Mercedes A- and B-class small cars may yet come to US market
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 A class
At various times over the past ten years, Mercedes-Benz has investigated the possibility of bringing its compact front wheel drive A- and B-class cars to the US market. The slightly larger B has been available north of the border in Canada for several years. Oddly enough, the fuel prices that have long been taxed to higher levels than in this country have stimulated demand for more efficient cars (imagine that!) and Mercedes has responded. Until now, though, neither car has been offered in the US because Daimler didn't feel it could sell them in high enough volumes to be profitable.
With the total car market in this country in decline right now, even the German luxury brands are looking at more affordable options to pull in customers. Mercedes is working to significantly reduce the production cost of the next generation of the A and B and those cars are being considered for the US in 2012 when they debut.
Gallery: Mercedes A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport - translated]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jay 12:18AM (11/27/2008)
This might not be a great idea for Mercedes. Their image as a luxury brand was arguably harmed by introducing the B-class in this country - it's not very good looking car, and it lessens the whole mystique of the brand. It's like BMW bringing out a version of the Beetle - it changes the way you think about the whole line of cars.
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Ralph Taite 9:26AM (11/28/2008)
Canadian fuel taxes are higher, but I recently computed the differences gallon for gallon in USD. They pay between 50 cents and a US dollar a gallon more on average than we do.
It's a good policy to be honest, but I think we need to quantify what is meant by higher fuel taxes because the article made me think of European fuel prices which are as much as 4 dollars a gallon more than Americans pay.
Ralph
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calguy 8:39PM (11/28/2008)
Be it Mercedes or any other car maker.. there is certainly an opportunity for makers of small cars to up the luxury ante. Thousands of MINIs with leather, sunroofs, heated seats, DSC.. have shown there's room for providing more (profitable features) to those that want smaller cars. Every Japanese car brand misses this opportunity. From the Prius to the Yaris to the Fit- all popular cars, there's little doubt that these cars could bring owners of big cars that wish to downsize- but don't want to go with 'economy' cars. Just because you want a small car doesn't mean you want an uncomfortable, stripped car. If MB snips in and gets the next models right- it's there's to profit.
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Canuck1 5:28PM (4/25/2009)
I would give anything to fetch an A-Class in the States. Apart from great fuel economy, and environmental considerations, it is remarkably roomy. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
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