Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class

Just_me · **Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 02:09 AM

Mercedes is rumored to be dropping the A-class from its lineup despite claims by the carmaker that the entry-level model has sold close to 1.5 million since introduction in 1997. The news was reported by German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, and the only word so far from Mercedes officials is that it’s merely speculation.

According to the source, the A-class will be dropped when most of Mercedes’ lineup goes in for a revamp in 2011. The next-generation A-class was originally due in 2011, and it was previously reported that Mercedes was considering partnering with France’s PSA/Peugeot-Citroen Group to share the car’s development.

Without the A-class, Mercedes could instead concentrate on improving the next B-class model, which could be sold in the US for the first time. The B-Class has proven a sales success in Europe and the next-gen model is expected to further improve on this image by sharing its underpinnings with the new C-class saloon. This would mean a sportier chassis with a rear-wheel drivetrain and higher performance engines.

The Artist · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 02:46 AM

hmm i like the idea.. but damn is it really that smart.. 1.5 million is a huge nr of cars..
i dont know what to say

Yannis · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 04:05 AM

Yes Mercedes should drop A class and B class. Making minivans was never a clever idea.

Alwing · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 05:40 AM

Having an A-class and a B-class is practically like having 2 cars which offers almost the same qualities, the B-class is only larger. The B-class has proven itself as a success so I do understand why they are speculating about dropping the A-class.

Aside of youngsters the A-class and B-class is also populair among people with physical problems like elder people and people with certain disabilities. Both cars has easy entries which is a great plus and criteria for choosing the A-class or B-class.
Dropping the A-class could possibly raise the bar that much that it's out of reach for some people due its higher price. Almost €4000,- difference in my country between an A150 and B150 which is quite alot of money in this carsegment.

I think it'd be better if they produced two versions of the B-class to make it more affordable for some people.
Like a short and long version or 2 doors and 4 doors version of the B-class etc.
Kind of similar to the BMW 1 series, Audi A3/sporback and Renault Scenic.

EnI · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 05:42 AM

Dropping A-class would mean falling behind Audi - sales wise.

MB: #3 premium car maker. Who would have thought ....

Mr. M · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yannis

Yes Mercedes should drop A class and B class. Making minivans was never a clever idea.

From Andrea's post it looks like they will keep the B-Class.

I think there is a room here for the A/B-Class. Just bring it a little lower and more stylish, less as a hatch. Otherwise, which model can compete with the A3 SB?

Mr. M · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alwing

I think it'd be better if they produced two versions of the B-class to make it more affordable for some people.
Like a short and long version or 2 doors and 4 doors version of the B-class etc.
Kind of similar to the BMW 1 series, Audi A3/sporback and Renault Scenic.

Oh yes, that would be a great idea, if MB wants to keep its sales numbers up.

EnI · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 06:05 AM

Seriously ...

The industry rumors say MB is going to drop A-class mini-van shape & structure. "Sandwich" structure is too expensive - eating into A-class profit margins. So, in the next generation A-class (according to the rumors) will be much more similar to A3, 1er, C-Sportcoupe etc (is it going to be RWD????!!!), while B-class will take the role of family-oriented mini-van.

Alwing · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 06:28 AM

Got this from - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
I translated this article in English:

Daimlerchef Dieter Zetsche wants to drop the A-class within a short period of time. The news is reported by the German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche based on the information brought out by the Mercedes officials.

The planned new modelchange of the A-class and B-class in 2011 there will be only one variant of Mercedes's smallest which will be related to it's bigger brother, the B-class.
Zetsche wants to produce a new small car that can compete against small Audi's and BMW's. Aside of that they're also considering a small coupe to replace the current C-class Sportscoupe. All three models will be based on the same platform according to WirtschaftsWoche.

Centurion · **Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class -** 07-02-2007, 06:38 AM

This isn't a surprise. The A and B-class are to similar to exist along side each other. The next A or B-class will most likely replace the other model.