DAIMLER AG - From 23 - 26 August 2012 the worldwide smart community will come together in the port area at Hangar29 Waagnatie for this year's smart times. More than 4,500 smart enthusiasts from 25 countries are expected in Antwerp – some of them with individually designed vehicles. For the first time, the world's largest gathering of fans of the brand will be carbon-neutral. To offset the carbon emissions produced by the guests while travelling around with the smarts the car-maker will plant trees in cooperation with the international non-profit organisation WeForest.
"smart times is cult, it's the world's largest gathering of the smart family and we are so happy to invite all the smart fans from all over the world.", says Dr. Annette Winkler, Head of smart. "I can't wait to drive with our guests and hundreds of smarts, many of them individually designed or rebuilt, through the beautiful city of Antwerp at our large smart times parade."
In Antwerp the participants can look forward to a varied programme consisting of sporty contests, exciting outings, fascinating shows, live concerts and interesting talks with designers, tuners and experts. As well as the smart fortwo electric drive, for the first time attendees will also be able to test-drive the new smart ebike – during guided tours of Antwerp.
An overview of smart times 2012
24 August: stunt shows and the smart times contest
On day two stunt shows with smarts, quads and motorbikes, a show with the world's strongest man and the smart times contest will provide plenty of variety and excitement. At the smart times contest a jury will rate the tuning, design and performance of the various smart models. The programme will be rounded off by the smart times challenge and an "after party" every evening.
25 August: smart times parade
At 2 p.m. the starting signal will be given for the annual highlight - the smart times parade. The world's longest smart convoy is planned. In the evening the car maker invites participants to attend the smart times contest and a closing party with live music. This is also when the secret "smart times 13 goes to …" will be revealed.
26 August: smart flea market
The event will come to an end with the traditional smart flea market. Fan articles and all kinds of used parts will come under the hammer. Then it's time to say goodbye and see you next year in …
smart times networking
A virtual get-together is already taking place in the run-up to the event at http://on.fb.me/smarttimes
All information on the event can be found on the website www.smart.com/smarttimes
Attendance at smart times is free of charge, however, accreditation is a prerequisite – also at www.smart.com/smarttimes