Switching tactics

[balthazar]

With U.S. sales of the S-class sedan down 16% in 2017, some analysts are noting evidence of an apparent change of approach by Daimler.

Though it is unconfirmed as to whether it will be sold in the U.S. market, Mercedes recently unveiled their entry-level A-Class model for the European market, due to go on sale there in May of 2018. Specifications released with images of the next generation A-Class detail three new technologies that are going to debut there first, rather than on the next S-class.

The A-Class tech that may well trickle up to the higher models is a voice-activated infotainment system, an extended blind-spot assist that remains active for 3 minutes after the vehicle has been parked, and a private car-sharing feature for 'close friends and family'. This last feature claims to allow the key to be left in the vehicle for those approved persons to borrow your car for a set amount of time. This is apparently a degree of Beta test exploring future car sharing development, itself a widely speculative sector.

Mercedes CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche noted at the vehicle's Amsterdam unveiling that S-Class level driver assistance and safety features will also be available on the new A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz branded vehicles have seen relatively strong growth in the lower price tiers in recent years. The press release A-Class images show a markedly similar face as the S-class coupe (2017 MSRP: $124K), in addition to an elongated display panel and steering wheel borrowed from the S-class.

Some analysts are floating the theory that Daimler's continual push for volume over all else has the automaker moving it's focus to the lower end of it's catalog, as the upper level sedans dwindle sharply in sales volume.

 

 

[G. David Felt]

GM has been testing a private share feature for friends and family also on the BOLT. I think in many cases the future due to cost of autos will be families and friends sharing an auto in some cases.

This alone just continues to prove what many here has said that MB is nothing more than a Toyota, GM, VW company and not just a pure Luxury maker anymore.