There is NO NEW BODY CLK at the New York Auto Show
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There is NO NEW BODY CLK at the New York Auto Show
Major, major disappointment from Mercedes Benz at the NY Auto Show.
While other car manufacturers were showing their new wares for the upcoming year, Mercedes was still showing the old body 2002 CLK. One CLK430 coupe, and a CLK cabriolet.
I asked a Mercedes rep on the floor when does Mercedes plan on showing us the new CLK? "Maybe sometime in June, that's a maybe." "And they go to production in July??" "Yes."
So if you plan on getting the new CLK in September, you have to order it without looking at it at all, unless you were in Geneva. While BMW was showing its new 745i doors open and all to everyone (it looks very ugly), MB seemed to be pushing the C-classes upon the masses.
A MAJOR, MAJOR disappointment from Mercedes Benz on this one. Thumbs down.
While other car manufacturers were showing their new wares for the upcoming year, Mercedes was still showing the old body 2002 CLK. One CLK430 coupe, and a CLK cabriolet.
I asked a Mercedes rep on the floor when does Mercedes plan on showing us the new CLK? "Maybe sometime in June, that's a maybe." "And they go to production in July??" "Yes."
So if you plan on getting the new CLK in September, you have to order it without looking at it at all, unless you were in Geneva. While BMW was showing its new 745i doors open and all to everyone (it looks very ugly), MB seemed to be pushing the C-classes upon the masses.
A MAJOR, MAJOR disappointment from Mercedes Benz on this one. Thumbs down.
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From: Springfield, Virginia
ML55
Safet, was the auto show worth going to? I am in the Wash DC area and was planning on going next weekend...does Mercedes have any new models there (new E-Class maybe)? Thanks I would appreciate your input.
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Gelvir,
If you do decide to go, goto autoshowny.com and buy your e-ticket online. It's the same price but they have a separate line with no wait compared to standard ticket line. We went straight in.
The only nice car they were showing was the new SL55 AMG, and it was up on a pedestal. I wouldn't drive 5-6 hours for this year's NY Auto Show.
Safet
If you do decide to go, goto autoshowny.com and buy your e-ticket online. It's the same price but they have a separate line with no wait compared to standard ticket line. We went straight in.
The only nice car they were showing was the new SL55 AMG, and it was up on a pedestal. I wouldn't drive 5-6 hours for this year's NY Auto Show.
Safet
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Do not go to the show for anything related to MB only. Nothing great at the display other than an SL that you can't get near. I had expected CLK and new E fist glances and was greatly disappointed.
The show does have some interesting vechiles from the other manufactureres, but to go for MB alone is NOT worth the trip.
JR
The show does have some interesting vechiles from the other manufactureres, but to go for MB alone is NOT worth the trip.
JR
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From: New Jersey
2018 E400 AWD Coupe
NY Auto Show Impressions
The most impressive car at the show was, by far, the SL55 up on a pedestal. Above it, they have a video showing the car being driven around turns. MB did not have the new E class on display. There was another SL500 in Agean Blue with an Ash interior that was a real stunner! They even let everyone sit in the car and play with the controls. Other than MB, my next favorite vehicle was the new Infinity G35 Coupe. A beautiful vehicle that starts at about 30K. Infinity is going to blow away Lexus and give MB a real run for the money. The G35 is much better looking that the MB C Coupe. Bottom line, the only car I would trade my silver CLK 320 Cab on would be the SL500 or the SL55 (if I could afford them!).
Last edited by Kappy; Mar 30, 2002 at 08:04 AM.
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From: Portland, OR
2001 CLK320
How about this idea?
Rather than display models that aren't even available in the U.S. as of yet -
Wouldn't this frustrate a potential buyer to go to a dealer only to find that the current (w208 and w210) is all that's available.
Remember, the w209 and w211 are 2003 models and generally the US gets phased in after the European introductions - and the new MY for US builds changes over in the summer (July/August?)
As we are aware of, the waiting for your car (especially if you want specific options or colors other than black or silver...) can be a test of patience.
Other buyers not familiar with the wait times might give up and go buy something else that is already on the lot (i.e., Lexus, BWM, and so forth) which is customarily what most people will do.
Most folks want immediate gratification, even if it means compromising on what they really wanted.
Wouldn't this frustrate a potential buyer to go to a dealer only to find that the current (w208 and w210) is all that's available.
Remember, the w209 and w211 are 2003 models and generally the US gets phased in after the European introductions - and the new MY for US builds changes over in the summer (July/August?)
As we are aware of, the waiting for your car (especially if you want specific options or colors other than black or silver...) can be a test of patience.
Other buyers not familiar with the wait times might give up and go buy something else that is already on the lot (i.e., Lexus, BWM, and so forth) which is customarily what most people will do.
Most folks want immediate gratification, even if it means compromising on what they really wanted.
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Hal: well-reasoned.
However, one cannot ignore the facts that:
1) CLK & E models have been introduced in Europe;
2) MB posted info w/details on new models on the web; and
3) New York's 9/11 is a special case, that even slugs living in caves know about. That cannot and should not be ignored in any promotional effort by a world-class global manufacturer.
4) New York provides MB with key clientele. NY deserves more!
However, one cannot ignore the facts that:
1) CLK & E models have been introduced in Europe;
2) MB posted info w/details on new models on the web; and
3) New York's 9/11 is a special case, that even slugs living in caves know about. That cannot and should not be ignored in any promotional effort by a world-class global manufacturer.
4) New York provides MB with key clientele. NY deserves more!
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From: NY
ML 500 Sport
I agree Karl...New York has long been getting short shift by MB...they just don't seem to take this show as seriously as Detroit even though it is larger...they did not bring the SLR concept to NY either...did the GST concept make it??? I t seems very odd to me given that NY is a huge market for MB...
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Hal,
Good reasons for showing current year models, instant gratification.
However I thought the point of the show was to see upcoming models, and this is what other manufacturers like BMW and others thought so too by showing 2003 745s, etc.
If I wanted to see current year models I would go to a dealership and see them, not pay $10 per ticket, + $30 for parking, etc. to see them.
Good reasons for showing current year models, instant gratification.
However I thought the point of the show was to see upcoming models, and this is what other manufacturers like BMW and others thought so too by showing 2003 745s, etc.
If I wanted to see current year models I would go to a dealership and see them, not pay $10 per ticket, + $30 for parking, etc. to see them.
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From: NJ
For me the NY auto show was very depressing, and MB didn't make it any more enjoyable.....I can't understand why the new E and CLK class weren't present at the auto show.....that just gets underneath my skin....I think MB management needs to re-evaluate their decisions regarding car shows....they make beatiful cars and people go crazy over them....show them off a little....many people like me are going crazy to see NEW models.....
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Considering the new realities after 9/11, coupled with the boom in luxury car sales, clearly MB marketing committed a major blunder, by not going the extra mile at the NY Auto Show, - showing the new models CLK & E, - and backing up the commitment & compassion to NY that their MB website showed shortly after the tragic event.
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JamE55,
Goto
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...5596#post45596
for the SL55 NY Auto Show pictures.
Safet
Goto
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...5596#post45596
for the SL55 NY Auto Show pictures.
Safet
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From: CA, NV, CO
Originally posted by Safet
JamE55,
Goto
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...5596#post45596
for the SL55 NY Auto Show pictures.
Safet
JamE55,
Goto
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...5596#post45596
for the SL55 NY Auto Show pictures.
Safet
Thanks again for the pics! Really good shots!
