Not more than two weeks ago, we reported that Mercedes is ending production of the C-Class sedan in the United States, as well as the A-Class in Mexico. This was due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected several automakers around the world.
It is only a matter of time before we see the next-generation C-Class sedan, but it looks like its coupe and convertible versions won’t hit American soil. According to a report by Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz is shrinking its portfolio in the United States, and potential candidates are, you guessed it, the C-Class coupe and convertible, along with S-Class and E-class coupes and convertibles, in addition to the CLS Coupe and One of the GT models. .
10 Photos
However, these models are not confirmed, but Automotive News reports that Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Nicholas Speeks told dealers at a webinar in late June that seven car models will be phased out. Speeks did not provide details and Automotive News It also did not receive a comment from a Mercedes spokesperson about the future lineup.
The reduction in Mercedes’ portfolio is well received by dealers, as one of their qualms is the inflated U.S. portfolio that has reached 15 nameplates.
As expected, the line of Mercedes-Benz in the United States will continue to be enriched with SUVs, which proved to be the brand’s profitable models. There has been a 73 percent increase in luxury crossover sales in the past five years. In contrast, luxury car sales decreased 37 percent in the same period. The sedans will remain as well.
The complexity of the Mercedes lineup, which includes different body styles with a single name, adds costs for the automaker, and Mercedes knows it. Since the current pandemic is not slowing down as expected, Mercedes of course will find a way to cut costs. And yes, this is all part of Daimler’s global cost reduction plan, and we could see more of this in the coming months. Well I hope not.
