2. Which mobility concept currently inspires you the most and why?

One concept that continues to inspire me is the seamless integration of different modes of mobility through digital platforms. The way we can now link electric vehicles, public transport, micro-mobility options, and even car sharing, all via intuitive apps, is truly transformative. At smart, we’ve always believed that mobility should be easy, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. This is exactly why our vehicles are designed to be fully integrated into users’ digital lives.

3. What innovations in your field will most change the way we move around cities in the next five years?

Three areas will be key: connectivity, infotainment, and battery charging capabilities. We’re talking about more energy in less time, paired with a higher level of convenience – the new smart #5 is a perfect example of how we are well on track in all three areas. All three fully electric smart models – the smart #1, smart #3 and smart #5 – have been developed with usability in European cities (and beyond) in mind.

4. How do you promote the integration of different mobility forms to create a seamless and efficient transportation infrastructure?

Urban mobility has always been part of smart’s DNA. The original smart fortwo is a perfect example – and we pioneered car sharing in Europe and globally with car2go.
We even explored ideas like e-bikes and electric scooters long before they became mainstream. Our current vehicles are easily shareable: users can open, close, and authorize access via the Hello smart app – making them ideal for sharing with family or friends.

5. How do you see the role of public and private partnerships in promoting innovative mobility solutions?

First, we need to clearly define what these “innovative mobility solutions” should actually look like – and how they benefit customers in daily life. From there, collaboration is the only way forward. Innovation stalls when momentum and shared commitment are lacking. At smart, we’re lucky to have strong partners, including our stakeholders at Mercedes-Benz and Geely. But we also know we can’t do this alone. It’s a team effort – always.

6. What are the biggest challenges you currently face in your segment, and how are you addressing them?

In the all-electric compact and mid-size SUV segments, there’s certainly strong competition – but we welcome that challenge. Beyond that, there are broader structural issues: tariffs, slow infrastructure development and inconsistent political support for electric mobility all create uncertainty for consumers. We’re addressing these challenges through constant dialogue – with customers, business partners, and policymakers at national, European, and global levels via our stakeholders.

7. How important is user experience to you, and how do you gather and integrate user feedback?

User experience is absolutely central to everything we do. Every smart vehicle is designed to fit seamlessly into our users’ digital lifestyles – from intuitive connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to voice control and customizable ambient lighting that adapts to individual preferences.We also provide regular, free over-the-air updates that incorporate user feedback gathered and analyzed by our Customer Experience team at smart Europe.

8. Which essential future topic receives too little attention from the public?

 
For me, the topic of digital and data infrastructure receives far too little attention. Without robust, secure, and user-friendly digital infrastructure, the mobility revolution will stall. If we want to make smart, connected, and sustainable mobility a reality for everyone, we need to talk much more openly about data security, interoperability, and digital literacy.Why is this important? Because user-friendliness and user trust are essential: The easier and more convenient digital solutions are, the more likely people are to embrace new mobility concepts.

9. In which area of mobility do you see the greatest potential and where the greatest need for improvement?

There’s huge potential in battery technology – especially faster charging times and greater capacity.Where improvement is urgently needed: clarity for consumers across Europe on EV pricing including clear decisions on taxes and tariffs. Secondly, it needs more transparency on charging costs along which ties to a more intuitive and easier charging point operation.

10. IAA MOBILITY is the leading global mobility platform, bringing together innovators from all spectra of mobility. Who do you want to connect with this coming September and why?

We’re eager to meet and talk with customers and people of all ages who are curious about our brand and products.We also look forward to engaging with international media to share updates on our latest developments, and connecting with business partners, suppliers, and fellow OEMs to exchange ideas on trends and innovations. We are also looking forward to some collaborative activities at IAA MOBILITY, for example with Google, IBM, and CapGemini.

11. Which new innovations or products do you plan to present at IAA MOBILITY 2025? 

Visitors can look forward to a special version of the smart #3 that reflects our  roots and mindset in urban culture. For the first time in Europe, we’ll also showcase our complete all-electric line-up at one auto show – and may even give a sneak peek into what’s next for our product portfolio.