Currently reading: Merc may dump the A-class

Smallest Benz is simply too pricey to produce, say insiders

Mercedes-Benz is rumoured to be dropping the A-class range when it is due for replacement in 2011.

According to unnamed inside sources quoted by German magazine WirtschaftsWoche, the A-class is too expensive to produce and not profitable enough.

Mercedes has declined to comment. Only a few weeks ago M-B sales and marketing chief Michael Ganal said that the firm wanted to “increase cooperation” with rival BMW to enable it to benefit from shared research and development costs.

The A-class and its B-class sibling are the only front-drive models in Mercedes’ line-up. They use a sophisticated ‘sandwich’ platform that provides great interior space and crash protection, but isn’t cheap to make.

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.

Add a comment…