Mercedes Calls CLA ‘Best Launch in 20 Years,’ Warns Dealers of Tight Supplies

A home run for Mercedes Benz? It’s still too early to tell, but more and more it’s looking like it. According to a new report from Bloomberg, the new car’s done more than just widen the sales gap between Mercedes and BMW.

More importantly, the CLA’s attracted a new, younger generation of customers into the brand’s showrooms and hopefully creating a new long term loyalty funnel through the Mercedes Benz collection.

The momentum has been huge, but not without some small setbacks. MB’s reported a slight straining of supply for the hot turbocharged four-door.

Official word is that dealers have been warned that the first half of 2014 will see limited supplies for the CLA, with letters to dealers indicating that “tight inventories and low days supply” will exist from February through June. MB’s Hungary plant will be running at full tilt to keep up with the demand.

Steve Cannon, head of Mercedes declares it as their “best launch in 20 years.” Official numbers are right on the dot with early reports reflecting 2,300 CLA’s moved in the first week of sales.

It’s going to be an interesting few years for Mercedes as they seek to lower the average age of their brand across the board. As of now, the CLA’s median age is listed as 46 while the brand’s staple C-Class comes in at an average age of 54.