Smart, a brand initially renowned for its economical minicars, is poised to return to its core identity. Following a period where it expanded into larger, more luxurious vehicles after its partial acquisition by Geely, with Mercedes-Benz retaining a stake, the company has announced plans for a new two-seat electric vehicle. This strategic move signifies a renewed focus on the compact urban car market, promising a vehicle that echoes the practical dimensions and maneuverability of its predecessors, tailored for modern metropolitan environments. The upcoming model, codenamed #2, is designed to be a highly efficient electric offering, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable urban transportation.
The upcoming Smart #2, a two-seater, is scheduled for its debut in late 2026. This new vehicle marks a significant development for the brand, as it will utilize an entirely new platform, distinct from those underpinning the current #1, #3, and #5 models. Tong Xiangbei, the global CEO of Smart, highlighted the complexity involved in developing a new architecture for such a compact vehicle, noting it presents greater challenges than designing larger cars. This underscores the brand's dedication to creating a truly optimized ultra-compact electric vehicle.
While specific details about the #2 remain limited, promotional materials indicate its remarkably small footprint, evidenced by parking space visuals explicitly marked for the new model. The silhouette of the #2 suggests it will maintain dimensions comparable to previous Smart city cars, ensuring exceptional ease of parking and maneuverability in congested urban settings. The vehicle is currently in its advanced design and testing phases, with its impending release generating considerable anticipation.
Smart's history with electric vehicles dates back to 2007 with the introduction of the Smart Electric Drive, which arrived in the U.S. market in 2011. Prior to its complete withdrawal from the U.S. in 2019, Smart had transitioned to an electric-only lineup. Under its current Chinese ownership, the brand has solidified its position as an EV specialist, with three electric models currently available for purchase. While earlier compact EV models faced battery capacity limitations, like the Smart ED with its 16.5 kWh battery offering a modest 58-mile EPA range, the new #2 is expected to feature advancements in electric powertrain technology. The #2 will initially target the European and Chinese markets, with potential expansion into other regions, signaling a global vision for Smart's return to its compact roots.
The reintroduction of a compact two-seater electric vehicle by Smart represents a strategic pivot back to its foundational principles. This move is poised to resonate with consumers seeking efficient, space-saving, and environmentally conscious transportation solutions for urban living. The #2’s development on a specialized platform for minicars, coupled with Mercedes-Benz's design expertise and manufacturing in China, positions it as a significant contender in the evolving landscape of electric mobility. As the late 2026 launch approaches, the automotive world will closely watch to see how this renewed emphasis on smart urban transport redefines the brand's future.
In a surprising turn of events, Tesla's vehicle deliveries in Turkey witnessed an extraordinary surge, approaching the total sales figures for the entire European market within a single month. This unprecedented growth was primarily attributed to the automaker's clever exploitation of a tax loophole, which has since been rectified. This strategic move highlights the dynamic interplay between market demand, regulatory frameworks, and corporate adaptability in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle landscape.
The remarkable increase in Tesla's sales in Turkey can be traced back to a specific tax incentive related to the country's consumption tax (ÖTV). Earlier in the year, Turkey had lowered the tax rate for electric vehicles with a power output below 160 kW to a mere 10%. While most Tesla models would not typically qualify for this reduced rate, the company employed a familiar tactic, previously seen in markets like Canada in 2021, to adapt its offerings.
To capitalize on this favorable tax condition, Tesla strategically software-limited the power output of its base Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant to precisely 160 kW. This technical adjustment allowed the Model Y RWD to meet the criteria for the lower 10% tax rate, thereby significantly reducing its retail price in the Turkish market. The immediate consequence was a massive influx of orders and deliveries, with approximately 8,730 Model Y units reaching customers in Turkey during August alone.
This delivery volume was not only comparable to Tesla's total sales across the whole of Europe in the same month (which saw a 40% decline) but also surpassed the company's entire sales performance in Turkey for the preceding year. Year-to-date figures further underscore this dramatic shift, as Tesla's sales in Turkey have now exceeded the combined totals of the two previous full years, demonstrating the profound impact of this pricing advantage.
