After years of ending the quartals in the red, DaimlerChrysler might be close to closing down Smart, a daughter of the compay that also includes Mercedes Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Maybach, Jeep and other brands.

After starting the micro car together with the Swiss watchaker Swatch, DaimlerChrysler soon acquired all of the company shares. Although the car's sales have been goin well in some countries like Switzerland, the sales have never been high enough to produce a profit. Even the introduction of more cars to the Smart family, namely the Forfour and the Roadster, did not boost sales.

The only hope left for Smart is the continuation of the Roadster Series by a different company under a different name. Several manufacturers have expressed theyre intrest in doing so, but until DaimlerChrysler decides to ax the Smart, none of this is final.