Joachim Schmidt sales and marketing head has stated that Mercedes is in the process of coming out with additional variants of its future A- and B-Class of car models. Speaking to Automotive News Europe he discussed some of the idea that the company is contemplating like the three door A class variant or a convertible or even a shooting brake model. Even though the project has not been finalized there are high chances of an SUV and coupe styled four door models joining the line up of the A and B class compact hatchbacks.
Mercedes is also contemplating on building these new additions on a new architecture. The idea of going in for small cars as per Joachim was to be able to comply with the strict emission standards which have been laid down by the EU was also to keep up with the competition being offered by BMW and Audi. As per him, by the end of 2011 the first lot of second generation B-class models would be available at the dealers in Europe.
There was also possibility of Nissan Motor Co using the Mercedes architecture for their luxury brand Infiniti as this would give it better competitive level against the Audi A3 and BMW 1 series. There were talks also going on between Daimler, Nissan and Renault to use their one year old alliance and create an entry level Infiniti on its compact car platform. The final decision on these issues would be available in summer.
Source: 4wheelsnews
