Baby Benz B: Coming to America?
It's no great revelation that Mercedes-Benz has long projected itself as a premium automotive brand in the United States, where the three-pointed star is recognized as a badge of luxury. The American market has also been a driving force in Mercedes' development and marketing of large, gas-guzzling sport-utility vehicles. The same can't be said for overseas markets, where Mercedes offers small cars (as well as commercial vehicles), and where Benz taxicabs are a common sight.
But according to the latest reports, DaimlerChrysler's approach towards the American market may see a change as the demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars increases. Currently, the C-Class holds up the bottom of the US range for Mercedes; Canadian buyers can buy the B-Class; and overseas the A-Class is offered a notch above the Smart ForTwo.
Having already introduced the B in Canada, bringing it southward into the United States would be a logical move. It's undoubtedly a delicate move for Mercedes as the company tries to gain market share as demands shift, all the while trying to avoid over-diluting the brand.
[Source: Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Stphane Dumas 7:27AM (12/27/2006)
I don't know if it could work, some will probably critic this move, but to avoid a dilutation of the brand Mercedes, how about badging the B-Class as a Dodge just like the Sprinter?
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nicole 2:43PM (12/26/2006)
BMW is also planning to bring its 1-series small car to the US, which will mean the perennial rivals will have yet another segment to fight over.
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Steve Miller 3:05PM (12/26/2006)
I'm getting tired of hearing "they might", "no, they're not", bla bla bla.. just bring us the B already. I'd go over and get one in Canada, but getting it back across the border would be too expensive.
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SOhp101 3:05PM (12/26/2006)
Since BMW said they would bring their 1-series (at an unspecified predetermined time), this isn't surprising.
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bepsf 10:42PM (12/26/2006)
Over-dilute the Brand?
This from a company that has 4 SUV's, 4 Sedans (including Maybach), 3 coupes (one with 4 doors), 2 Roadsters, a stationwagon and a Commercial Delivery van - and another SUV on the way - priced anywhere from 30K-250K? (Not to mention all the different engine permutations of each model???)
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Adam 5:49PM (12/26/2006)
Well I live in canada and we have the B class. You can go to www.mercedes-benz.ca to see it. I tell you the turbo is the one to get. The B200 comes with a 134 hp 2.0 liter SOHC 8 valve 4 cyl. Really pathetic and terrible engine. Mercedes can make a V12, but they absolutely cant make a 4 cylinder.
Then there is the B200 Turbo. 207 HP engine.
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John 4:47PM (12/26/2006)
I suppose DC figures there are a lot of Americans who will buy a MB that is the same size and power as a VW Mk V Golf/Rabbit but sells for twice the price. In Canada, the B is only a few grand less than the C. Like all Benzes, the main attraction is the snob appeal I suppose. The B is a fine car mind you....just costs a hell of a lot for a front wheel drive hatchback (add a few basic options and with all the fees, just a nick under $50k CDN).
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Rick Z. 6:46PM (12/26/2006)
Speaking of Benz taxis, I wish that Mercedes would bring a larger variety of diesel and kompressor engines (not smaller cars) to the United States. In my travels to Europe, the 3.2 is one of the largest engines, and a 5.5 is almost unheard of. More common are the E200 Kompressor, E280CDI, and S320CDI models. What I would do for some more diesels!!!
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bepsf 7:08PM (12/26/2006)
"Overdiluting the brand"???
They sell everything from $30K-$300K+ cars (including Maybach) here in the States: 4 sedans, a Limousine, 3 Coupes (one of which has 4 doors), 2 Roadsters, 4 SUV's and a Wagon (or is that 3 SUVs and 2 Wagons???), a Hatchback, a 4-seat Convertible, (and soon a 4-door convertible) and a Commercial Delivery van all with a variety of engines, nearly all with AMG/performance versions and several w/ AWD options.
Up & coming Toyota doesn't even offer this many models here! If you ask me, MBZ couldn't get much more diluted...
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Steve Parker 1:26AM (12/27/2006)
Saw an undisguised A-class Mercedes with a 3.2 sticker on its rear end and California Distributor plates on the I-10 Freeway outside Palm Springs this past Thursday evening (12-21-06), heading east towards Phoenix. Car was full of what appeared to be friends and/or family members loaded for bear with a ton of holiday gifts in the car's rear storage area...
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BANTER 10:01PM (12/26/2006)
Don't even bother with the B200. I was considering this and the Audi A3 about 8 months ago. If you like a drivers car that handles great and has plenty of power to push it then go for the A3. I test drove the B200 first and then the A3 and within a couple of blocks in the A3 I was sold. When I priced the two cars out I was looking at about 5k more for the B200 over the A3 as well, this was basically matching the 2 models as per what I wanted on them. The B200 blows (and looks like crap, roof-line way too high)... get an A3 or wait for a the BMW 1 Series if you're looking for a hot luxury hatch.
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sfast 12:14PM (12/27/2006)
Benz already tried this. It was called the C-Coupe and it failed. Maybe the B class is a differet way to go about getting into the same market but thats a market M-B shouldn't be in anyway. They might as well slap some new M-B logos on the Caliber because it will be the same result, failure.
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Chuck 5:49PM (12/28/2006)
Why all the buzz about Bimmers and Mercs..? Ever pay attention to reports about reliability anbd frequency of repairs? Not to mention the costs? I have owned both, it wasn't the money for repairs that bothered me, it was the FACT they spent 20-30 % of their time being repaired.
If they were as good as they say, great. But they aren't. The Japanese have it all over the Euro's.
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Tom 4:38PM (1/01/2007)
After my trip to England and Paris in Sept. of 2005, I have tried to see if MB was going to introduce the B model to the US. I saw many A Class on my trip and most were diesel powered. I have inquired of Canadian dealers as to the possiblity of buying an B Class in Canada and taking it to the US and they say NO. As far as diesel power in Europe, I would venture to say 30 percent were diesel. One could only hope for more economical models here.
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