In the fifteenth episode of the Visionary Club Podcast, our host Sarah Harman welcomes Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe GmbH.

Dirk shares fascinating insights into the brand’s transformation — from its shift to an all-electric lineup and its streamlined business model to the unique German-Chinese joint venture structure between Mercedes-Benz and Geely. Together, they discuss how innovation, design excellence, and customer feedback come together to shape a future-oriented approach to mobility.

Dirk also talks about smart’s pioneering role in digital services, over-the-air updates, the integration of artificial intelligence in vehicles, and the development of the new #2 — a modern reimagining of the classic two-seater designed for the urban era.

IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club Special: Episode 1

The IAA MOBILITY Visionary Club, hosted by Sarah Harmann and supported by BCG,  gain a comprehensive overview of current and future trends in the mobility sector, and explore various topics and aspects of IAA MOBILITY. In each Visionary Club session, an expert selected in collaboration with BCG delivers a 5-10 minute inspirational talk live on LinkedIn. This segment focuses on cutting-edge topics and innovations in the mobility sector. Following the talk, there is a 15-20 minute interactive Q&A session, where moderator Sarah Harmann fields questions from the LinkedIn audience. Each session is published as a podcast afterwards.  

IAA MOBILITY 2025, held from September 9-14 in Munich, is the leading international platform for showcasing innovative mobility solutions, from micromobility and cars to bicycles and new public transport. With a strong focus on sustainability and technology, IAA MOBILITY unites all stakeholders in the mobility ecosystem to drive progress and innovation.