ONE of Europe’s largest car firms is reportedly set to scrap two of its beloved models in the near future.
A further two cars in the brand’s lineup are also believed to be on the way out, but have been given a short stay of execution.
Mercedes is reportedly looking to slim down its existing lineup[/caption]
The GLC and GLE models are apparently ‘top of the list’ for the scrapheap[/caption]
Mercedes is weighing up the discontinuation of several cars, according to a report from German outlet Handelsblatt.
Sources within the company told the publication that the company is cutting down its petrol and diesel range as it looks to invest more in EVs.
Reports suggest that the “portfolio of the brand is considered internally to be far too complex”, with as many as 45 models on sale at the moment.
The GLC and GLE Coupes are said to be “top of the list” of models facing down the end of the road.
They would follow the CLS and C, S and X-Classes, all of which have been phased out in the recent past.
An announcement on the further “consolidation” of the lineup is understood to be “imminent”.
While Handelsblatt’s source wouldn’t comment directly on the models in question, they did say: “Every current model is under review.
“It is a continuous process.”
And it doesn’t appear that the cutbacks will stop any time soon.
The long-running A-Class and B-Class are also reported to have been considered for the cull by bosses.
At one point, it was understood that they were going to be pulled from sale as early as the end of this year.
But internal decision-making has apparently shifted, granting the pair a stay of execution until 2026.
After that, though, they are expected to be bidden farewell for good.
In their place, Mercedes is already known to be developing a bevy of battery-powered alternatives.
The electric replacement for the GLC is already in its first year of sale, with a further six to go until the generation is refreshed.
And the company will be giving fans the firs look at its new MMA platform by the end of the year, which will see four new models derived from it offered in both electric and petrol spec.
Next year will then see both powertrains available in the successors to the EQA, EQB and CLA Shooting Brake.
The A-Class and B-Class are expected to follow in 2026[/caption]
