A-Class Mercedes Benz – MUNICH, Germany
The new A-Class was first introduced at last year's New York and Shanghai shows where it was presented in concept form. It received rave reviews and high expectations. Mercedes-Benz will now produce the A-Class for a new, stylish, high tech and safety enhanced platform to include features typically found on more expensive models like the S-Class. Mercedes-Benz is considered by many the most dynamic premium brand in the world. The A-Class will represent an important milestone being completely new down to every last detail.
For model years 2013 thru 2016 Finnish contract manufacturer Valmet Automotive will aid Mercedes in building more than 100,000 Mercedes-Benz A-class compact-premium vehicles. By shifting some of the A-class production to Valmet, this will minimize wait times for the new A class vehicles to arrive to consumers. Daimler's plants in Rastatt, Germany, and Kecskemet, Hungary, are at capacity filling orders for the A-Class and B-Class compact vehicles.
There will be a total of 5 compact models (including an SUV version) to be produced in Rastatt. There will also be a coupe that will be built in Hungary. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche recently indicated that Mercedes' compacts "are among our best weapons" for a major push to get Mercedes the premier-selling OEM by 2020.
Mercedes goal in America will be to garner new and younger individuals to become Mercedes-Benz A-Class buyers. For the American market it is expected to include the new gas-powered 201-hp 1.8-liter turbo-four to function as the base engine package.
It is estimated that over the next 10 years the global market for premium compacts will grow by as many as 4-5 million vehicles.
The new Mercedes A-Class will launch in mid-Septemer, 2012.
A-Class – Features and Key Areas of Focus:
ü Value packed vehicle
ü The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class will exhibit powerful engines ranging from 80 kW (110 hp) to 156 kW (211 hp).
ü European powertrain options: Three gas-powered 4-cylinder engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters. Engine outputs of 115 hp (A180), 156 hp (A200), and 211 hp (A250). (The 1.6-liter introduces the OEM's new Camtronic system which increases fuel efficiency
ü Safety Package: Radar based – Collision Prevention Assist System. Safety Functionality: Hill Start Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Pre-Safe system (alerts vehicle of an impending crash)
ü Includes a lower center of gravity and a revised four-wheel independent suspension.
ü Euro-spec A-Class offers three Trim Levels: Urban, Style, AMG Sport
ü The sport theme for the five-passenger hatch will include varying color schemes along with metallic accents
ü The exterior design will be the most progressive design in the compact class.
ü Diamond appearance front grille mesh.
ü High quality interior feel.
ü 18-inch wheels
ü 18 centimetres lower in vehicle height to the road than its predecessor
ü Includes efficient emissions from just 98 g of CO2/km with a drag coefficient of 0.27
ü Competitive luxury compact offerings include the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series
ü The side profile feature still includes the main character line that starts at the bottom of the front door and forges upward at the rear door.
ü The front fascia exhibits a two-bar grille and Light Emitting Diode(LED) daytime running lamp system.
ü Rectangular design roof spoiler at the rear.
ü Aggressively styled front and rear bumpers
ü Red-painted accent components
ü Infotainment system will provide for I-Phone functionality.
