The electric car brand smart, which is jointly owned by Mercedes, has announced its plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle in the UAE. This announcement comes after the brand formed a strategic partnership with the AW Rostamani Group (AWR), one of the top automotive distributors in the region. The partnership was marked with a Memorandum of Understanding in September, and a formal signing ceremony took place on December 11, 2023. This collaboration represents a significant step towards electrifying vehicles in the Middle East.
The goal of the alliance is to bring smart’s range of all-electric vehicles to the region, in line with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and eco-friendly advancements. This partnership demonstrates a dedication to the continuous growth of the nation, with a vision to lead the electric automobile industry. It also positions AWR Group as a key player in the transformation of intelligent mobility in the UAE.
smart Electric Cars Portfolio
smart has introduced three electric vehicles globally: smart #1, smart #2, and smart EQ Fortwo models. However, Smart #1 is expected to be the first model to arrive in the UAE. These electric vehicles are designed to cater to diverse preferences, enhance the brand experience, and offer environmentally friendly alternatives to consumers.
With a 150kW power capacity and a 66kWh battery, Smart #1 can travel 273 km on a single charge in just 30 minutes. It combines intelligence and performance without sacrificing design and reliability. More specifications for other smart car models in the UAE are expected to be revealed soon.
smart Automobile CEO
Mr. Xiagbei Tong, the CEO of smart Automobile, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “In smart’s new era of global operations, partnerships with industry leaders accelerate our global development strategy and help us establish wider coverage. We are delighted to collaborate with AW Rostamani Group to expand our business coverage in the UAE. We look forward to providing customers with a premium, intelligent, all-electric urban mobility experience that is unique to our brand.”
AWR Group CEO
With its strong presence in the Middle East, AWR Group will play a crucial role in strengthening smart’s presence in the region.
Michel Ayat, the CEO of AWR Rostamani AWR, expressed the following regarding the collaboration: “As we witness the automotive industry evolving at an unprecedented pace, it is clear that intelligent electric mobility is the future. smart, a brand that symbolizes innovation and forward-thinking, aligns seamlessly with AWR’s long-standing legacy of pioneering automotive excellence in the UAE. This partnership is not just about expanding our portfolios, but also a testament to AWR’s ability to usher in a new era of sustainable, intelligent urban transportation.”
This significant partnership exemplifies AWR’s approach to enhancing the future automotive market in the UAE and smart’s ongoing expansion of its global presence through the exploration of future urban mobility solutions.
We can expect to see electric brands taking the spotlight in the automotive industry, with the UAE emerging as a top automotive market, thanks to the AWR Group’s initiative.
