Mercedes-Benz To Drop X-Class Over Poor Gross sales, Price-Slicing Initiative
Powerful days appear to be forward for considered one of Mercedes’ hardest automobiles, the X-Class pickup truck.
Dad or mum firm Daimler is reportedly planning to drop the Nissan Navara-based mannequin. Germany’s Automobilwoche cites unnamed sources from the automaker who declare the X-Class will probably be sacrificed as Daimler goals to scale back prices amid revenue warnings.
If true, it’s an fascinating choice that might principally equate to Mercedes-Benz admitting it acquired the pickup phase unsuitable. Final 12 months, the carmaker bought solely 16,700 items of the X-Class in Europe, Australia, and South Africa, even if the mannequin launched solely two years in the past.
The truth that the X-Class isn’t bought in the US, the world’s largest pickup market, most likely didn’t assist both. Gross sales have additionally been hit by the truth that Mercedes-Benz has issued a number of recollects already.
The primary signal that the X-Class didn’t have a shiny future was a choice introduced in February by former Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. Again then, the chief stated the corporate would abandon plans to construct the pickup for South American markets at a Renault-Nissan plant in Argentina. The X-Class is constructed completely at Nissan’s plant in Barcelona, Spain alongside the Navara and Renault Alaskan.
However most likely the largest drawback the X-Class has is the premium pricing that few patrons discover justified for what primarily is a rebadged Nissan Navara with Mercedes-Benz exterior styling cues and a plusher inside.
Additionally learn: Daimler Might Finish Renault-Nissan Partnership, Lower 10,000 Jobs To Cut back Prices
In Germany, the X-Class begins at round €37,000 (roughly $41,500) however V6-powered fashions with AWD in range-topping Energy trim are priced from slightly below €59,000 (round $66,100).
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