Mercedes Will Not Sell a Sub C-Class Model in U.S.

[Variance]

Mercedes Will Not Sell a Sub C-Class Model in U.S.

DaimlerChrysler's premium brand Mercedes-Benz won't sell a small car in the United States even though consumers in the world's biggest car market are clamouring for fuel efficiency, a top Mercedes official said.

"In the U.S., Mercedes is perceived as a luxury car," Mercedes Car Group sales and marketing chief Klaus Maier told Reuters at the Paris car show, stressing his group did not want to dilute the brand by moving too far down market.

Read "Mercedes-Benz won't sell small car in U.S." @ Reuters

[Flybrian]

No way!

Restraint. Like None Other.

[thegriffon]

I don't see why it can't be small, as long as it's Really Expensive. Like Haute Cuisine, a lot of money for very small portions.

[Bimmer325]

Wow.

It's become a rarity for Mercedes to restrain itself from entering new, unnecessary segments in our market. Finally, a good call on behalf of MB.

[VenSeattle]

Huh? The high profile Segway recall must have crushed plans to rebadge it as a new entry-level Mercedes.

[the_yellow_dart]

What's wrong with the B? If there is such a thing as a luxury compact, that's it.

[Variance]

What's wrong with the B? If there is such a thing as a luxury compact, that's it.

200762[/snapback]

There's a reason they killed the C-Class hatchcoupe and the C and E wagons sell like garbage: People don't want an overpriced Mercedes hatch or wagon. They prefer the overpriced Mercedes sedans, coupes and SUVs.

[C.H.U.D.]

I've seen a few around. Canada's a bit different than the U.S.But I don't think it would do well in the states.

I definitely wouldn't own one.

[Polish_Kris]

Wow. 

It's become a rarity for Mercedes to restrain itself from entering new, unnecessary segments in our market.  Finally, a good call on behalf of MB.

200633[/snapback]

What unnecessary segment? It's competing with the A3, and it's selling well, see many of them on the streets

[Intrepidation]

No way!

Restraint. Like None Other.

200586[/snapback]

Oh Fly, you amuse me so.

What unnecessary segment?  It's competing with the A3, and it's selling well, see many of them on the streets

212209[/snapback]

I've only seen one I think. Plus the A3 looks good...the B-Classes does not....plus if I recall the interior materials and general weren't very good. The A3 on the other hand, has a great interior.

Edit: or was the lousy interior quality in reference to the A-Class...hmm...I forget, so I could be wrong.

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Way to go Mercedes for not whoring yourselves out to every US segment...I guess some country has to respect you still.

Edited November 5, 2006 by Dodgefan