Renault Twingo of their existing partnership, announced "Project Edison", a collaboration aimed at conceiving a shared platform for small city cars to be shared by both companies. The first cars using the platform were the third generation Twingo and the second generation Smart Forfour. Renault and Daimler invested equally during the research and development phase, with Renault subsequently specializing in the engines and Daimler in transmissions. Both companies tried to ensure a distinctive design. Renault designers took inspiration from the Renault 5. and the first generation Twingo, The car was originally launched with four colour options, as with the original Twingo. The
RIO Models specifications and historical information about the car (Vitesse Models of Portugal has a similar practice). Even today, there is a feeling of uniqueness and irresistibility to RIO's models that other classic car model producers have difficulty emulating. Models today usually cost $50.00 to $60.00. In 2011 RIO Models was acquired by M4 models of Pesaro, Italy, makers of the Best Model and Art Model lines. RIO models are featured on the website of their present parent company M4: M4 S.A.S. RIO Models RIO Models are intricately detailed diecast and plastic 1:43 scale models made in Cernobbio, Italy on Lake Como,