Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-toyota-considering-cooperation-with-daimler-on-compact/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-toyota-considering-cooperation-with-daimler-on-compact/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-toyota-considering-cooperation-with-daimler-on-compact/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Toyota is considering a partnership with Daimler to build Mercedes-Benz' A- and B-Class sub-compacts on the Japanese automaker's MC platform. The idea is to maximize the efficiency and output of Toyota's European plants, and could also include sharing development costs on each brand's next generation flagships: the Lexus LS and Mercedes S-Class. Daimler has dismissed the report as "speculation," while a Toyota Motor Europe spokesman toed the company line, only saying "It's part of our normal business practice that we regularly talk to other carmakers but there are no specific projects planned at the moment."

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Reuters]

REPORT: Toyota considering cooperation with Daimler on compact, full-size models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classdaimlerlexuslexus lsLexusLslsmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classMercedes-benzE-classmercedesbenzs-classtoyotatoyota daimlerToyotaDaimlerWed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz unveils updated 2009 A-Class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/mercedes-benz-unveils-updated-2009-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/mercedes-benz-unveils-updated-2009-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/mercedes-benz-unveils-updated-2009-a-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

We were just talking about the A-Class yesterday and what the future holds for Merc's most diminutive model, and the German automaker reveals the redesigned 2009 model right under our noses. The updates fall far short of a full redesign, but the exterior of the A-Class in both five- and three-door models gets tweaked with new headlamps, bumpers and front grille (is it smiling at us?). The side-view mirrors have also been made larger, and body-colored door handles are standard across the lineup. The interior gets a swath of new fabrics, and also a larger stowage compartment in the center console with new cup holders. We know, exciting stuff. Hardware-wise, the A-Class does benefit from the availability of an engine start/stop function on two of its petrol-powered models, the A 150 BlueEFFICIENCY and A 170 BlueEFFICIENCY. The A 160 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has also been upgraded and is even easier on fuel than before.

The rest of the A-Class updates can be found in the Mercedes-Benz press release after the jump, which unfortunately includes no mention of new models in the lineup for now. As we said yesterday, the entire A-Class lineup will likely be revamped around 2011, so these updates announced today will bridge the gap between now and a better A-Class of tomorrow.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class


[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz unveils updated 2009 A-Class

Mercedes-Benz unveils updated 2009 A-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 a-class2009 mercedes-benz a-class2009A-class2009Mercedes-benzA-classa-classmercedes-benzmercedes-benz a-classMercedes-benzA-classFri, 28 Mar 2008 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/mercedes-planning-1-series-rival-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's no secret that the Mercedes-Benz A-class hasn't been a resounding success and that the automaker is looking to revamp its entry-level line-up to better compete with rivals. According to Autocar, M-B boss Dieter "Dr. Z" Zetsche has green-lighted a new model that's taking aim at the BMW 1-series and Audi A3, and will accompany the rest of the revised A-class models when it debuts in 2011.

The new model will replace the aging, if just recently facelifted, CLC and will initially come to market sporting a coupe body style instead of a three-door hatch. Mercedes plans to expand the rest of the A-classes to include at least three different body styles of each model, coinciding with the launch of the new B-class, which will be designed to compete with the upcoming BMW X1.

Power will supposedly come from a combination of direct-injection gasoline and diesel powerplants, with output ranging from 120 to 200 hp. Pricing should be competitive with BMW's 1-series models, with the new A-class falling right around the £19,000 mark.

[Source: Autocar]

Mercedes planning 1-series rival in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a classa-classAClassaudi a3AudiA3b classb-classBClassbmw 1-seriesbmw 135iBmw1-seriesBmw135imercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzThu, 27 Mar 2008 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/mercedes-going-solo-for-new-a-and-b-classes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/mercedes-going-solo-for-new-a-and-b-classes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/mercedes-going-solo-for-new-a-and-b-classes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes' small cars, the A-Class and B-Class, have not been the runaway success that the German automaker had hoped they would be, partially due to high costs of production that drove retail prices up above their competitors. That's why Mercedes-Benz had been looking at forming a partnership with a rival automaker in order to reduce costs and produce more competitively-priced entry-level models. But after discussions were held with both BMW and Fiat, Mercedes has opted to go it alone.

Read more after the jump.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes

Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classbenzbmwdaimlerfiatmercedespartnershipplatformshareThu, 20 Dec 2007 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/mercedes-considers-using-next-mini-platform-for-new-compacts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/mercedes-considers-using-next-mini-platform-for-new-compacts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/mercedes-considers-using-next-mini-platform-for-new-compacts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If Automotive News' sources are to be believed, BMW and Mercedes-Benz might be joining forces to develop a new front-wheel drive architecture that would underpin both automakers' compact offerings. BMW is likely in the process of developing a new platform for its MINI and Mercedes has already announced plans to ditch its A-class ultra-compact. The idea that the two rivals would come together to co-develop a product might seem preposterous, but at the end of the day, it's all about saving as many euros as possible.

