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
The Home Made Car wings and radiator shell from the still incomplete car. The Home Made Car The Home Made Car (1963) is a short film directed by James Hill about a young man who rebuilds a vintage car and finds love. The film was nominated for an Academy Award (Short Subjects, Live Action Subjects), and won a special Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Filmed largely in and around Farnborough, Hampshire, and Cove Hampshire. the car was rebuilt at Blackwell Cottage, Cambridge Road West, Farnborough. The house remains, although the garage has been replaced by a detached house now number 26.