Smart Targets New Phone Apps

Daimler AG’s Smart unit is evaluating several new smartphone applications to aid drivers and allow them to share information with other Smart owners, Automotive News reports. CEO Annette Winkler tells the newspaper that Smart is looking at a variety of concierge-type features as well as a car-sharing app.

The carmaker is in the process of launching its new Cross Connect system, which is compatible with iPhones and some Android devices. The app enables drivers of Smart’s ForTwo and ForFour microcars to help each other find parking spots in crowded areas by taking and uploading photos of available spaces—including those too small for other vehicles—to a common network for others to access. The photo includes navigation coordinates to help direct users to the open space.

Smart also has negotiated exclusive parking spaces for customers in select cities. Some 600 spaces are set aside for Smart cars in San Francisco that will be included in the Cross Connect database, Winkler says.

Smart also is considering partnerships with service providers. This could include car washes that offer special rates to Smart buyers to reflect the vehicle’s size, Winkler notes.