bum-man

Exactly, as long as the company is profitable enough to stay alive and make the best cars regardless of price... as far as sales figures go, I could care less.

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Merc1

Yep because people will pay for quality, that is how Mercedes built up such an historic lead over Audi and BMW in the first place, higher quality and a better car, not lower sticker prices.

M

Hypersonic

OK, I take on board what you are saying Merc1 - except you are missing one major fact here - Mercedes-Benz used to be unquestionably the leader of the pack, there is no way in hell that Audi or BMW will ever let Mercedes (or more particularly the S class) be seen in a league of it's own again - from now on the fight is more about image and perceived prestige - the argument over who makes the best car in the world no longer is an objective one - it's now, more than ever, a matter of personal opinion.

Just_me

that always what I thought. I have never bought a car depending on what carmags say. I make my own opinions cause its a car for me and what others think I dont care about as long as the car make me satisified.

Merc1

That is true, but things have changed. No one will hold the type of lead in every way like Mercedes used to over BMW and Audi. I still think Mercedes can and does (in some cases) make the better car, but the difference isn't nearly what it used to be.

Now it is possible for Mercedes to hold a huge lead in quality over the other two if they'd adopt the Japanese method of lean production. Lexus' quality scores are head, shoulders and grilles above MB/BMW/Audi in nearly every country around the world. That is the type of quality I want Mercedes to have, but you're right as far as the cars themselves (engineering/driving/styling etc. etc.) it is a much, much closer contest than in years past.

This is why I think Mercedes needs to get rid of some of their lower line models (A/B) so they can concentrate on what they do best, E,CL,SL, and S. The SL and CL are still unique amoung German luxury car brands and Mercedes needs to demonstrate overall brand superiority with these cars in the few segments that BMW/Audi don't directly compete in.

You and I are in agreement on getting rid of the A and B-Class vehicles and when I think about it, they might not need this baby M-Class either, not sure though.

With a lineup this expansive there is no way each one of these products can be class-leaders. Its too ask, even of Mercedes engineers.

M

Merc1

Well it always comes down to personal opinion. Every magazine in the world could say that a certain car is superior in every way to anything else on the road and someone will totally disagree based on what they experienced during a test drive etc. It has always been that way. I think what Roberto and I are talking about is who the industry and the majority of the car enthusiasts considers the "best". The individual will always vary.

M

Just_me

and they are?

Merc1

Who are you asking about?

M

Just_me

I dont understand this, I need a explanation
I think what Roberto and I are talking about is who the industry and the majority of the car enthusiasts considers the "best"

Merc1

The industry: press and what not. Like they right now consider Audi to be a leader in interior design/quality. Mercedes is considered a leader in innovation, BMW in performance etc. etc.

Or,

Whatever the consensous is amoung enthusiasts is at the moment about a particular brand, car etc.

M

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