The expansion of the Mercedes-Benz lineup has been
relentless in recent years, to the point you almost need a CliffsNotes to
identify many of the new models.
The automaker now appears to be ready to cull the herd
somewhat, judging by comments made by its U.S. chief Nicholas Speeks during a
meeting with dealers in late June.
Speeks said at least seven car models would be dropped from
Mercedes' U.S. lineup, Automotive
News (subscription required) reported on Sunday.
Speeks didn't mention specific models but some potentially
on the chopping block are the coupe and convertible versions of the C-, E- and
S-Class, according to Automotive News' sources.
It shouldn't come as a surprise as sales of sporty two-door
cars have been declining for years as buyers turn to more practical SUVs. The
SLC has already gone and there have been reports dating back years that the
S-Class coupe and convertible models would also be phased out, since the big
grand tourer role is already filled by the iconic SL-Class which is due for a
redesign shortly.
As for the two-door C- and E-Class models, Italian blogging
site Autoblog.it reported
Friday that Mercedes will introduce a new CLE range including coupe,
convertible and wagon body styles to replace both lines. It's a strategy
similar to the Audi A5 and BMW 4-Series families.
The CLS and Mercedes-AMG's GT 4-Door Coupe could also
potentially go after their current product cycles, to be replaced by the
new EQS
battery-electric sedan due for a reveal later this year, German
business newspaper Handelsblatt reported
in February.
The latest news comes as Mercedes' parent company Daimler
looks to reduce costs to help fund the development of electrification and
self-driving technology, as well as insulate itself from the affects of the
ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Daimler's sales in the second quarter of
2020 fell 34% from levels a year ago, resulting in a loss for the quarter of
1.91 billion euros (approximately $2.21 billion). The automaker is now in
negotiations to reduce
plant capacity and jobs.
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
No comments:
Post a Comment