btkx15

recently checked prices and MB raised prices on the '08 C class. why?

jrct9454

Well, because the dollar is going in the toilet, that's why.

webada

not just the c but pretty much every model. destination fee also went up by couple of bucks.... (fuel price increase) this happened since Jan.

ColoradoDriver

Price increases were effective Jan 7 across the entire MB line. My dealer expects another increase soon. I would guess that the '09s will certainly be more expensive, as well.

chilledbenz

I'm thinking an increase of 1-2k on 09's. They will certainly raise the price with all the increase in gas pricing going on, but I figure they will also add a couple more standard features most likely memory seats and just add it into the base price.

nyca

true, the dollar is tanking.

but where is the "savings" from building the car in south africa?

jstaneff

The "savings" might just be in factors we normally don't think about:
- space to park cars awaiting ships
- room for ships in port

The notion of multiple factories producing the product appeals whenever there's a need to compensate (e.g., strike in one country? ship from another), etc.

ColoradoDriver

There are special tax advantages as part of an African Trade Initiative. I believe this was something put into place to reward South Africa for its political reforms.