However, the window of opportunity proved to be finite. The Turkish government, recognizing the loophole, moved swiftly to close it. In July, authorities announced an increase in the base tax rate to 25%, with the new regulations taking effect by the end of the month. This impending change incentivized a rush among buyers to complete their purchases before the tax hike, effectively pulling forward demand and contributing to the exceptional August delivery numbers.
While the immediate future may see a deceleration in Tesla's sales in Turkey as this accelerated demand normalizes, the long-term outlook remains positive. Even with the patched loophole and the increased tax rate, the new 25% ÖTV is still considerably lower than the previous rate, which could be as high as 60%. This revised tax structure suggests that demand for Tesla vehicles in Turkey will likely stabilize at a higher baseline than in past years, indicating a sustained interest in electric mobility within the region.
There has always been significant latent demand for Tesla and other electric vehicles in Turkey. Even before Tesla officially established its presence in the market, enthusiasts resorted to private imports to acquire these advanced automobiles. The local community of early Tesla adopters actively campaigned for the company to provide dedicated services and Supercharging infrastructure, underscoring the strong underlying appetite for EV technology.
The recent sales boom, although fueled by a transient tax advantage, clearly demonstrates the considerable market potential for electric vehicles in Turkey. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve and the charging infrastructure expands, the nation is poised to become an increasingly important market for electric automakers.
Unlock Exceptional Value: Drive Home a Volvo EV for Less with Costco's Exclusive Offer!
The Evolution of Costco's Auto Program: Beyond New Vehicle Deals
For a considerable period, Costco's automotive initiative has been a go-to resource for members seeking attractive deals on new vehicles. These offers typically involved pre-negotiated prices with dealerships, streamlining the car-buying process. However, the realm of used vehicles previously lacked such broad, standardized discounts, with savings largely dependent on individual dealer negotiations. The new partnership with Volvo signifies a pivotal expansion, bringing structured, nationwide discounts to the certified pre-owned segment.
Unlocking Enhanced Savings: The Synergy of Costco Discounts and Dealer Negotiations
The innovative aspect of this program lies in its ability to combine Costco's member discounts with any other deals a buyer can secure from the dealership. While executive members can save up to $1,250 and standard members $1,000, these amounts are designed to complement, not replace, other available incentives. This strategic layering of discounts empowers buyers to negotiate the best possible price with the dealer first, and then apply their Costco savings, leading to potentially remarkable overall reductions on certified pre-owned Volvo EX30 and EX90 models.
Addressing Market Dynamics: Attractive Pricing Amidst EV Challenges
The Volvo EX30 and EX90, while lauded for their design and driving experience, have encountered some software-related challenges and a degree of rapid depreciation in the market. This scenario, however, creates an advantageous situation for savvy buyers. Combined with the new Costco discounts, these factors make certified pre-owned EX30s and EX90s an increasingly appealing option. It allows consumers to bypass the initial high cost of ownership and acquire a nearly new, technologically advanced EV at a significantly reduced price point.
Unrivaled Value Proposition: Warranty Coverage and Cost Efficiency
Opting for a certified pre-owned Volvo EV through the Costco program not only means upfront savings but also offers enhanced peace of mind through extended warranty coverage. Beyond Volvo's standard 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, certified models receive an additional 12 months and 12,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection, with the battery retaining its 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. The potential to further extend comprehensive coverage, coupled with significant depreciation on recent models, could allow buyers to acquire an EX90 for thousands less than its original sticker price, with extensive warranty coverage for nearly a decade.
More Than Just a Car: A Smart Investment for the Savvy Consumer
This initiative by Costco and Volvo is more than just a car deal; it represents a smart financial opportunity for those looking to embrace electric vehicle technology without the steep price tag of a brand-new model. By leveraging membership benefits and understanding the nuances of the market, consumers can secure a luxurious and practical Volvo EV, replete with generous warranty coverage, at a fraction of the cost. It's a win-win scenario that caters to both economic prudence and the desire for sustainable transportation.