Roadster, coupé or cabriolet? Petrol engine, diesel engine or electric drive? Two- or four-seater? Special or standard model? The variety of Smart vehicles is endless, as impressively demonstrated by the 3167 Smart enthusiasts from around the world who attended the 16th Smart Times, the first to be held in Germany.
The worldwide smart fan community gathered in Hamburg to celebrate the cult brand between 26 and 27 August 2016 and transformed the city’s wholesale market into a festival of the urban lifestyle – with music, street food, a Smart flea market, a little test track and a visit by Germany’s two beach volleyball “golden girls”, Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst.
The highlight was the traditional closing parade, in which 1635 Smart cars were driven through the streets of Hamburg, one after another. That is the new Smart Times record, beating the previous high of 1427 vehicles two years ago at the Smart Times in Cascais, Portugal.
Since 2001, this unique gathering has drawn Smart enthusiasts from around the world to a different European city every year. Over the course of a weekend, fans are able to share their enthusiasm for the perfect city car and the spirit of the brand, chat to designers, tuners and experts, explore the city together, take part in excursions and listen to various live music acts.
This year’s event in Hamburg wowed fans with test drives of the latest Smart models, details of new services such as “Smart ready to drop”, outings to the beach at Sankt Peter-Ording, an exciting test track, evening parties and live appearances by local and international artists.
A special surprise was delivered on Friday evening when the German beach volleyball duo Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst drove on stage with a golden Smart Fortwo Cabrio. Subsequently, the fans were able to get autographs from the two Rio Olympics “golden girls”.
Throughout the event, participants and interested locals flocked to the area around Hamburg’s wholesale market, which became a showcase for automotive passion and creativity. From a “popemobile” Smart to one in shocking pink or wood look, to a fiery motor racing or a versatile off-road Smart. The 2053 vehicles on site impressively demonstrated the endless possibilities when it comes to individualising the cult car.
The highlight, as every year, was the Smart parade on the Saturday. A parade of 1635 Smart vehicles made its way through the city, cheered on by locals. 
The latest Smarts are more street-smart than ever.
