Mercedes in 3rd place in europe?
#1
Mercedes in 3rd place in europe?
Check out this article I just found in autoblog:
15 December2005 ITV Motoring
Mercedes Trails Audi And BMW
(Tue 13 Dec 05)
Audi and BMW are running very close in the race for sales in two premium market segments in Europe. Audi's A4 has overtaken the BMW 3-Series in the lower-premium sector for the year to October, while the A6 and the 5-Series each has a roughly even chance of being the top seller among medium-premium cars for 2005.
Both manufacturers have moved well ahead of Mercedes-Benz, whose fortunes have been dropping sharply. Sales of the E-Class have falled by 28.4% compared with the first ten months of 2004, while the C-Class has also fallen behind the equivalent Audi and BMW.
The public perception of Mercedes as a quality manufacturer has taken a big hit after well-publicised electronic failures which have led to several recalls. Insiders say that the company is taking note - next year's revision of the E-Class, whose most publicised features will include a facelift and more powerful engines, also involves replacing the high-tech by-wire braking system (the subject of two recalls) with more conventional hydraulic brakes.
15 December2005 ITV Motoring
Mercedes Trails Audi And BMW
(Tue 13 Dec 05)
Audi and BMW are running very close in the race for sales in two premium market segments in Europe. Audi's A4 has overtaken the BMW 3-Series in the lower-premium sector for the year to October, while the A6 and the 5-Series each has a roughly even chance of being the top seller among medium-premium cars for 2005.
Both manufacturers have moved well ahead of Mercedes-Benz, whose fortunes have been dropping sharply. Sales of the E-Class have falled by 28.4% compared with the first ten months of 2004, while the C-Class has also fallen behind the equivalent Audi and BMW.
The public perception of Mercedes as a quality manufacturer has taken a big hit after well-publicised electronic failures which have led to several recalls. Insiders say that the company is taking note - next year's revision of the E-Class, whose most publicised features will include a facelift and more powerful engines, also involves replacing the high-tech by-wire braking system (the subject of two recalls) with more conventional hydraulic brakes.