I had a feeling this would happen. The other option is to launch an SUT version of an existing SUV but I wouldn't want an SUT of either one!
Mercedes X-Class to be killed off?
Some depressing news from Automotive News Europe, it looks like Mercedes will discontinue the X-Class as a cost saving measure and as a result of recalls.
According to the article:
According to the article:
The Mercedes-Benz X-class pickup is to be dropped as the brand's parent company, Daimler, seeks to reduce costs amid profit warnings, according to sources at the automaker.
Mercedes launched the model in 2017, aiming to give its light commercial vehicles division a more diversified sales footprint by entering the booming global segment of midsize pickups.
But only 16,700 units of the X class were sold last year in Europe, Australia and South Africa. The U.S., where demand is mainly for full-size pickups, was ruled out as a market.
Right from the start, the X class was unable to live up to expectations. Its price, starting at 37,294 euros in Germany, was too high. Competition is fierce in its segment, in which VW Amarok and Ford Ranger also compete.
Several recalls also hit sales, among other things because of a footwell light that can come loose and jam under the brake pedal.
As part of Daimler's industrial cooperation with Renault-Nissan, the X class uses the same platform as the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan with a conventional ladder-type frame. It is built at Nissan's factory in Barcelona, Spain.
In February, former Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche abandoned plans to build the pickup for South American markets at a Renault-Nissan plant in Argentina.
Earlier this month, Daimler cut its profit forecast for the fourth time in 13 months, as it set aside more money to cover a regulatory crackdown on diesel emissions and vehicle recalls related to Takata airbags.
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I agree I think a SUT version of one of their SUVs wouldbe a mistake. The best route would be for Mercedes to create its own platform, but that would cost an incredible amount of money to do.I had a feeling this would happen. The other option is to launch an SUT version of an existing SUV but I wouldn't want an SUT of either one!
A luxurious pickup that shares a platform with the G-Class might work. Only downside is it would be priced higher but done right as a purist MB.I agree I think a SUT version of one of their SUVs wouldbe a mistake. The best route would be for Mercedes to create its own platform, but that would cost an incredible amount of money to do.
I didin't even consider that, but I think that could work as a proper full size pickup truck with G-Class performance. They could keep the boxy style too, kind of like what Jeep did with the Gladiator.A luxurious pickup that shares a platform with the G-Class might work. Only downside is it would be priced higher but done right as a purist MB.
For all we know it might be what Mercedes has planned with the new G-Class lineup.
What do you think the chances are it will happen?
What do you think the chances are it will happen?
As much as I'd like to see it, I'm not holding my breath for it. But I'm happy to be proven wrong by Mercedes.For all we know it might be what Mercedes has planned with the new G-Class lineup.
What do you think the chances are it will happen?
Mercedes has no excuse not to do it.
A lot of components can be used from other Mercedes utility vehicles helping to cut down on cost.
A lot of components can be used from other Mercedes utility vehicles helping to cut down on cost.
Very true, but you never know how their executives are going to think when it comes to stuff like this.Mercedes has no excuse not to do it.
A lot of components can be used from other Mercedes utility vehicles helping to cut down on cost.
I'm starting to think that selling the X-Class in the U.S. might have been necessary.
I mean, the mid-size segment is taking off, so much that some automakers are returning and others preparing for a bigger fight.
Ford is one of them that's returning.
MB execs must be kicking themselves!
I mean, the mid-size segment is taking off, so much that some automakers are returning and others preparing for a bigger fight.
Ford is one of them that's returning.
MB execs must be kicking themselves!
Bad idea.I'm starting to think that selling the X-Class in the U.S. might have been necessary.
I mean, the mid-size segment is taking off, so much that some automakers are returning and others preparing for a bigger fight.
Ford is one of them that's returning.
MB execs must be kicking themselves!
You don't launch a pickup as special as this in the most competitive mid-size pickup market.
Especially when there's a lot of anxiety around owning anything German
People rather buy the Tacoma, Colorado or Canyon, even if they are not any bit as fancy.
I don't think Mercedes would've been able to price the X-Class competitively enough for it to make a mark in the States.I'm starting to think that selling the X-Class in the U.S. might have been necessary.
I mean, the mid-size segment is taking off, so much that some automakers are returning and others preparing for a bigger fight.
Ford is one of them that's returning.
MB execs must be kicking themselves!
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
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