Most of the Maybach stores also sell Mercedes models but dealers had to initially fork out over half a million dollars to accommodate the ultra-luxury label. Last year, total sales in the U.S. amounted to just 146 cars, well short of the initial goal of 600 units a year.
Speaking with Automotive News at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, Mercedes’ U.S. Chief Ernst Lieb revealed those dealers affected by the decision will be compensated but most are expected to have lost significant investment. One dealer, who sold just seven Maybachs over five years, explained that the revenue wasn’t enough to cover the costs of the studio, demo car and inventory of parts.
One of Maybach’s key problems is that it essentially offers a bloated Mercedes-Benz at an exuberant price tag. The Maybach looks too much like a Mercedes and doesn't offer anything significant over a fully-loaded S-class. Indeed, many critics have argued that the Maybach cars should have simply been branded with the familiar tri-star logo and the company could have prevented spending money on wasteful branding exercises.
Reader Comments
Mon Oct 1 2007 11:23 PM
Gus says
Just such a goofy looking car. I guess my opinion doesn't really matter since I don't have the money anyway, but that's that.
Tue Oct 2 2007 6:51 AM
Tony says
Yes -- but that's just it, it isn't a car you'd be longing to buy even if you had the money. Heck, even the latest Rolls leaves me cold. These new "luxury" cars don't have that aura that leaves you breathless when they drive past anymore. Mercedes should've just kept their money and made the S-class more desirable, or just built a new 600 pullman limo instead. New super luxury cars like these are too in-your-face, instead of bespoke and regal which the older models were.
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