The smart #1 electric vehicle (EV) has proven itself a significant contender in the Malaysian EV market, ranking third in the premium EV SUV category for vehicles priced above RM180,000.
The model, designed by Mercedes-Benz and built on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture, is gaining traction among Malaysian consumers looking to get a premium EV.
The Malaysian EV sector has experienced fast growth, with sales volumes soaring from 3,079 units in 2022 to 11,624 units in 2023 even as global EV sales cools.
This surge increased the smart market share from 0.43% to 1.45%.
According to Smart Malaysia, the smart #1 has quickly become a popular choice, particularly noted for its performance and innovations as an urban car.
Smart Malaysia chief executive officer Zhang Qian attributes this achievement to the growing demand for urban mobility solutions in the region and the brand’s positioning in the premium EV segment.
Despite being the only model from smart currently sold in Malaysia, 100 units were sold within a month of its local launch.
Factors contributing to the success of the smart #1 include its premium brand heritage from Mercedes-Benz, distinctive features like access to 70% of charging locations via a single app, comprehensive advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and a strong focus on enhancing the charging infrastructure nationwide.
The smart dealership network has grown from 10 to 13 locations, with the opening of the first “community-centric” hub in Kota Kinabalu serving both Sabah and Sarawak.
Smart cars are imported and distributed by Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net), a subsidiary of domestic car maker Proton.
