Due to record gas prices and a rising demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in the US, Mercedes-Benz is considering the idea of importing its next generation of the B-Class to the US. They are also working on a new "baby" SUV that is smaller than the current M-Class.
If the B-Class does make it to the US it will not be before 2011. For now the automaker wants to focus on the new C-Class that will be coming out soon. The current B-Class is also halfway through its life cycle, so it would make more sense to bring it to the US when it is redesigned.
According to the CEO of Mercedes' US division, Ernst Lieb, the US market may not jump at the idea of a car that is smaller and cheaper than the C-Class. “Today when I talk to customers, I really wonder if they are ready for a small car,” he said, but he knows that younger customers who’ve driven the B-class and the smaller A-class in Europe are “open to it”.
The new small SUV is expected to be launched next year, but the automaker hasn't made a decision on selling it in the US. Although it would compete against the X3, LR2 and RDX SUVs. The SUV is expected to be labeled as the GLK.
Full Story: Motor Authority
Comments (5)
People buy small cars all the time, they just don't want to spend 30grand on a small car with very little value over the 15grand car.
Posted by mf | May 22, 2007 10:05 PM
Posted on May 22, 2007 22:05
So instead of using a Dodge Neon for your small car, it's now a Scion xA?? Ugly, ugly, ugly!
Posted by Corey | May 23, 2007 7:19 AM
Posted on May 23, 2007 07:19
It would be great, unfortunately it would be horribly misunderstood, people who never sat in one would make fun of them all the time and people would be afraid to buy them. Then people would base their understanding of MB on the B class.
Now, if MB could just buy a storied British brand with a small car that's been missing from the US for years, and sell it under that name, it would be perfect... Hmmm, let's see, who's available....
Oh yeah, none.
Posted by Obviously DaMinority | May 25, 2007 5:18 PM
Posted on May 25, 2007 17:18
I don't know how a Scion XA is uglier compared to a Neon. The Neon is just plain boring not to mention it has lots mechanical flaws. Anyway as for Benz brining in smaller cars I don't think it will work unless it is a seperate division and they get their own dealership. This is one of the reason with the Smart division failed. Why have a Smart customers with Benz customers? they get treated like crap when they are in the same dealership. Sales guys aren't interested in helping someone who wants to buy a $24k car, they want the $40k+ customers. Anyway they go t a liot of rebuilding to do ahead of them.
Posted by Will | May 30, 2007 3:45 PM
Posted on May 30, 2007 15:45
We get 'em in Canada. My last 4 cars have been Benz's and while not up to the W20x ride/comfort level, I find the new w245 a nice compromise. Its deceptively massive on the inside (just brought home a 52" LCD in the back of it last weekend - with a few inches to spare), it gets good fuel economy, is fun to drive for a front wheel drive vehicle, and still feels like a Benz (all the controls work as expected in larger Benz's). I think our Southern neighbours would enjoy them!
Posted by RaelBot | November 24, 2007 1:09 PM
Posted on November 24, 2007 13:09