Mercedes-Benz may discontinue the A-Class
Automotive News is reporting that Mercedes-Benz is going to drop their smallest model, the A-Class. The A-Class had a rather ignominious entry into the world in 1997 when an early production model was tested by some Swedish journalists in a common test there known as the "Moose Test". Essentially it is just a double lane change obstacle avoidance maneuver. Unfortunately for Mercedes, the A-Class failed miserably, rolling over.
Mercedes quickly responded halting sales for a time and doing a "crash" development program to add electronic stability control. From a crash safety standpoint the A-Class had a unique design with a sandwich double floor that allowed the engine to slide under the floor in the event of a frontal collision. The A-Class platform was Mercedes first front wheel drive car and has been used as a test bed for battery and fuel cell development. The third generation model was due in 2011 but it now looks like it may be canceled.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mattias 9:07AM (7/02/2007)
The A and B class are nice economic little vans with a very high seating position. This makes them a favourite with elderly people. Since the A and B class are FWD and use an engine with a hig slant none of the components of the RWD Mercedes can be used. It was planned to share platforms and engines with Chrysler (Dodge Caliber), but this option does not look so good anymore.
There is rumor that a next B class will take the BMW 1series approach to build a small economic RWD hatch. There are some artists renderings on thet topic but I don't know how realistic this scenario is. With the C class moving upwards, it makes sense.
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shmuupy 12:47PM (7/02/2007)
sad I really hoped they would bring this to the US - these cars are so CUTE.
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amg 4:28PM (7/02/2007)
I had the opportunity to drive the A130 diesel when I visited England for a week in April. It was a competent and well-designed little car, and it took me a few days to realize that it was equipped with a CVT; I just thought it had a really smooth automatic tranny. You'd never know it was a diesel sitting on the inside; there was no audible clatter, though you could hear it at idle while standing outside the car.
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Steve 7:39PM (7/02/2007)
About a week ago, I saw a B-class on a flatbed truck crossing the Bay Bridge into San Francisco. Didn't get a chance to see the sides though to know if it was a promo for something. Maybe they're on their way here...
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frank d 1:34PM (7/03/2007)
Having driven the A-class in Europe ... this news is very sad; as it certainly will not come to the US if it is about to be discontinued.
IMO there is nothing wrong with FWD. I find it safer to drive & control.
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PS 9:15AM (8/16/2007)
I've owned and driven an A-Class (a red 'Asian version' Avantgarde) since early 1999 and have had few complaints about this unfairly under-rated gem of a practical (and unusually energy-efficient) car with a unique (for a reason, rather than the 'design for design's sake' type) design which stands the test of time. I'd say it's a cut above the run-of-mill, so-called utility cars in terms of both style and value. It's a shame that Mercedes would decide to discontinue its production. My A-Class is still running smoothly after all these years and I have every intention of continuing to be a proud owner of it for as long as the spare parts are available. Long live the memory of this brilliantly designed car!
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