Dealer group welcomes smart

Armstrong’s has teamed up with smart Automobile as it prepares to bring the brand’s all-electric models to New Zealand.

The electric vehicle maker is expanding its global operations and hopes to leverage the dealer group’s network as it prepares to soon launch two models here, the smart #1 and #3.

Under the partnership, Armstrong’s will host a “shop-in-shop” format for smart at its Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. 

Mandy Zhang, global chief marketing officer of smart Automobile, says New Zealand is the second largest market in Oceania and provides an excellent opportunity for long-term sustainable growth.

“With Armstrong’s proven experience in premium automotive services and customer care, we are confident in the road ahead together, and looking forward to developing the country’s intelligent new energy vehicle market and delivering a premium mobility experience to New Zealanders,” she continues.  

Rick Armstrong, owner and founder of Armstrong’s, adds: “We are very happy to begin a new partnership with smart. Together with our solid sales and service footprint we look forward to co-creating a uniquely smart customer experience that goes beyond the car.”

While smart was created in the 1990s, it became smart Automobile in 2019 and has delivered more than 100,000 new-generation units globally. 

Following a “China-Europe, dual-home” development strategy, the brand is growing its footprint worldwide and covers 28 markets in China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.