Mercedes-Benz ute concept, the X-Class has been brought to Australian soil for promotion activities including a series of photo shoots which placed the vehicle in typical Australian settings.
Meanwhile, our friends across the Pacific are still in the lurch about whether the X-Class will be taken to America, with concerns the plant in Argentina won’t keep up with demand for European, Australian and South African markets.
The X-Class is anticipated to be released here next year, with Australian and Kiwi dealers being briefed on the new model by global head of product management and marketing for X-Class, Christian Pohl at the Mercedes-Benz Vans dealer conference in Melbourne last week
According to Diane Tarr, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand, the market down under is expected to play a key role in the model’s success, with SUVs taking the top spot in sales last year.
“Australia and New Zealand are critical markets for the success of the X-Class. The Concept has been flown from Germany so our dealers can get a detailed briefing about the vehicle and continue their preparation for a successful launch of the X-Class in 2018.”
While the American pickup market is just as tightly fought as the Australian one, Mercedes is yet to commit to the US market for the X-Class, with the current political climate playing a role.
“We are watching developments very closely, and we will take a decision at the appropriate time,” said head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Mornhinweg, in a recent press conference.
With the automotive industry at risk of large taxes for imported vehicles, it is believed a US plant could be in consideration to make it a more viable prospect as well as increase supply numbers.
