smart grew its global sales by 8% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, helped by stronger demand in Europe, Hong Kong and newer export markets.
The brand said Finland was its fastest-growing market in the period, with sales up 446%. Hong Kong, China followed with a 276% jump, while Sweden and Germany rose 144% and 140% respectively.
The 8% gain is modest, but it says something. smart is moving past the small city-car image that still sticks with the name.
Under the Mercedes-Benz and Geely joint venture, it has become a wider electric and electrified vehicle brand, with the #1, #3 and #5 already doing the heavy lifting in many markets.
The #5 appears to be a key part of that push. The mid-size SUV entered eight new markets in the first half of the year, including New Zealand, Chile, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. smart also moved into Costa Rica and Argentina, taking its business to 41 markets across six continents.
Its retail network now covers more than 670 cities, backed by over 700 sales outlets. For a brand that was once built around two-seat urban cars, that is quite a change.
More models are coming. The Concept #2, shown in Europe in June with a new cabin, previews smart’s return to the urban two-seater formula. The production smart #2 is due to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.
At the other end of the range is the #6 EHD, smart’s first fastback sedan. Launched first in China, the electric-hybrid model carries a claimed 1,810km CLTC range.
smart is also putting more effort into how the brand is seen.
Its “Change of Perspectives” campaign includes a partnership with UK singer Jessie J, while special models such as the #3 Keith Haring Edition are meant to give the range more character.
