French plant begins smart fortwo electric drive production
Production is underway at the smart plant in Hambach, France, as early steps are taken to help make motoring more environmentally friendly.
The first job of the plant is to create 1,000 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles, which will be sent to major cities in both Europe and the US to generate feedback on its practicality in everyday driving conditions.
It is then planned that by 2012, the vehicle, which is equipped with the most up-to-date lithium-ion battery, will be sold as a regular member of smart’s fleet of iconic cars.
Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director of the smart brand, said: "With the start of the series production of the smart fortwo electric drive, the Hambach plant enters a new era.
"The smart fortwo emphasises its pioneering role on the way to individual mobility with local zero-emissions in cities and urban areas."
He added that the battery will help motorists combine environmental responsibility with "joie de vivre".
Daimler AG announced that the Hambach plant would be taking on the production of the vehicle during the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy last month.
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