Executive Annette Winkler and the Smart fortwo ed. [Photo / China Daily]

Annette Winkler, global head of Smart at Mercedes-Benz, made her promise come true within a year as she drove a pure electric Smart on stage at Auto Guangzhou on Wednesday, kicking off sale of the vehicle in China.

Not only a milestone for the brand, the launch of the model named the Smart fortwo ed is also a landmark in the country's auto industry. With its introduction, Mercedes-Benz became the first European manufacturer to import an electric vehicle to China.

"It's a very good start to provide it first in Beijing and Shanghai," said Winkler. "We are continuing monitoring market demand and finding local partners in other cities. When feasible, the Smart electric drive will enter into more Chinese cities."

A pioneer in innovative urban mobility, the smart ed brings zero-emission driving to China.[Photo / China Daily]

After only four years on sale in China, the Smart has been a big success in the world's largest automotive market, which now ranks third in smart's global business.

The best evidence is in sales figures, with year-to-date growth of more than 6 percent and 14,245 units sold. Winkler said she is confident that the strong momentum will continue, giving Smart double-digit growth by the end of 2013.

"We see the increasing passion from Chinese customers, who decide on a Smart because it is a clear statement－to be different and unique, not mainstream," said Winkler.

"And these people, the forward thinkers, will be even more electrified by the Smart fortwo ed because the car is now combined with the ultimate drivetrain for urban mobility."

To ensure safer and quicker charging, the Smart ed will be charged through a "wallbox" specially designed by KEBA, the global charging partner for Smart ed.

To provide professional wallbox installation service for customers, the company has chosen two reliable partners, Beijing Huashang Sanyou and EVBuy in Shanghai.

"When customers express their purchase intention for a Smart ed, we will transfer their contact information, with their agreement, to our partners to go on site and evaluate the possibility of installing the wallbox," said Daniel Lescow, head of Smart China.

"Only after our partners say OK to the wallbox, the customers can go back to our showrooms and pay separately for the car, with an attractive and affordable price at 235,000 yuan, and the wallbox for 8,800 yuan."