Last week, Mercedes-Benz USA chief executive Ernst Lieb confirmed the automaker is indeed working on a new version of its B-Class hatchback for the American market. Now, Daimler AG boss Dieter Zetsche is echoing the sentiment, going as far as saying it’s “likely” the ultra-compact A-Class will also come to the United States.
Mercedes long resisted the idea of bringing B-Class to the American market, fearing it could tarnish the brand’s prestigious image. Despite selling the current-generation B-Class in Canada for years, it wasn’t until fuel prices reached record highs this year the Mercedes finally decided it was time to reconsider the B-Class for America.
With BMW entering the compact market with the 1-Series and X1, it’s not shocking Mercedes wants to do the same with the B-Class. But we’re admittedly surprised the A-Class is also being considered for North American consumption. Zetsche told Automotive News no final decision has been made, but by characterizing it as “likely,” we suspect preparations are already being made.
It’s important to note that the A-Class and B-Class will not be imported to American in their current forms, but rather the next-generation models will be sold here — probably starting some time in 2011.
As previously noted, U.S.-based electric car firm Tesla has signed an agreement with Daimler to provide batteries and possibly motors to Daimler for electric versions of the A- and B-Class. Presumably, those models will be offered here in North America, in addition to typical gasoline variants.
07/28, 11:47 AM
posted by:
xyunya
Not a smart move. They don’t do THAT well in Europe competing on quality with Toyota and Honda. It will be a costly mistake in US. And if domestics will put their act together and provide small quality cars for domestic market, there is little need for this.
07/28, 11:53 AM
posted by:
Nightblack_97
Agreed. Bmw did sell a fair number of 318i’s to the 30k millionaire crowd, but trying to sell a mercedes that looks like an Aveo may be pushing the limit.
07/28, 12:00 PM
posted by:
golf4me
I kinda like the current B-class, but I really like 5dr hatches anyway. If they offer the next version with an efficient diesel, I think they’ll sell a few of them. I think people are finally realizing that a well packaged hatchback will do 99.9% of what they bought an SUV for. Just the other day I was loading up my 325 wagon at Home Depot with a bunch of big items, concrete, and some 2×4s, and the guy next to me in a Durango was like “hey that car holds a lot, what kind of mileage does it get” I told him it gets 25mpg, and it handles like a BMW, I love it. I said it can’t really tow anything, and he goes, “sheeit, I’ve never towed anything in my life”…
07/28, 12:03 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Well… BMW is doing very very nicely with the Minis… so I’m not suprised that Mercedes would try something. Though perhaps they should create some kind of sub-brand just so they can keep their premium name away from anything that might be considered entry-level.
07/28, 12:06 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
as long as the next gen A/B classes look better they should be fine. & if one of the two competes directly with Mini, they’ll do JUST fine. not that the mini is bad, but it gives the consumer an option. These next gen A/B classes are the mercedes models that are getting hyundai’s 2.0-2.4L 4 bangers that C&D & LLN reported about. FYI.
07/28, 12:48 PM
posted by:
Htay9500
Won’t this dilute MBs image here?
07/28, 1:22 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
Yay. An expensive gas saver that is as reliable as Joey Buttafuco. Good move, Dieter.
07/28, 2:13 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I think B-calss is sold in Canada. Not very well sold, but available. I don’t believe it can compete with Mini. Mini is just great little car to drive. A/B class very non-discreet. The only thing that separates those from Mitsubishi or Corolla is 3 pointed star. And I am not talking Evo, I am talking plane Jane Mirage.
07/29, 7:21 AM
posted by:
rotaryrkt
This decision has nothing to do with demand. By offering these types of models they will be able to offset their CAFE numbers and be able to continue selling bi-turbo V-12’s and 500 horsepower AMG models.