Even the super wealthy aren’t immune to the recent economic downturn, resulting in some of the world’s top tier luxury brands seeing a sharp decline in new car sales. Daimler’s Maybach ultra-luxury brand was experiencing slower-than-expected sales even before the collapse on Wall Street – prompting plenty of rumors that the marque would finally meet its end – but Daimler says Maybach is in for the long haul.
Although Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche sounded less than confident in the marque’s future when he told reports earlier this year that the fate of Maybach would be decided on within two years, Dr. Z has since told Automotive News that Daimler’s luxury brand is here to say. Moreover, Zetsche revealed that Maybach is not losing money.
But even with Zetsche new backing, it doesn’t change the facts for the brand. Maybach sales have been slow since the brand’s re-launch and Daimler only managed to sell 146 Maybach vehicles in 2007, about a tenth of the sales originally predicted for the marque. Since 2001, 40 percent of Maybach dealers have shut their doors.
The future of Maybach isn’t exactly the brightest star in the galaxy, with no new models in the pipelines. The Maybach 63 and 57 — which are largely based on the last-generation Mercedes S-Class — have continued on relatively unchanged since their launch and the limited-edition Landaulet isn’t expected to bolster sales.
But with Bugatti reportedly developing a new super sedan, it could just be the motivation Maybach needs to design a new model of its own.
10/10, 10:06 AM
posted by:
pavlindrom
Then 20 years from now my extremely used, just bought Maybach won’t be that exclusive.
10/10, 12:36 PM
posted by:
A4
well 20 years from now its going to be worth about as much as a used S-class.
10/10, 1:56 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
i like maybach. sucks they’re not going as good as expected. i’ve still only seen about 3 or 4 since introduced.
10/10, 3:22 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
The problem with the Maybach is it is too understated. I suppose it is a good choice for wealthy introverts who want the luxury, but don’t want to be seen.
I would rather have a Rolls Royce or Bentley for the same money.
10/10, 4:23 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
YESS!
Thank you Daimler, you’ve made the right choice!
Z06ified, I have to agree. If your buying a half a million dollar car (like the 62) you would want people to at least know how much the car is worth.. All they have to do is redesign the front end and a bit of the interior and it will look much better.
But still, if I had the choice between a Continental Flying Spur, and a 62, or a 57, I would probably choose the Flying Spur. The 57S would of been my next choice.
10/10, 4:27 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
I actually had the opportunity to sit in one, and my younger brother drove a 57s yesterday. Very nice cars. The V12 is VEEEEERY quiet. Even 20 years from now, they will be comfortable, if 20 years from now will come.
10/10, 4:29 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
Just thinking some more:
Personally I think Maybach should not rely on Mercedes for future new models. Maybach has the power and strength (and the money) to develop new models itself.
The thing is with Maybach, is that they sell really nice ultra luxury cars, but for WAY to much. That’s why their sales have been low. Sure everyone wants a Maybach (Would I be right to say the 57 or the 57S is the most appealing model?) but not for the price, that’s why the sales have been close to the ground ever since the company re-launched.
10/10, 4:30 PM
posted by:
pavlindrom
The leather is so fine, you feel like royalty even when it’s very cold and you have underpants on and so on. So much better than the S-Class. The only drawback, apart from the design, is that the status quota requires to be chauffeured everywhere. I’d rather drive it, though, which takes me 200 grand lower.
10/10, 9:59 PM
posted by:
Get Real
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA….
Germans are so freaking stubborn.
10/13, 1:31 AM
posted by:
cftisa
LLN are such big idiots, it is the Maybach 62, not 63.