Report: Mercedes-Benz’s Dieter Zetsche hints at interest in expanding FWD offerings

AutomotiveNews reports after speaking with Daimler AG’s CEO, Dieter Zetsche, that Mercedes-Benz is interested in expanding its front-wheel drive lineup in 2018.

“We are considering the final portfolio of the next generation of our compact cars,” Zetsche said to AN during an interview at a press event. “We have to define it and we may expand the portfolio.”

Mercedes-Benz isn’t new to the front-wheel drive scene as their A- and B-Class offerings have always been built on front-wheel drive platforms. And even more recently, Mercedes introduced another front-wheel driven model, the all-new CLA-Class, which hits our showrooms later this September.

The next model in the pipeline for the brand would be the GLA crossover, which is due sometime in September 2014 sales wise with the production model seeing a worldly debut at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

Zetsche didn’t specify what other models could be added to the lineup, but speculation in the industry points to either a CLA-based convertible and another two-door roadster.

– By: Chris Chin

Source: AutomotiveNews

Chris Chin

Chris Chin is the Editor-In-Chief of egmCarTech and is a regular contributor to Automobile Magazine.

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