Smart has named Jason Allbutt as its new UK CEO, effective from 19 February.

Jason Allbutt, incoming CEO for Smart UK

Allbutt joins the electric vehicle brand from Mercedes-Benz UK where he was head of product and planning.

In his new role, he will oversee the continued growth of Smart in the UK as the brand continues its reinvention as an all-electric carmaker under joint Mercedes-Benz and Geely ownership.

Allbutt arrives ahead of sales opening for the Smart #3 electric coupé-SUV. Priced from £32,950, the Volkswagen ID.5 rival is available in five different versions and with up to 283 miles of range.

It joins the smaller #1, which launched last year and has now gained a new lead-in version that shaves £4k off the entry price.

Jason Allbutt said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Smart as UK CEO at this exciting time for the business and the automotive industry. The revitalised Smart has had a stellar start and I’m looking forward to further developing such a dynamic brand in the UK market, with the popular, award-winning #1 and #3, which goes on sale very soon. I can’t wait to get started.”

UK sales will imminently open for the Smart #3 electric coupé-SUV, which joins the smaller #1

He succeeds David Browne who Smart said was leaving the business, “having successfully fulfilled his brief to relaunch the brand in the UK and equip it for future success”.

Browne commented: “It’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to relaunch the iconic smart brand in the UK. Having completed my objective of setting up the new UK operation, and building a sector-leading team, I’m now ready for my next challenge.

“I’m pleased that in Jason, with his extensive experience of the smart brand, the company has someone who’s ideally placed to lead it into the next chapter.”