Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class - Page 2

Mr. Mercedes · 07-02-2007, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alwing

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.

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.

Yannis · 07-02-2007, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnI

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

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

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.

Just_me · 07-02-2007, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yannis

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

That's bad news for Audi?

Yannis · 07-02-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

That's bad news for Audi?

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

atuv · 07-02-2007, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yannis

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

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

Just_me · 07-02-2007, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yannis

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

Yannis check this out

http://www.germancarzone.com/pit-gen...boy-image.html

klier · 07-02-2007, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yannis

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

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

cawimmer430 · 07-02-2007, 06:17 AM

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.

Just_me · 07-02-2007, 06:19 AM

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.

Yannis · 07-02-2007, 06:28 AM

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.

07-02-2007, 06:17 AM	#18 (permalink)
cawimmer430 Contributor Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mühldorf am Inn, Germany Posts: 6,249 Thanks: 2,362 Thanked 1,733 Times in 829 Posts	Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class 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.

07-02-2007, 06:19 AM	#19 (permalink)
Just_me Expert Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 12,612 Thanks: 741 Thanked 2,035 Times in 1,028 Posts	Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class 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.

07-02-2007, 06:28 AM	#20 (permalink)
Yannis Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 7,198 My Mood: Thanks: 1,243 Thanked 1,229 Times in 701 Posts	Re: Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class 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.

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