Mercedes-Benz could preview a new range of compact models later this year based on its new MMA architecture, CEO Ola Kallenius said.
The automaker will continue to sell compact cars even as its emphasizes sales of its highest-margin models, including the luxury Maybach brand, the high-performance AMG division and off-road G-Class. The average selling price of a Mercedes car has risen 43 percent since 2019, and is now about 73,000 euros ($78,000).
The strategy to focus on high-end cars has raised questions about whether Mercedes is still committed to the compact segment, Kallenius acknowledged on Friday when presenting Mercedes’ 2022 financial results.
When asked if there would be future investment in smaller cars, Kallenius replied: "The short answer is yes."
He added: "But we will focus on the models that we believe are the most successful on a worldwide basis. We might later this year even tease what that future would look like.”
Mercedes currently sells seven main compact models in Europe built on the MFA2 platform: The A-Class, B-Class, A-Class sedan, CLA coupe, CLA station wagon, GLA (plus EQA EV) and GLB (plus EQB EV).
Mercedes plans to reduce that number to four in the coming years.