Some new models to come

[television]

You may know of some of them.

CLK a coupe, estate and cabriolet from 2010.
CLE, a little brother to the CLS from 2009.
SLA class, smaller than the SLK and sportier from 2010.
SLC comes 2009.
CL cabriolet, an S class cabriolet from 2010.

The third generation of the SLK is on its way with a possible diesel for the first time, but the test sample caught fire under the bonnet, unusual for a diesel

 

[mikestrivens]

This is interesting. I wonder why Merc have never produced an S class estate for their normal production?

 

[rhud]

Anything known about what happens to the A Class?

 

[hawk20]

Anything known about what happens to the A Class?

New one in 2011.

 

[hawk20]

BTW the A class is booming in Europe especially in Germany (B class too). Around 5,300 customers bought an A-Class vehicle in Germany in May (May 2008: 3,400), representing an increase of 54%. Deliveries of B-Class vehicles rose by 27% to 3,900 units (May 2008: 3,000).

One MB board member has hinted there could be an all electric A class by 2010.

Also interesting to see that MB sales of all vehicles have reached a record in the USA for May despite the recession!

Figures available on the Benzinsider website.
http://www.benzinsider.com/

 

[television]

BTW the A class is booming in Europe especially in Germany (B class too). Around 5,300 customers bought an A-Class vehicle in Germany in May (May 2008: 3,400), representing an increase of 54%. Deliveries of B-Class vehicles rose by 27% to 3,900 units (May 2008: 3,000).

One MB board member has hinted there could be an all electric A class by 2010.

Also interesting to see that MB sales of all vehicles have reached a record in the USA for May despite the recession!

Figures available on the Benzinsider website.

It was interesting to note in Sweden the fall off of MB sales.
3 years ago 90% of the Stockholm taxis were MB, this year I only saw one old 211 taxi. In Smalland, in the 70s and 80s, an affluent part of Sweden , the 123s were so common that they were call mopeds, the 124s did very well there too, but now just the odd MB

 

[Alex M Grieve]

It was interesting to note in Sweden the fall off of MB sales.
3 years ago 90% of the Stockholm taxis were MB, this year I only saw one old 211 taxi. In Smalland, in the 70s and 80s, an affluent part of Sweden , the 123s were so common that they were call mopeds, the 124s did very well there too, but now just the odd MB

Has there been a move to 4x4s, SUVs, or indeed any other specific brand other than MB?

A few years back in the Algarve I noticed a very large number of Jeeps - clearly a very active local dealer, who had cornered the local 4x4 market almost completely.

 

[hawk20]

It was interesting to note in Sweden the fall off of MB sales.
3 years ago 90% of the Stockholm taxis were MB, this year I only saw one old 211 taxi. In Smalland, in the 70s and 80s, an affluent part of Sweden , the 123s were so common that they were call mopeds, the 124s did very well there too, but now just the odd MB

Same has happened here too and in many countries. Looking at our local cab-ranks they are mainly Skodas, Peugeots, Fords, Vauxhalls etc. Cheap and cheerful makes sense in such a competitive market. Especially now that modern oils mean that most mass produced cars have engines that will do over 100k miles with ease. The days when only a few cars could do that are long gone.

Mercedes and BMW now do best in the business limo market in the UK.

 

[television]

Same has happened here too and in many countries. Looking at our local cab-ranks they are mainly Skodas, Peugeots, Fords, Vauxhalls etc. Cheap and cheerful makes sense in such a competitive market. Especially now that modern oils mean that most mass produced cars have engines that will do over 100k miles with ease. The days when only a few cars could do that are long gone.

Mercedes and BMW now do best in the business limo market in the UK.

I was referring to Stockholm Taxis, were they all used to be black 211s as against the odd cars used in provincial towns, I had hoped to have a chat with the drivers, but time was too short, this year they were mainly Audi and V70s

 

[hawk20]

I was referring to Stockholm Taxis, were they all used to be black 211s as against the odd cars used in provincial towns, I had hoped to have a chat with the drivers, but time was too short, this year they were mainly Audi and V70s

I realise. But the same has happened worldwide wherever any cars are allowed to be cabs. Cheap makes now rule -hardly surprising in such a competitive market.

 

[television]

Has there been a move to 4x4s, SUVs, or indeed any other specific brand other than MB?

A few years back in the Algarve I noticed a very large number of Jeeps - clearly a very active local dealer, who had cornered the local 4x4 market almost completely.

The cars in Sweden are either very big or very small, with 'little in between, with many 4 x 4s like the Kia's
The VXC 70 and 90 have always done well in there own country, as they are built there, I only saw 1 ML320 CDi.

The SAABs do well over there too now as the awful faults that occurred when GM took over have gone away, it will be interesting to see if this Konenseg take over of SAAB comes about

 

[television]

I realise. But the same has happened worldwide wherever any cars are allowed to be cabs. Cheap makes now rule -hardly surprising in such a competitive market.

I did see some Skoda's on the ranks

 

[Dosco]

I did see some Skoda's on the ranks

The big Skoda - Superb? has a bigger boot and more room in the back than the W211 It will return 55mls per Gallon without trying and goes on and on, service costs are a lot cheaper too.

The ones I have driven are well on their way to 200k and are still quiet and very quick, but like their 'parent' Passat I doubt if they will get much beyond the 220/250k without sounding somewhat agricultural, unlike the W211 some of which are well above 350k and still sounding sweet and running oh so well

 

[robertjrt]

Here in London there are now Mercedes-Benz's as "black Cabs"

 

[discoking]

I realise. But the same has happened worldwide wherever any cars are allowed to be cabs. Cheap makes now rule -hardly surprising in such a competitive market.

It's not cheap makes that rule but simple not overly complictaed diesels that rule the taxi ranks.And it's for that reason that Skoda are the new Taxi kings especially the Octavia SDi which they carried on just for the taxi market.

Why would a taxi driver want to drive a supremely complictaed diesel which costs a fortune to maintain and repair when he can get a Skoda with yesterdays diesel engines which are a doddle to maintain.Simple economics really.