(August 27, 2012) ANTWERP, Belgium — Over the weekend 1,594 smart fans from 27 countries came to Antwerp for the world's largest gathering of the smart community — and set a new world record with the longest ever smart parade.

On Saturday 1,114 vehicles drove through the streets of the Belgian city and the third largest European seaport watched by enthusiastic spectators.

Since the year 2000 the unique gathering has drawn an ever-increasing number of smart enthusiasts from all over Europe. This year, over a period of four days at smart times they were able to share their passion for smart, talk to designers, tuners and experts, take part in outings and attend concerts together — and some of them were also able to proudly present their extravagantly modified and individually designed vehicles.

From sporty smart contests to stunt shows or tours of the city on the new smart ebike — all items on the program of this year's smart times once again proved very popular. Special highlights the longest smart times parade ever.

There were plenty of opportunities to take test drives in the new smart fortwo and smart fortwo electric drive, to talk at length with smart experts, evening parties and attend the annual smart flea market, which rounded off the program.

The smart community is already looking forward to getting together again in Lucerne in August 2013.