Photo: Daimler AG
About a year ago, there was a wave of speculations in the German media about Mercedes-Benz wanting to launch a range of sub-compact models to rival BMW's MINI brand and the Audi A1.
While we never took the rumors seriously, as it was formulated in a way that sounded wrong even for someone not familiar with the way in which Mercedes-Benz works, the rumors persisted to the point of the name “X-Class” appearing out of thin air.
Well, as it turns out, the speculations weren't pulled out of someone's behind but were actually based on internal discussions between high-ranking members of the Mercedes-Benz string-pulling office in Stuttgart.
“We had a long debate about whether we should expand Mercedes into the B [subcompact] segment and we decided this is not going to happen,” said Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche after a media event in Italy, quoted by Automotive News.
That is not even the most important part of the story, but the fact that the supposed subcompact segment could soon be populated by a Daimler AG vehicle, even though it will not be wearing the three-pointed star if it happens.
“There is a possibility that smart could expand into the subcompact segment, but we have not decided that yet,” Zetsche added at the press conference.
While the quote itself tells nothing about the probability of a larger smart model, the fact remains a distinct possibility and Daimler AG really needs something to battle both the MINI lineup and the Audi A1.
The most recent reports about the smart brand say that the upcoming fortwo and forfour might finally get a bigger brother in the shape of the resurrected formore crossover/SUV, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
Well, as it turns out, the speculations weren't pulled out of someone's behind but were actually based on internal discussions between high-ranking members of the Mercedes-Benz string-pulling office in Stuttgart.
“We had a long debate about whether we should expand Mercedes into the B [subcompact] segment and we decided this is not going to happen,” said Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche after a media event in Italy, quoted by Automotive News.
That is not even the most important part of the story, but the fact that the supposed subcompact segment could soon be populated by a Daimler AG vehicle, even though it will not be wearing the three-pointed star if it happens.
“There is a possibility that smart could expand into the subcompact segment, but we have not decided that yet,” Zetsche added at the press conference.
While the quote itself tells nothing about the probability of a larger smart model, the fact remains a distinct possibility and Daimler AG really needs something to battle both the MINI lineup and the Audi A1.
The most recent reports about the smart brand say that the upcoming fortwo and forfour might finally get a bigger brother in the shape of the resurrected formore crossover/SUV, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
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