Mercedes and Renault to make small car

According to a UK car magazine Renault and Mercedes Benz are planning to collaborate on making a new series of small cars. They will be similar to current market of Smart Cars and be the next generation of Europe’s leading must have small cars. They will continue with the rear engined models for two people and also launch a new four seater option. The two person vehicle is expected to arrive in 2013 and the four seater just a year later. Mercedes are said to  be working on a new engine for the cars with both petrol and diesel options and there could even be an electric model for greener among us.

The next generation of Smarts will hopefully ditch the unloved semi-automatic gear box in favour of a seven-speed double clutch set up. The engines could be made available for Renault to even use on their own cars should another deal be reached. The two firms are expected to join forces even more in designing better engines for the cars of the future. Hybrids could also be inn the pipeline as the two look to extend their partnership further.

The Smarts have been around for more than 10 years after they were first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. At first they were looked on comically by the public because of their small appearance and their low engine power. However, over the years they have become quite popular with the European market because of their great fuel economy and concessions they receive like lower tax and congestion charge exemption. They can now be seen all over the world and are great for driving for inner city driving.