Mercedes calls R-Class a "lesson learned"
The controversial Mercedes-Benz R-Class "was a lesson learned," said Daimler sales executive Klaus Maier. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche also weighed in on the situation, saying the minivan-SUV-crossover has "definitely not lived up" to expectations, according to trade publication Automotive News Europe.
Mercedes originally targeted sales of 25,000 per year in the United States, the report claims. Last year, R-Class sales were 18,000 and falling (a 28 percent decline).
Maier said it was a mistake to assume the unusual vehicle would appeal to a wide range of customers. Meanwhile, Zetsche said Daimler is in the early stages of thinking about a replacement for the R-Class. He said it could be a direct replacement, but there's also the distinct possibility of something totally different.
Recently, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer announced his company had cancelled plans for a rival to the R-Class, saying the vehicle would "not fit BMW's image."
Mercedes originally targeted sales of 25,000 per year in the United States, the report claims. Last year, R-Class sales were 18,000 and falling (a 28 percent decline).
Maier said it was a mistake to assume the unusual vehicle would appeal to a wide range of customers. Meanwhile, Zetsche said Daimler is in the early stages of thinking about a replacement for the R-Class. He said it could be a direct replacement, but there's also the distinct possibility of something totally different.
Recently, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer announced his company had cancelled plans for a rival to the R-Class, saying the vehicle would "not fit BMW's image."
and rented the R Class for 2 months... we drove to the sea with 6 people on board, we went to the beach (4WD!) with 4 adults and 3 kids and lots of beach accessoires... to make it short: it was great, we all loved the car.