If a joint effort does take place, expect Mercedes to use its own powertrains for two compact vehicles, likely new A- and B-classes. And no, Chrysler isn't in the running to help out.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes considers using next MINI platform for new compacts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-classb-classbmwcoopercooper sCooperSmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzminiMon, 01 Oct 2007 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter the rumormill: Lexus to develop 1-series rival for Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/enter-the-rumormill-lexus-to-develop-1-series-rival-for-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/enter-the-rumormill-lexus-to-develop-1-series-rival-for-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/26/enter-the-rumormill-lexus-to-develop-1-series-rival-for-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Lexus BS compact lived up to its name when rumors flew back in 2005.

Those purveyors of the finest automotive speculation at Auto Motor und Sport recently sat down with Tokuichi Uranishi to discuss the finer points of Lexus' future. During the interview, the Toyota exec mentioned that if Lexus wants to become a real threat to BMW and Mercedes abroad it would have to expand its product line in ways similar to its Germanic rivals. One such brand extension would be the development of a smaller model designed to rival the BMW 1-series and Mercedes A- and B-class vehicles.

Mr. Uranishi explained during the interview that Lexus aims to sell 150,000 vehicles in Europe by 2015, something that would only be possible through the expansion of the marque's lineup. The new luxury compact model would join the new LF-1 coupe and a hybrid-only vehicle supposedly under development.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Enter the rumormill: Lexus to develop 1-series rival for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1-seriesa-classb-classlexuslexus 1-series rivalLexus1-seriesRivalrivaltokuichi uranishiTokuichiUranishitoyotaWed, 26 Sep 2007 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes Benz dropping the A-class?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/mercedes-benz-dropping-the-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/mercedes-benz-dropping-the-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/02/mercedes-benz-dropping-the-a-class/#commentsFiled under: ,



Mercedes' pint-sized A-class hatch, the premium brand's first front-wheel-drive model, could be a thing of the past if news from Germany's WirtschaftsWoche proves to be true. The business weekly reports that DaimlerChrysler is planning to drop the A-class after the current model reaches the end of its lifecycle in 2011. The only word from Mercedes is that it's purely speculation and that the A-class hasn't been a failure, managing to find the homes of more than 1.5 million buyers since its introduction in 1997.

Focus now seems to be on the new B-class, which is also due for replacement in 2011. Back in May, Mercedes' US Chief Ernst Lieb told reporters that the next-gen B-class was under consideration for US importation. The new model's underpinnings will likely be shared with the recently revealed C-class to improve quality levels and exploit economies of scale. It would also mean the next B-class would feature a RWD chassis and more powerful engine options. The only problem for Mercedes now is whether or not it could market a car in the US positioned below the C-class and still remain profitable.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercedes Benz dropping the A-class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-classB-class USAB-classUsaMercedes A-classMercedesA-classMon, 02 Jul 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered speculation: Mercedes A-class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/rendered-speculation-mercedes-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/rendered-speculation-mercedes-a-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/rendered-speculation-mercedes-a-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Mercedes decided to aim for the entry-level luxury market in the U.S., the best they could come up with was the C230 Sport, which, because of an anemic powertrain and a high cost of ownership, never quite made it into primetime. In Europe, the A-class subcompact pseudo-minivan hasn't caught favor with as big a chunk of the populace as expected either, so with both those lessons learned, Merc is going back to the drawing board.

According to AutoZeitung, the M.B. boys are developing a compact hatch to rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series in the burgeoning compact-luxury class. The rendering, which can be viewed in full by clicking here, may be a close resemblance to what may make it to market at the turn of the decade. Drawing cues from the recently redesigned C-class, the A-class hatch has several distinctly Audi design elements, partnered with the new Mercedes grille. If coupled to the right combination of diesel- and petrol-powered engines, this could be a real success both in the U.S. and abroad.

An argument can be made that Mercedes shouldn't set its sights so low, again. But, if such a vehicle comes to fruition, we'll keep such judgments to ourselves - until we get to drive one.

[Source: AutoZeitung (Google-Translated)]

Rendered speculation: Mercedes A-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After a rough few years full of significant recalls, Mercedes-Benz appeared (or appears, depending on your perspective) to be getting its act together by successfully addressing its quality issues. The automaker just announced a major recall in Germany involving 130,000 vehicles windshield wiper motors that could be defective. While one recall a return to quality does not ruin, neither does it help. The recall in question only affects A- and B-Class vehicles, as well as C-Class wagons built between May 2005 and May 2006. Some may consider defective wiper motors a minor issue, but a recall by definition is significant, and in this case one could imagine a dark and stormy night where being without wipers could be deadly.

[Source: Automotive News - Europe]

Wiper woes: Mercedes-Benz recalls 130,000 vehicles in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-ClassB-ClassC-ClassdefectrecallTue, 02 Jan 2007 15:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Baby Benz B: Coming to America?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/baby-benz-b-coming-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/baby-benz-b-coming-to-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/26/baby-benz-b-coming-to-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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]

Baby Benz B: Coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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