• October 6, 2010

Smart USA, which markets the ultra-diminutive Smart two-seater plans a five-door car within the next 15 months.

The car is to be based on a Nissan platform, per the Detroit-based Penske Automotive Group, which markets the Daimler-owned brand in the U.S.

"We are faced with continuing customer demand for a smart car with more seating capacity," explained Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Automotive Group in a release. "Sales and service of the five seater will be carried out exclusively by our approximately 75 smart dealerships in the United States."

The company started selling the Smart ForTwo in 2008, and plans an electric version.--Karl Greenberg