ForMore no more

ENDING months of speculation over the future of its Smart brand, Mercedes-Benz has announced it intends to implement a massive restructuring program for its micro-car brand that includes terminating the Roadster and 4WD (ForMore) models.

The DaimlerChrysler board will confirm the arrangements at the end of this month, however the new business model calls for "intensified" development that would see the next-generation Smart ForTwo tailored for the United States market and its forthcoming three-cylinder petrol engines offered to other manufacturers.

Restructuring expenses of up to 1.2 billion Euros are being budgeted for, with the aim of Smart reaching break-even – not breaking – point in 2007.