Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class - Page 3

Kowalski · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klier

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

Actually, for some people the No 1 Luxury car maker is Toyota with a poncy name.

Mr. Mercedes · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

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.

Fair enough, but it would be relatively easy for Mercedes to address any dynamic shortcomings of the B at face lift or next generation.

EnI · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-05-2007, 06:24 AM

And the latest news ...

BMW & MB are in talks to build the next-gen A-class on a MINI platform. Seriously!

The decision should be made in the end of this month.

It is an interesting match: MB looking for a platform donor (so they won't have to develop new expensive platform for A-class from scratch), while BMW looking how to boost MINI platform production & make MINI production more profitable.

Bartek Sikorski · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-14-2007, 12:50 AM

Mercedes A-class could be replaced by 3 new compacts.

Earlier this month reports emerged that claimed Mercedes was planning to drop the A-class compact after the current model’s lifecycle ends in 2011. Now, further confirmation that the A-class may be dropped has surfaced, which also purports that it could in fact be replaced by a family of three new variants based on the next-gen B-class.
In addition to the next-gen B-class, the car’s new platform could also spawn a sports hatch and a roadster according to Auto Bild. There was also talk that engineers would base the new range on the newly developed C-class architecture, which means the new cars would be RWD and offer much more powerful engines than the current B-class, including a 3.5L V6 for the range topper. In May we also reported that the new compact Roadster could be based on the Vision SLA concept car of 2000. Meanwhile, news of the next-gen CLK Cabrio, due in 2010, has also emerged, which reports that production of the new cabrio will be handled by Mercedes’ plant in Bremen instead of being outsourced to Karmann like the current model. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes will build up to 20,000 units per year, with the rest of the capacity being allocated for production of the upcoming GLK SUV.
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BMW_Dude · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-14-2007, 06:01 AM

It looks like MB are moving away from the cheaper end of the Market!

I wonder what they will have to compete against the A3 and 1er in the future!