A change in leadership is imminent at Smart Europe. Wolfgang Ufer, currently Managing Director of Smart, will take over on March 1, 2026 Germany, the leadership of the European organization. He succeeds Dirk Adelmann, who joined Mercedes-Benz after seven years at the helm Switzerland changes.
According to the company, the transition should be structured. Both executives and their teams will work closely together in the coming weeks, Smart announced on Monday evening. It is still unclear who will take responsibility for the German business in the future.
Structure of the electric models
Ufer has worked in the automotive industry for around 20 years and has held various positions at Mercedes-Benz and Smart, including international sales and business development. He has been leading the Germany team since 2021, where he accompanied the market launch of the fully electric models Smart #1, #3 and #5.
Adelmann had built up Smart Europe since it was founded by the joint venture partners Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Under his responsibility, the European sales network was created and the current electric models were also brought onto the market. He was also involved in setting the strategic course for the future Smart #2 model.
High hopes for Smart #2
2026 is a key year for Smart Europe: the model range will be fully available in all 17 European markets for the first time. The premiere of Smart #2 is also planned for autumn. There are high hopes for the model:
The small city car is expected to continue the tradition of the original Smart fortwo from 2027 – and revive the ailing brand.
For years, smart has been struggling with weak sales figures, delays in production and additionally rising import tariffs. In 2024, the company significantly missed its sales target in Europe, and the forecasts for 2025 are also considered unrealistic.
Internally, #2 is considered a crucial rescue project. It took several attempts before the supervisory board gave the green light. Now Mercedes-Benz and majority partner Geely are jointly developing a new platform for the first time, which is said to be comparatively cheap thanks to Chinese cost structures. Despite punitive tariffs, the company expects to be able to offer the model to cover costs.