smart USA plans to launch five-door model

One of the world's smallest cars will soon get a big sister.  smart USA, which currently markets the fortwo micro car, plans to introduce a five-door model to the American in the next 15 months.  The announcement was made today in Detroit.

Roger Penske

This will be quite a leap for smart which is known for tiny vehicles, large on efficiency.  "We are faced with continuing customer demand for a smart car with more seating capacity," explained Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske.  To meet that demand, smart will partner with Nissan to build the B-segment five-door car on architecture from the Japanese automaker.  The new model will only be sold in the United States.