Filed under: Economy, Hatchbacks, Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz reconsidering A- and B-Class for U.S.
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 A class
The market for luxury cars is slipping, and stalwarts like Mercedes-Benz are not immune. The German automaker's current projections indicate that overall sales will drop by about 10% for 2008, and '09 isn't shaping up to be any better. On the other hand, one of the few bright spots in the U.S. auto market has been the sales of small cars, which have at least sustained level sales and in some cases increased tremendously. While Daimler has no basis for comparison since 2008 was the first year that the fortwo was sold here, sales of the smart brand have greatly outpaced the automaker's projections.
The success of small but premium cars has prompted MB USA to take another look at its A-Class and B-Class cars. This compact duo are sold in other countries, but have been deemed too diminutive to be widely accepted here in the States. That all may change in 2012. By then, Daimler will have had a chance to rework the two cars for the American market, bringing them more in line with the brand's U.S. aspirations, and that's a good thing since the big concern would be whether the two models would devalue the three-pointed star in the fickle eyes of us Americans.
Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport - translated]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
David 10:11AM (11/26/2008)
The B-Class is thought of like the MINI in Canada, and the "brand image" is not diminished.
The A-Class, likewise, but less so, I suspect.
Anyhow, I'm constantly reading how in Europe, MB is considered to be a "full-range" brand.
Anyone can tell that the A-Class is not the most expensive MB, but what does that have to do with a 500 SL? Not much.
Stop being such wusses and bring it over. If this economy has demonstrated anything, it's that "conventional 'wisdom'" in the auto industry is an oxymoron, and most manufacturers, especially American ones, have NO CLUE what Americans want.
For the last time: ALL SUV's are hatchbacks, and they've been amply accepted. I think the point is made, so stop perpetuating the stereotype that Americans won't drive a hatch, or a small car. I honestly thought that once the Smart finally was sold here, that working theory would permanently tossed into the toilet.
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Dave 10:58AM (11/26/2008)
Why would they cheapen their image with this death trap. It was enough when they imported that small Hyundai looking compact with the word Compressor on the back, now this?
why not the LS2LS7? 11:07AM (11/26/2008)
It's funny you say the B-class is thought of like the MINI in Canada. I wouldn't be surprised to see it the same here. But you will note that BMW doesn't call the MINI a BMW!
So the BMW MINI is well thought of, but it's also seen as not something that fits in the BMW lineup. I wouldn't be surprised to see the B-class to be the same way.
In Europe, taxis are M-Bs, and you can get a M-B with steel wheels and cloth seats. I really don't see the US going that direction.
Rick 11:12AM (11/26/2008)
@ Dave
'deathtrap"? Compared to what? If you worried about suvs and such, sales are down to the seventh level of Hades. The three manufactures who are responsible for putting the majority of these things on the roads have cut back production if not stopped it completetly, with the possibility of declaring bankruptcy. So, through attrition and pure undesirable action, actual numbers of non-commercially driven large vehicles that could be a threat to your A-class (or similar type vehicle) will start disappearing from the landscape. You odds of coming in contact with one of them will go down every day.
Judy Zik 11:32AM (11/26/2008)
Actually the A & B are pretty safe cars. They use a "sandwich" design which allows the engine to go under the car instead of into the compartment in a crash. In Canada anyway the B is also fully decked out with all the safety features. It is also a really nice car inside with an amazing amount of space for it's size (think Rondo or Mazda 5 inside without the tiny third row but much nicer finishes). It was on our shortlist last time we were looking and I still might consider it next time around. The biggest problem is pricing which they have addressed with price reductions pretty much every year since it launched here. My biggest problem is I really like to dealer service my vehicles and there isn't a dealer here in town. I am also afraid MB Dealer service will cost more than the car.
why not the LS2LS7? 11:53AM (11/26/2008)
M-B is supposedly dumping the sandwich in the new models (the ones that would make the US shores).
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/19/mercedes-to-pump-some-octane-into-next-a-and-b-retitle/
Sean SL 10:12AM (11/26/2008)
I have been waiting for the A-Class to be sold here for years.
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GOT 7:16AM (11/27/2008)
Hear hear! I've always like the little Mercedes. They have some of the most beautifully designed small cars in the world. Don't know about their reliability or performance, but they look awesome. I'd buy one... or two!
Buffy 10:12AM (11/26/2008)
the A class has been out for YEARS in Europe. The level of which Benz never thought about bringing it here to the US is so emphasized that when I went to a Benz garage here in California, they didn't even know what I was talking about.
'A class?, there is no such thing as an A class" the salesman told me...
Hmmmmmm...............
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:09AM (11/26/2008)
I don't use car salesmen to tell me which way the wind is blowing. They change jobs constantly, and most of them would gladly leave car sales to go to full-on Glengarry, Glen Ross-style real estate sales if presented with the opportunity. They're just not usually car guys.
A better bet would be to ask someone in the service department, usually the person at the parts counter has been there a while, try asking that person.
Smegley 10:12AM (11/26/2008)
please Please PLEASE keep these hideous, overpriced, and underperforming monstrosities out of the USA.
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Ken Stamper 2:48PM (11/26/2008)
Please, please, please, ignore this clown.
If you don't want one, don't buy one.
David 10:14AM (11/26/2008)
Canadians: Yes, I know that the A-Class isn't sold in Canada, but that the B-Class is a huge hit there.
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revaholic 10:23AM (11/26/2008)
I don't know HOW huge the B-Class has been, but you notice them around in the urban areas. However, I'd say I see 10 Minis to 1 B-Class, and probably like 6 Smart Cars to 1 B-Class.
DA_U 10:37AM (11/26/2008)
i dont think its been huge. way many more minis and smarts. i think the problem is people over here expect certain things from Mercedes and the b isnt one of them. the first time i saw one i was at a lose of words and thought someone slapped a Mercedes logo on a honda or something.
David 11:02AM (11/26/2008)
Haven't Smarts, and especially MINIs been sold a fair bit longer than the B-Class in Canada though?
I do agree with your "ranking" of how often they're seen.
Also, in traveling around, it really depends where you go, in terms of what you see. Where I live, I see dozens of MINIs everyday, but during a recent trip to Arizona, I hardly saw any (in the cities!).
Mobius_1 10:17AM (11/26/2008)
The SLK is pretty small :P
The A and B classes need a serious design makeover, they look downright ordinary next to Audi A3, Golf MKV/VI etc.
Speaking of Golfs, I'd rather have a Scirocco than any of the cars I've mentioned.
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psu48187 10:23AM (11/26/2008)
Might work, if they are priced right. Otherwise forget about it. The last thing we need is another C Class Coupe (or a BMW 318ti for that matter).
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Coco 10:29AM (11/26/2008)
Forget the stumpy A, B class, bring over the CLC hatchback!
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inteller 10:35AM (11/26/2008)
When I first saw an A class in Hong Kong I was blown away. There is no need to "bring it in line with US aspirations" The only aspirations I have are to see it appear here in currnet form.
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