20.08.2012. MERCEDES NAFA: THE ANTECESSOR OF THE A-CLASS AND SMART - Grupo Concesur

In 1981, with Europe plunged into a deep oil crisis and with a growing need for mobility in the urban core, the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz presented the NAFA concept.

"Nahuerkehrsfahrzeug" or translated in German as "car for suburban traffic" and abbreviated to the name NAFA, became the first utility vehicle for commuting to work in the city.

The two-seater was only 2.5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide and high. Its doors were sliding and, always with the safety of the occupants in mind, it had a safety cell and a double-bottom chassis, features that are now standard on the A-Class and Smart. The small car was powered by a small displacement gasoline engine, front-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. It also had power steering, air conditioning and seat belts with pretensioners.

Thanks to this small car, Mercedes-Benz has given rise to two successful generations of vehicles with innovative and intelligent solutions adapted to the needs of today's urban traffic, the characteristic A-Class and the well-known Smart two-seater.

Source: Diario Motor