Mercedes-Benz and Penske discussing smart transition

Mercedes-Benz USA LLC and Penske Automotive Group have begun discussing the process of transition of the distribution rights, management, sales and marketing activities of smart USA from Penske Automotive Group to Mercedes-Benz USA. The transition should take place at the end of the second quarter of 2011.

“We are very excited about working toward integration of smart into the MBUSA organization, and look forward to working with our dealer partners to exceed customer expectations for this unique vehicle,” said Mercedes-Benz President and CEO, Ernst Lieb. “The addition of smart, combined with our Autohaus dealer initiative, will help us build upon the tremendous momentum the Mercedes-Benz brand had achieved here in the U.S.”

On his side Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske says that “Introducing the smart brand to the U.S. has been a unique opportunity for us. Over the last three years I’ve experienced the passion consumers express for the brand as we delivered over 45,000 vehicles. Aligning smart distribution with Daimler, as it is worldwide, is the logical next step for the smart brand in the U.S.”

Penske believes that this way the smart brand will be able to “grow through the Mercedes-Benz dealership network and lead the way in conservation and meeting future fuel economy standards.”

Dr. Annette Winkler, Vice President of smart pointed out the successful job that Penske made paving the way for the smart brand in the US. She also explained that the integration of smart in Mercedes-Benz USA will be an important step for the brand.