Dear Smart & Mercedes-Benz: Please look at the data!
A Smart 453 parked on a busy New York street, framed by taxis and skyscrapers. Title overlay: “Why Smart Should Bring Back the Gasoline ForTwo.”
Hello from New York City — where parking spaces are mythical creatures, traffic lights outnumber trees, and somehow, the Smart car still makes perfect sense.
Hello! My name is Mark, and I’m a proud Smart 453 owner based in New York City. I’m writing not just as a driver, but as someone who genuinely loves this brand and wants to see it thrive — both globally and here in North America.
I fully understand that Mercedes-Benz and Geely Automotive have an exciting vision for Smart’s future centered around electric mobility. The new generation of Smart vehicles looks sleek, innovative, and aligned with global sustainability goals.
But here’s the reality from this side of the Atlantic:
there’s still massive demand for the gas-powered Smart ForTwo — and it’s not slowing down.
🚗 The Gasoline Smart Is Still in High Demand
Even years after production stopped, used Smart cars are selling for close to their original MSRP — sometimes even higher.
That’s not just nostalgia; that’s a market signal.
Across the U.S., city drivers — from New York to San Francisco — still rely on gas-powered Smarts because they fit urban life perfectly. The problem? Charging access.
Most of us live in apartments. We don’t have garages, driveways, or reliable public chargers within walking distance. Owning an EV isn’t impossible, but it’s impractical for many.
For city dwellers, a gasoline Smart isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
⚡ When Electric Became the Only Option, Sales Fell
Smart’s move to go fully electric in 2018 made sense globally but crippled its presence in the U.S.
Once petrol versions were discontinued, sales dropped sharply, and before long, Smart had to withdraw from the American market.
It wasn’t that people stopped loving the brand — they simply couldn’t buy a version that worked for their lifestyle. The EV-only approach alienated one of Smart’s strongest audiences: urban, practical drivers who need flexibility, not just futurism.
🔋 Fiat’s Comeback Playbook: Learn from the 500e
Interestingly, Fiat is experiencing something similar. After reintroducing the Fiat 500e (their electric model) to the U.S., early sales have been disappointing.
The reason? A combination of EV-only limitations and a lack of variety between trims.
Now Fiat has announced plans to reverse-engineer a hybrid variant of the 500e — bringing back the gas element to balance appeal and practicality. They’ve recognized that the American market isn’t ready to go fully electric yet.
That’s a key lesson Smart could — and should — take to heart.
🧠 A Smarter Strategy: Electric and Petrol Side by Side
Smart has always represented innovation, efficiency, and creative urban engineering. Offering both a petrol and electric Smart would give consumers real choice again — and open the door for a U.S. comeback.
Two simple paths:
🌱 Electric versions for EV-ready customers and sustainability-forward cities.
⛽ Petrol versions for urban drivers without access to charging.
That dual approach would make Smart relevant to everyone again, not just a niche.
❤️ From One Proud Owner to the Smart Team
As someone who drives a Smart 453 through New York’s chaos daily, I can tell you — people still notice, still ask questions, and still say the same thing:
“I wish they still sold these here.”
There’s genuine affection for the Smart brand in America.
So, to the teams at Mercedes-Benz and Geely Automotive: please consider bringing back a petrol-powered Smart alongside your growing electric lineup. The market is ready, the fans are waiting, and the demand is real.
With enthusiasm and respect,
Mark
Proud Smart 453 Owner, New York, USA
💬 Join the Conversation
Would you buy a gas-powered Smart if it returned to the U.S.?
Share your thoughts below — or tag #BringBackThe453 on Instagram and show your Smart pride!