Excellent news. They need an answer to the rapidly growing 1-er range and planned A3 range. The B and A are too similar as it is and they need to attract a younger crowd to the brand earlier on.

The position of a premium car maker (unlike what some BMW execs want to believe) is not determined by sale numbers.

Rolce Royce for example doesn't need to sell many cars to be considered the ultimate luxury brand.

For many many people Mercedes is still the top luxury car maker today and will always be.

That's bad news for Audi?

For some people (including myself) Audi is the No 1 luxury car maker.

That's coz nobody else has an extensive history of innovation and luxury like MB,it's the first in the world u know

Yannis check this out

http://www.germancarzone.com/pit-gen...boy-image.html (The Death of the "Fan Boy" Image???)

And for some people, Citroen is the no 1 luxury car maker

Hmmm, I don't know yet at this point

When the new W169 A-Class debuted, it was hugely popular and sold like hot cakes taking some sales away from the W203 C-Class. Then the B-Class came along and A-Class and W203 C-Class sales in Europe slumped in favor of the B-Class.

The A-Class is more "legendary" than the B-Class. I mean the first generation A-Class is already something of a semi-cult car in Europe with a large following. Many A-Class owners call their cars 'Elchi", after the famous elk test embarrassment. The B-Class? Have not really heard too much enthusiasm about them. For one, they're horrible to drive. Comfortable as hell, but they completely lack any sort of sport feel. The steering is lifeless and indirect and the suspension too soft. Funny how this car is marketed as a "Sportstourer".

I guess I feel that the A-Class is a successful car for Mercedes, more so than the B-Class. I can understand the thinking behind this potential decision. B-Class is roomier and thus slightly more practical and thus has more potential, but I guess I also have en emotional connection to the A-Class. It is after all a fun little car and I really enjoy driving them.

I drove the old A-class and I wasnt impressed, I havent tried the new A-class yet. But B-class looks a lot better than A-class IMO.

The old A class was simply not worthy of the star badge, The new one is improved but still...

Now Audi has to cancel the A1 and Q1 , BMW has to cancel the X1 and V3 ect.
We don't want micro-SUVs and minivans with the Audi and BMW badge.