Mercedes Market Position Keep Weakening ? ?
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CL Community Team
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From: Canada
Mercedes Market Position Keeps Weakening ?
GERMANY: Mercedes sales drop 9.4% in July
06 Aug 2004
Source: just-auto.com editorial team
Global sales at DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes Car Group fell 9.4% in July to 98,100 units, the carmaker reportedly said, led by a drop in its flagship Mercedes-Benz marque.
According to Reuters, sales of Mercedes brand vehicles declined 12.3% versus the year-earlier month, with the maker citing one fewer work day, the impact of worker demonstrations over planned cuts in labour costs, and retooling for its new A-class model.
Divisional sales fell 4.3% in the first seven months of 2004 to 682,900 units, the German group reportedly added, but said it still expected full-year sales to rise, helped by the re-launch of its revamped A-class small car in September.
"We are still on course for the full year with the current sales figures for all Mercedes-Benz model series," Joachim Schmidt, the division's head of sales and marketing, said in a statement cited by Reuters.
The company reportedly said over 35,000 customers had already placed orders for the new A-class car that hits the market in September, meaning it was more than two-thirds of the way towards reaching its 2004 sales target of 50,000 units.
Metzler Bank analyst Juergen Pieper called the Mercedes sales numbers a letdown, Reuters said.
"There are some signs that the market position of Mercedes keeps weakening and this is something you have to watch. Although expectations were not that high this year for Mercedes, it still seems to be disappointing," he reportedly said.
The company will have a real problem meeting its targets if the A-class rollout is not a success, Pieper added, according to Reuters.
06 Aug 2004
Source: just-auto.com editorial team
Global sales at DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes Car Group fell 9.4% in July to 98,100 units, the carmaker reportedly said, led by a drop in its flagship Mercedes-Benz marque.
According to Reuters, sales of Mercedes brand vehicles declined 12.3% versus the year-earlier month, with the maker citing one fewer work day, the impact of worker demonstrations over planned cuts in labour costs, and retooling for its new A-class model.
Divisional sales fell 4.3% in the first seven months of 2004 to 682,900 units, the German group reportedly added, but said it still expected full-year sales to rise, helped by the re-launch of its revamped A-class small car in September.
"We are still on course for the full year with the current sales figures for all Mercedes-Benz model series," Joachim Schmidt, the division's head of sales and marketing, said in a statement cited by Reuters.
The company reportedly said over 35,000 customers had already placed orders for the new A-class car that hits the market in September, meaning it was more than two-thirds of the way towards reaching its 2004 sales target of 50,000 units.
Metzler Bank analyst Juergen Pieper called the Mercedes sales numbers a letdown, Reuters said.
"There are some signs that the market position of Mercedes keeps weakening and this is something you have to watch. Although expectations were not that high this year for Mercedes, it still seems to be disappointing," he reportedly said.
The company will have a real problem meeting its targets if the A-class rollout is not a success, Pieper added, according to Reuters.
Source : LINK
Last edited by Gojirra99; Aug 6, 2004 at 08:00 AM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 19,103
Likes: 2
From: Netherlands
Re: Mercedes Market Position Keeps Weakening ?
Originally posted by SexySC
They're relying on the A-class to meet targets. IMHO, the A class shouldn't even be considered a luxury car.
Source : LINK
They're relying on the A-class to meet targets. IMHO, the A class shouldn't even be considered a luxury car.
Source : LINK
It's a Golf compettitor for crying out loud.
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 328
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From: Texas
Considering that most MB sales assoc. are usually rude and on to themselves, they deserve it. The A-class is unmercedes like Base model is 82 horsepower diesel. What does it compete with? The Ford Focus? Wait hang on... I can get two ford Focus for the price of the A class.
Ford Focus
Ford Focus
Last edited by Ditto; Aug 6, 2004 at 09:38 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,784
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From: California
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ditto
[B]Considering that most MB sales assoc. are usually rude and on to themselves, they deserve it. The A-class is unmercedes like Base model is 82 horsepower diesel. What does it compete with? The Ford Focus? Wait hang on... I can get two ford Focus for the price of the A class.
True!! MB associates does act like they are all high and mighty. Serves them right!! I've also noticed that Lexus dealers are also starting to act that way. I sure hope that does not back fire on them or toyota. I love toyotas and would sure hate to see them go down like MB.
[B]Considering that most MB sales assoc. are usually rude and on to themselves, they deserve it. The A-class is unmercedes like Base model is 82 horsepower diesel. What does it compete with? The Ford Focus? Wait hang on... I can get two ford Focus for the price of the A class.
True!! MB associates does act like they are all high and mighty. Serves them right!! I've also noticed that Lexus dealers are also starting to act that way. I sure hope that does not back fire on them or toyota. I love toyotas and would sure hate to see them go down like MB.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Texas
No doubt, a bunch of snobs at the MB dealership. The most friendly people seem to be at the Lexus, Ferrari and Cadillac dealerships. BMW salespeople also make it seem like they are doing you a favor by talking to you.
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CL Community Team
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From: Canada
Originally posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
Honestly, I hope their position KEEPS weakening! (Maybe it will drive down the residual value of the E55!!
)
Honestly, I hope their position KEEPS weakening! (Maybe it will drive down the residual value of the E55!!
)
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Originally posted by D2-AUTOSPORT
Honestly, I hope their position KEEPS weakening! (Maybe it will drive down the residual value of the E55!! )
Honestly, I hope their position KEEPS weakening! (Maybe it will drive down the residual value of the E55!!
)
See guys! This way we don't get R&D on the next one!
I can't wait for MB to acquire Mini and build the E-class off of that!
I hope things shape up. Competition is good.
M.
Last edited by whipimpin; Aug 7, 2004 at 07:14 AM.
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