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2008 Mercedes B Class: American Introduction Delayed?
Mercedes has long looked at the entire U.S. auto market as fair game, meaning it is not just a place where it can sell luxury vehicles, but a place to market “low budget” vehicles too. Unknown to some American motorists, the Mercedes name is much broader than simply being a luxury make. Like its German rival, Volkswagen, Mercedes sells cars in Europe that compete directly against the Golf as well as against the luxurious VW Phaeton. Still, introducing a “budget Benz” to America is a psychological hurdle that parent DaimlerChrysler is delaying making a commitment to. Let’s take a look at the proposed B Class and the reasons why the model not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
For starters, the proposed B Class is based upon Mercedes A Class line of cars. Okay, that tells you a lot! In short, the A Class is a true line of compact cars that are popular in Europe. If you were to give serious consideration to purchasing a Volkswagen Golf you would consider the A Class to be its logical competitor. A slightly larger model, the B Class, makes better use of engine placement and design to produce a car that isn’t much larger than the A Class on the outside, but is almost as roomy as the S Class is on the inside [when configured as a wagon]. Beyond all of that, the B Class will be built with Mercedes’ electronic stability program and come equipped with more standard features of any car in its class. Basically, the B Class would be about the size of a Rabbit with all the typical Mercedes gadgets and trim that Mercedes owners prefer. So, if the B Class were to sell in the U.S., most models would likely retail for around $25,000, which is well above the price of a fully loaded Golf. Published reports via automotive sites and blogs are indicating that the car may not make it to the U.S. due to several concerns. These include: Cost factor. Mercedes lost plenty of money in 2005 and the company is doing all it can to return to profitability as soon as possible. Preparing any car for the U.S. market takes time and costs money; DaimlerChrysler is loathe to expend money on a project that may not be profitable at the start. Consumer perception. A very strong psychological aspect must be overcome first and that is consumer perception. While the Mercedes name adorns a variety of vehicle levels in Europe the name is perceived as “pure luxury” in the U.S. Mercedes remembers Cadillac’s attempt in the past to produce a budget Caddy [remember the Cimarron?] and how those attempts failed miserably. BMW. BMW is also considering importing a budget model, the “1 Series.” Expect Mercedes to get serious about the B Class if BMW imports the 1 Series. Presently, only the sedan and wagon would be imported to the U.S. and any hatch versions would stay in Europe. With available diesel power, the B Class might thrive as customers gravitate to a car capable of cracking 40 miles to the gallon. Introducing the B Class to the American market is a risky proposition, but what is there about selling cars that isn’t? Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is The Auto Writer covering new cars, the classics, auto parts and accessories, insurance, and more. Matt suggests you find great Benz Bin Mercedes Parts for less by shopping online today.
(AFX UK Focus) 2006-06-15 10:24 GMT: DaimlerChrysler being sued by US car dealer over 1.7 mln usd junk carLOS ANGELES (AFX) - An exotic car dealer in the US yesterday said he has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against DaimlerChrysler AG and its subsidiary Mercedes-Benz for a full refund on a malfunctioning rare automobile, calling it "the world's most expensive lemon." Mark Johnston, owner of Grand Prix Motors in Los Angeles, bought a Mercedes Benz AMG CLK-GTR roadster, one of only five produced, and the only car of its kind in North America for 1.7 mln usd in 2003. The Guinness Book of World Records lists the car as the most expensive production vehicle ever. "The car turned out to be exotic in the worst possible way," said Johnston, a former Ferrari mechanic. "It just doesn't run." The limited edition roadster is made of carbon fiber with an integrated steel roll cage and energy absorbing crash box. read more. Mercedes-Benz SL500RAir Conditioning (AC), Cruise Control, Power Seat(s), Power Locks, Power Steering, Power Windows, Tilt Steering Wheel, Power Mirrors. Sound System CD Player. Safety Anti-locking Brakes (ABS), Alarm System. Interior Leather Interior, Rear Window Defroster. Exterior (other) Alloy Wheels. 1999 SL500R - Sport Package, 18" AMG wheels, Carfax, extended warranty 26 months/35k more miles,PRICELESS, 50,900 miles, flawless. $27k 206-947-0552 . read more. Symbol of excellence back on topI'm old enough to remember when the Cadillac slogan was the "Universal symbol of excellence," and performance cars for years wore the Cadillac brand. Unfortunately, during the last third of the 20th century, those images softened, and Cadillacs were just luxury cars. Now Cadillac is back with excellence and great performance. In a short period recently, I had the opportunity to drive the hottest Cadillacs ever built: CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V and the 2007 Escalade. Cadillac CTS-V With its dramatic styling and world-class handling, the CTS has brought attention back to the premium brand. For the 2005 model year, the CTS raised the bar to the next level with the CTS-V powered by the Corvette 400-horsepower, LS2 6-literV-8 engine attached to a six-speed manual transmission. read more.
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