smart Accelerates Global Expansion as Premium EV Strategy Drives First-Half Sales Growth
HANGZHOU, China, July 6 — Premium electric vehicle manufacturer smart reported continued international growth in the first half of 2026, combining expanding vehicle offerings with an aggressive global market strategy that helped lift worldwide sales despite increasingly competitive conditions in the electric mobility sector.
The company announced an 8 per cent year-on-year increase in global sales during the first six months of the year, supported by stronger performances across several international markets and continued expansion of its premium electric vehicle portfolio.
Among its fastest-growing markets were Finland, where sales increased by 446 per cent, followed by Hong Kong with 276 per cent growth. Sweden and Germany also delivered strong performances, recording increases of 144 per cent and 140 per cent, respectively.
The latest results reflect smart’s broader strategy of strengthening its presence across Europe while expanding into new international markets under its China-Europe “Dual-Home” development approach.
During the first half of 2026, the company entered Costa Rica and Argentina, extending its commercial presence to 41 markets spanning six continents.
Its global retail network now reaches more than 670 cities through over 700 sales and service locations, providing broader access to customers as demand for premium electric vehicles continues to grow.
A key contributor to that expansion has been the smart #5 mid-size SUV.
The model entered eight additional international markets during the period, including New Zealand, Chile, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, strengthening the brand’s presence in both developed and emerging EV markets.
Company executives described 2026 as an important milestone in smart’s transformation into a globally recognised premium electric mobility brand.
Alongside geographical expansion, the manufacturer is broadening its product range to appeal to a wider spectrum of customers.
The company plans to increase its global lineup from three production models to five, marking one of the largest product expansion programmes in its recent history.
Among the upcoming introductions is the production version of the smart #2, a compact urban two-seater scheduled to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show later this year following the European presentation of the Concept #2.
smart is also expanding into a new vehicle category through the introduction of the #6 EHD, its first premium fastback sedan.
Initially launched in China, the model combines executive-level cabin space with aerodynamic styling and an officially quoted driving range of up to 1,810 kilometres under the CLTC testing cycle.
Beyond new vehicle launches, smart continues investing in brand development through collaborations with internationally recognised artists and personalities.
During the first half of the year, the company partnered with British singer Jessie J as part of its global “Change of Perspectives” campaign, while also expanding creative collaborations that reinforce its premium brand identity.
The manufacturer has likewise introduced special-edition vehicles, including the smart #3 Keith Haring Edition, described as the first mass-production vehicle created in collaboration with the late American artist’s estate.
Customer experience remains another priority within the company’s growth strategy.
smart said it is expanding its dedicated smart care after-sales programme while continuing to roll out over-the-air software updates that add new digital features and improve vehicle functionality throughout ownership.
As competition intensifies across the global electric vehicle industry, smart is positioning itself through a combination of premium design, digital technology, expanding international operations and a growing range of electric models.
With further product launches scheduled for the second half of 2026 and continued expansion into new overseas markets, the company aims to strengthen its position in the premium EV segment while broadening its presence across both established automotive markets and emerging regions embracing electric mobility.
