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Originally Posted by Mr. Mercedes Very true. But while they say the A-class isnt cheaply built anymore, nearly all magazines still say that the Golf, and many small Japanese cars, are superior to the A in nearly every respect, and that simply should not be the case for a Benz. It does the company no favours when a ford focus, mazda 3, opel astra etc. etc. make a complete mockery out of the A in comparisons. What exactly does the A bring to the table that is tangibly superior to any of these other cars....absolutley nothing. Apart from the badge and styling, if thats what you like. And you can't trade on brand name forever when the product is clearly inferior.
Merc1, while you make a valid point about BMW's lineup being fresher, it should also be noted that BMW also has a considerable product onslaught lined up. If anything I think the gap is going to widen a bit more before benz gains the sales edge, if they ever do. But ultimately, sales are not what concern me. I'm more interested in the product. I think Zetsche understands that sales aren't the be all and end all of things, and the company has to improve its profit margins considerably and offer better, class leading, products.
While 10 years ago it may have been unthinkable that BMW would overtake Benz, it has happened. But all is not lost, they just need to get back to what they do best. |
You're right about the A-Class thats why I've alway said I'd get rid of it. Though the new A is much better, I still don't think enough Mercedes-Benz DNA can be put into a car of that price to make it "special". Ditto for the B-Class. However without them Mercedes would be down like over 150K sales this year. The problem with that segment is that fun to drive and sportiness is the thing and that isn't Mercedes' forte. I envision a small sedan like the original 190E, under the current C-Class, much sportier, kinda like what BMW's rumored 1-Series sedan will be like, but more practical with a better interior than any other car in the class - I know a pipe dream at best.
I would say that BMW and Mercedes both have a product onslaught on the way, but after the 3-Series rollout and new X5 next year things will likely cool off for about a year while Mercedes does their thing with the next C, FL E, FL SL, CL, GL and X-Class, and then a new E-Class and so on. When you really look at they both have a busy product schedule ahead actually because times seems to pass so quickly nowadays so it seems that BMW and MB both always have something new.
I agree that quality and engineering needs to be the focus, but some seem to think more sales are everything, and I disagree with that. I guess it doesn't surprise me for BMW to pass Mercedes in sales when you look at their overall lineups, Mercedes is more expensive in most cases that has to affect sales - especially when the quality has slipped big time..before it didn't matter...people would pay whatever for a Benz when the advantage was clear.
M