What about the dealerships?

[The Boss]

OK

So Mercedes launched some new metal in Detroit at NAIAS yesterday

one thing that came out was between 2013 and 2020, 13 entirely new models are going to be launched..

um now last time i looked.. im sure, Milton Keynes aside, the dealerships have some serious space shortage.. i mean they have it already..

what do you think they will be doing about it.. in some cases, they have not the space to increase...

Its great they want to diversify the product portfolio, but 7 new models..hmmm that is going to be tough to show case

whats your thoughts?

 

[Rory]

I must admit a few I've been to have been pretty small - although my local one, MB Chester, isn't a bad size. I was surprised last time I went in as they only had 3 cars in the showroom and, even very spread out, there's room for twice as many.

MB senior execs have been saying recently that they want to double their sales volumes over the next few years.

 

[Carrsey]

Are these new models in addition to existing or are they rejigs of current models..

 

[KillerHERTZ]

All dealerships ive been to (5 in total) have been massive with huge empty spaces.

 

[jaymanek]

13 new models but many of the old ones will be phased out.

 

[The Boss]

Jay, not sure anything will be phased out..

i think this is +13 new models

not variants, but new models (other than the s class cabrio which might be a new variant, and classed as a new car)

some dealerships are big, but some are tiiiinny

 

[Mr E]

I'm pretty sure this is not 13 new models in the sense of completely new segments, but will include the revisions across the range too.

They may also be talking about the hybrids as new models too, so bear that in mind.

Also, try thinking about what 13 new models could be....

 

[grober]

A new engine or two would be nice, or are all future MB models going to be powered by some version of the OM651 4 cylinder diesel?
viz http://translate.google.co.uk/trans...a=X&ei=y_D2UK_bMsOg0QWS0oHQBw&ved=0CEYQ7gEwBQ

 

[st4]

A new engine or two would be nice, or are all future MB models going to be powered by some version of the OM651 4 cylinder diesel?
viz Google Translate

I'd rather they made a few engines and really spent the time ensuring the engine was desgined and engineered to the highest standard.

Fitting the engine to many models improves economy of scale ensuring the engine can have the money spent on it to ensure its without fault.

Plus that engine is suitable from A to S class (just) and everything inbetween, is there a car it doesn't power?

 

[The Boss]

I'm pretty sure this is not 13 new models in the sense of completely new segments, but will include the revisions across the range too.

They may also be talking about the hybrids as new models too, so bear that in mind.

Also, try thinking about what 13 new models could be....

my understanding is it is 13 totally new models..

eg.. CLA.. and the new A class 4x4.. GLA etc..

from how i heard it, it is 13 new models not seen before

time will tell..

 

[grober]

I'd rather they made a few engines and really spent the time ensuring the engine was desgined and engineered to the highest standard.

Fitting the engine to many models improves economy of scale ensuring the engine can have the money spent on it to ensure its without fault.

Plus that engine is suitable from A to S class (just) and everything inbetween, is there a car it doesn't power?

The R class, GL , G wagon and SL are all I can think of right now.
ps a new straight 6 would be nice.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

my understanding is it is 13 totally new models..

eg.. CLA.. and the new A class 4x4.. GLA etc..

from how i heard it, it is 13 new models not seen before

time will tell..

A class is replacing the... A Class

 

[st4]

The R class, GL , G wagon and SL are all I can think of right now.
ps a new straight 6 would be nice.

Inline engines take up more room. The cars are easier to design around a V engine and lesser models can take a V6. A C class never could take an I6.

Hasn't stopped BMW though

In this era of downsizing a 6 clyinder can be replaced with a turbo'd 4 or a turbo 5. And an 8 replaced with a 6.

I fully expect in years to come only the high end E series to be available with a 5 and not a 6 and the 6 only to be in the S class segment.

 

[grober]

A "staggered" 6 bit like the VW 15 degree VR60 V6 then. VR6 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia I suppose the Chrysler Pentastar derived M276 60 degree V6 is a step in right direction Mercedes-Benz M276 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia but it has a long way to go to.

 

[nick mercedes]

A new engine or two would be nice, or are all future MB models going to be powered by some version of the OM651 4 cylinder diesel?
viz Google Translate

Aren't all the new ones going to be Renault powered and based on Renaults/Nissans like the Citan (cough Kangoo).

 

[Dieselman]

Aren't all the new ones going to be Renault powered and based on Renaults/Nissans like the Citan (cough Kangoo).

The local MB Commercials dealer has one proudly displayed in top of a container-type display stand.

I hope people don't look underneath and see the Renault emblems on the parts.

 

[nick mercedes]

The local MB Commercials dealer has one proudly displayed in top of a container-type display stand.

I hope people don't look underneath and see the Renault emblems on the parts.

At least they won't rust.

 

[The Boss]

COMING TO MIND IS THE FOLLOWING

CLA SHOOTING BRAKE
CLA 4X4 (GLA?)
C CLASS SHOOTING BRAKE
C CLASS CABRIO
S CLASS STRETCHED
S CLASS PULLMAN
S CLASS CABRIO
ML CROSSOVER COUPE (similar to X6)
....
...
..
.

 

[Dieselman]

At least they won't rust.

They probably get Renault to skip the galvanising process to save a shilling.

 

[nick mercedes]

They probably get Renault to skip the galvanising process to save a shilling.

Mercedes Citan 45 AMG - autoevolution

Ideal for the pilote de voiture de locations.