Dirk Adelmann, CEO of Smart Europe, said in a video conference that there is still no release date for the ForTwo successor, which will be called “Hashtag 2.” Two months ago, the company started developing a new dedicated platform to support future smart two-seater models, but the plan needs partners.

According to Adelmann, Smart considered multiple electric platforms that were already available and expected to reduce the length for a two-seater model while still providing high safety standards. However, they did not find the suitable platform. “We hope to maintain a 4 or 5 star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. In terms of ADAS features, we hope to achieve similar features in the former models, and also have a long endurance. Such platform does not exist yet, so we have to develop one.”

After talks with Renault and a number of Chinese Oems, Smart decided to work independently. In February, Smart began to work on Electric Compact Architecture (ECA). Adelmann said that if it can be approved, ECA will become a platform owned and developed by Smart.

Smart launched its first ForTwo model in 1998, followed by the second generation in 2006 and the third in 2014. ForTwo remained smart’s best-selling model in Europe in the first two months of the year, with sales of 2,022 units. At its peak, sales of the first generation of pure internal combustion engine ForTwo models reached 140,000 units a year and its largest market in Southern Europe.

Smart declined to discuss potential sales and launch dates for the new generation ForTwo. Adelmann noted that consumers and distributors want a new car that not only retains the compactness and mobility of the traditional ForTwo, but also has an electric system and state-of-the-art connectivity.