Mercedes-Benz is putting seven models in the pit, dealers say

Dealers claimed they learned these details directly from Nicholas Speeks, the CEO of the American division of Mercedes-Benz, during a webinar. It did not reveal which models will be out of the portfolio or when they are slated to leave, but an unnamed source highlighted the two-door variants of the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class, as well as CLS and a member of the GT lineup. “data-reactid =” 22 “> Talking to the industry trade magazine Automotive NewsDealers claimed they learned these details directly from Nicholas Speeks, the CEO of the American division of Mercedes-Benz, during a webinar. It did not reveal which models will be out of the portfolio or when they are slated to leave, but an unnamed source highlighted the two-door variants of the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class, as well as CLS and a member of the GT lineup.

“Do we need all the products we currently have? We also have to help cut our costs to meet our means,” Speeks reportedly told attendees. His comments suggest that the move is part of parent company Daimler’s long-range plan to cut its annual costs to invest more money in electrification and autonomy.

The report adds credibility to previous rumors that the next-generation S-Class will not be available as a coupe or as a convertible. Eliminating the two-door versions of the C and E makes commercial sense, neither of which generates significant volume. As for the GT, the unverified rumor states that it is the four-door model that is starting. It will be replaced by Mercedes-Benz and the CLS with a single electric model that will come out later in the 2020s.

Although enthusiasts will no doubt dust off their digital hairpins, dealers receive the news like a well-stocked Christmas basket. Mercedes-Benz sells eight crossovers and SUVs, seven sedans (including Maybach-branded S-Class variants), a wagon, four coupes, and six convertibles. Almost all of these models are available in various flavors, meaning there are over 100 basic variants to choose from. A dealer drew an unflattering parallel between the company’s range and the menu at a Cheesecake Factory restaurant.

“Reducing the proliferation of models is good. We’ve been asking for that. Whether seven models are enough or not, time will tell,” said Jeff Aiosa, Mercedes-Benz owner of New London in Connecticut.

Mercedes-Benz has not commented on the report, and has not publicly announced plans to reduce its model range. However, Daimler is in the midst of a major transformation. He hopes to save several billion dollars by cutting more than 20,000 jobs worldwide. He announced that he will stop manufacturing sedans in the United States and Mexico, and is selling the Hambach, France, factory that makes Smart ForTwo; Future models will be built in China. In an unexpected plot twist, England-based Ineos can buy the facilities to build its Grenadier SUV.