Mercedes-Benz has purposely steered clear of the compact end of the market in the United States to preserve its up-scale image, but the German automaker will reportedly enter the premium compact segment in 2012 with at least one imported vehicle.
Word of Mercedes-Benz’ interest in the compact segment first surfaced during the summer of 2008 – when gas prices spiked to $4 a gallon around the country – but the subsequent economic collapse forced Mercedes to suspend its market-expanding plans. However, with the market showing signs of recovery and at least four new small models in the works, Mercedes-Benz has decided to revisit its previous plans.
Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche revealed Mercedes-Benz is considering marketing at least one of its four new compact vehicles in the United States. The compact Mercedes would compete with vehicles like the BMW 1-Series, MINI Cooper and Audi A3.
It remains unclear exactly which model — or models — has been earmarked for sale in the U.S., but the next-generation B-Class appears to be the leading candidate to surface in Mercedes showrooms in 2012. Adding such a vehicle would not only give Mercedes an answer for the aforementioned vehicles, but would also help the company comply with upcoming CAFE regulations.
However, Mercedes still has a few issues to deal with before it can enter the compact segment here. Mercedes’ smallest vehicles are made overseas, making for an unfavorable exchange rate. Mercedes also has to figure out how a cheaper offering would impact its premium status. But with gas prices expected to climb in the coming years, a compact Mercedes on our shores seems like a sure bet.
11/17, 5:21 PM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
I’ve always liked the Canadian-spec B-Class
11/17, 5:48 PM
posted by:
Borat
We already have Benz build compact -Smart
11/17, 5:54 PM
posted by:
j-dubb
It would be nice If MB could create an entry level car company with premium but affordable frontdrive cars to compete with the likes of Camry and Accord you know how they created their luxury marks back in 89′ but in reverese
11/17, 6:03 PM
posted by:
Borat
I think this role was planned for Chryco, and then when things didn’t pan out Chryco got raped tossed overboard.
11/17, 6:04 PM
posted by:
A4
Better figure out what a manual transmission is, Benz.
11/17, 6:28 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
I wouldn’t mind seeing the B-class in the states, it’s already sold up north. If MB could offer a subcompact/compact with a good amount of get-up-and-go, good fuel economy, a couple of uncommon luxury features in such a small car and good quality it would most likely sell very well.
11/17, 6:35 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Damn it!!! Now we will be stuck with that fetus looking B-Class Mercedes only hated the Canadians enough to put out in North America! Why MB? What did we do to you to deserve this?!?!
11/17, 7:23 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Would love to see an alternative to BMW 1 Series.
11/17, 7:24 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Would love to see a MB alternative to BMW 1 Series.
11/17, 8:40 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
we got a cousin in europe who has a tiny mercedes, not sure what the name of it was, but it was almost kind of like a honda fit. It had a tiny diesel and could easily haul around 5 people, and has more than 250k kilometers! As long as we can get something like that, I’m happy with it.
11/17, 9:18 PM
posted by:
A4
A-Class?
11/17, 9:52 PM
posted by:
85ZingoGTR
I was just thinking A-Class too. Or the B-Class already sold in Canada
11/17, 10:28 PM
posted by:
orangecones
Would wannna see an A/B-class for ~$20-5k. Keep it classy and it will sell.
11/17, 10:35 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
To all my American friends who are expressing interest in the B-Class… are you f*cking retarded? Have you seen this abomination in sheet metal in real life? The answer is obviously f*cking no! What do I have to do to get you to believe me? C’mon up… Johnny’s buying the beer… we’re going to hang around Westminster Highway and 3 Road for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon until every last one of you is dry heaving or f*cking blind. Do not wish this upon yourselves… do not pass go and collect a lifetime supply of barf bags… you do not want this abortion anywhere below that imaginary border that separates our weed from your blow!
11/17, 11:55 PM
posted by:
Veda
The A Class is too small and crappy for the US market, it’ll ruin their image. The B Class is compact and fun and is similar to the SX4. And yes, I’ve driven one so I know what I’m talking about.
11/18, 12:01 AM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
i’ll visit, but only if i can get some free surgery from your generous health care system, or maybe some of that good BC weed i heard about in seattle…
11/18, 2:17 AM
posted by:
ayrtonJ
Bring the A-class!
11/18, 8:34 AM
posted by:
carstuff
If gas gets over $5 a whole bunch of these teeny cars will be sold here. Looks like the manufacturers see the writing in the oil and are preparing.
Lets see, how many have already announced or already shipping micro vehicles?
GM Spark
MB Smart
MB B class
Nissan Leaf
Need some help, what are other smaller than sub compact cars were announced to come here?