Daimler overhauls B-Class Mercedes to lure new and younger market
Damier AG has announced the upcoming redesign of its B-Class Mercedes Benz, which the German carmaker said, will hopefully attract a new generation of buyers once its compact car lineups have assumed the more familiar features currently deployed on the flagship models.
In a statement, Daimler chief executive, Dieter Zetsche, said he believes that the crucial adjustments, which will effectively provide a high-end S-Class environment to the new models, will further raise the possibility of recapturing the lost grounds in the global market that were assumed by rivals Audi and BMW.
Daimler also said that the new MB small cars will be fitted with high-tech gadgets and internet access, specifically the B-Class, prior to their shipments, while the A-Class will be altogether replaced by more sporty features that are normally seen in SUV, coupe, and hatchback vehicles.
The move, according to the carmaker, is part of its plan to roll out 1.5 million units by 2015, coming from its present delivery target of 1.3 million units this year. This will be supported by the new and refurbished Mercedes facilities in both Hungary and Germany, and will be costing the company some $2 billion as additional investments.
Experts welcomed Daimler's move. In fact, Stefan Bratzel, of the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, as quoted by Bloomberg, said "there needs to be an improvement, because compact vehicles are becoming increasingly important for high-end carmakers."
Experts also said that this decision to modify its vehicle models could be a big step to luring younger buyers and, perhaps ensure that a steady flow of new customers will be sustained in the succeeding years.
Compared to both Audi and BMW, Mercedes has a relatively older following and, with Daimler adding gadgets that put premium on safety and entertainment on B-Class this year, the carmaker hopes to also attract another segment of car aficionados.
Apart from the feature-rich fittings that the compact car will see once it becomes available, Daimler chief engineer for the model, Hans Engel, said that the B-Class will now be powered by the same engine being utilized on the C-Class, which he stressed, will provide more horsepower to the vehicle.
The re-modeling was summarized by Engel as such that the new cars "will have lots of technology that wasn't available in this segment before ... but you will immediately know that these cars are from Mercedes."
Daimler's decision to raise its stake on the small car segment of the industry came at a time when companies are scrambling to provide models for consumers that are gradually gravitating towards fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Even the likes of Aston Martin are deciding to dip its fingers on the emerging market.
Daimler is looking to re-introduce Mercedes as vehicles that "have their own unique characters," with the company pointing out that "we're sending the clear message that we want to shake up this segment."
The new B-Class is set to be initially offered in the European, Chinese and Canadian market at 24,300 Euros. Daimler however, refuses to provide details as to when the unit would be available in the USA.