration.
