Expanding Global Market Presence smart Announces New Zealand Launch of the smart #1 and #3

April 15, 2025, Auckland smart has officially introduced its premium all-electric SUV line-up to New Zealand through a strategic partnership with Armstrong’s, one of the country’s largest independent automotive groups. The smart #1 is priced from $64,990 + ORC to  $79,990 + ORC, while the smart #3 ranges from $69,990 + ORC to $84,990 + ORC, with both models available in PRO+, Premium, and BRABUS variants.

Designed by Mercedes-Benz Global Design team, the smart #1 was created as a premium compact urban SUV, while the smart #3 is an SUV coupe. Offering a combination of premium avant-garde style and high-tech features while embodying smart’s dedication to innovation and sustainable urban mobility, the smart #1 and smart #3 have already won the acclaim of customers worldwide.

Less than two weeks since orders in New Zealand began, smart has reported a strong positive response to their stunning range of premium all-electric SUV models. The models have a well-established presence across markets in China, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, Egypt, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, among others, and will be gradually rolled out into other global markets throughout 2025.

As part of its ongoing global expansion, smart is excited to announce that the smart #1 and #3 will be available for test drives at Armstrong’s Mercedes-Benz dealerships in East Auckland and Christchurch. Thanks to the innovative Shop-in-Shop smart concept, customers can experience these premium all-electric SUVs at Armstrong’s locations in East Auckland, at 279 Ti Rakau Drive, and in Christchurch, at 6 Detroit Place. This provides an exciting opportunity for potential customers to explore the smart #1 and #3 firsthand and see why they have already garnered enthusiastic feedback worldwide.

Mandy Zhang, Global CMO of smart, said, “We are delighted to introduce smart #1 and #3 to New Zealand through our strategic partnership with Armstrong’s. New Zealand presents excellent growth opportunities for our premium all-electric SUV lineup. This milestone launch reflects our ‘open your mind’ brand mantra as we accelerate our global presence in 2025.”

Troy Kennedy, the CEO of Armstrong’s, said, “smart #1 and #3 are now available to New Zealand customers, with enthusiastic test drive feedback boosting our confidence for smart’s future here. These vehicles blend German precision, European quality and Chinese electric innovation – precisely what today’s eco-conscious customers demand. We’ve chosen to launch smart strategically in East Auckland (Botany) and Christchurch, two key markets that align well with the brand’s innovative spirit and strong growth potential in New Zealand.”

Following its “China-Europe, dual-home” global development strategy, smart continues to strengthen its global position across 37 markets spanning China, Europe, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The brand is committed to further expanding both its model range and market presence in the coming year.