AUSTRALIA’S LEADING MERCEDES-BENZ retail group, LSH Auto and smart Automobile Co, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Holding Group, are bringing an exciting range of new German designed and engineered premium electric vehicles to Australian consumers.
(smart bucks the current car company trend to capitalise everything by, confusingly, using all lower case for the name. It may not be such a bad idea because every time you read it you almost have to do a double take.)
The new smart #1 and smart #3, along with a high-performance Brabus version of each, will offer premium, spacious five-door, highly flexible electric motoring that is sure to introduce even more Australians to EV mobility (well, that’s in their words, anyway). All with the quality and assuredness that comes from the cooperation of world’s leading luxury automobile brand and a world leader in EV manufacture.
LSH Auto Australia will be the sole retailer of the new smart range, with showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, located within the prime locations of their current Mercedes-Benz retail outlets including the company’s five-storey Lifestyle precinct at Breakfast Creek, Brisbane.
The addition of the smart range to the LSH Auto Australia offering will provide an ideal entry to premium EV motoring for both existing customers and those looking to add an EV to their mobility options. With models full of high-tech and safety features, a range of up to 440km from a single charge, and an entry price expected to be highly competitive with current non-premium EV offerings of similar size, LSH is hoping the new smart models will be popular.
Full specifications and pricing will be announced next month, coincident with the launch of a smart Australia website that will facilitate the registration of customer interest. It is expected that orders will open in July for September customer deliveries.
A comprehensive consumer promotion, information and engagement campaign will launch shortly. Display cars will be available for viewing at dealer and other locations from August.
Commenting on the sales agreement, LSH Auto Australia Managing Director, John Good welcomed the group’s expansion of offering; “The addition of the smart EV range is a natural and exciting progression in offering customers the best premium motoring options across all available technologies.”
“We know there is a growing Australian demand for urban EV motoring. The opportunity presented by a German-designed premium EV was a perfect fit with our focus on delivering excellence at all levels. We look forward to providing a smart option to our substantial existing customer base and to welcoming many new members to the LSH Auto family through the smart brand.”
Global Chief Marketing Officer for smart Automobile Co, Mandy Zhang, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity presented by the LSH Auto representation in the Australian market. “It’s clear that increasing numbers of Australians are drawn to the advantages of EV mobility. Entering a growing market with a premium product, presented by a premium partner, is the best possible outcome. We are confident the new smart range will connect with Australian EV needs, and that LSH Auto Australia will add a customer experience that will make the overall proposition extremely attractive.”