Mercedes-Benz to offer new models in premium compact car segment

2008 Mercedes A-Class Facelift

Mercedes-Benz is set to increase its offering in the compact-car segment, alongside the A-Class and B-Class ranges.

While the automaker is the most successful premium manufacturer in the segment, the new generation of models will increase its presence and target addition groups.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said the new range would open up "new market regions".

"Mercedes-Benz is going to offer an even wider range of exciting premium cars - with the high levels of comfort, safety and overall quality that are characteristic for the brand - in the particularly fuel-efficient compact-car segment," he explained.

The new generation of compact cars will require a E800 million investment in the Rastatt plant, Dr Zetsche added.

"At the same time, we are planning a new plant in Hungary to boost our competitiveness and to gain access to the potential of the Eastern European markets," he revealed.

The firm said that cost-effectiveness would be achieved through the progress made in vehicle efficiency and structural design.

[Source : Mercedes Benz UK.]