With growing demand in the US for more compact and fuel efficient cars, Mercedes is is planning to bring the small B-Class to the US. “With rising fuel prices and a move toward smaller passenger cars in the United States, the next-generation B class may have potential here” said Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, in an interview with Automotive News.

One major factor Mercedes needs to consider is whether or not customers in the US will be interested in a car which is smaller than the Mercedes C-Class. “Younger customers who have been in Europe and driven the car (B-Class) as a rental car are very open to it. The more traditional Mercedes customer is a little hesitant.”

Lieb said currently Mercedes is focusing on the debut of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class which is set for August. If Mercedes were to sell the B class in the US, it would be the next-generation model due in 2011.

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