Mercedes-Benz could drop A-class

Mercedes is rumored to be dropping the A-class from its lineup despite claims by the carmaker that the entry-level model has sold close to 1.5 million since introduction in 1997. The news was reported by German newspaper WirtschaftsWoche, and the only word so far from Mercedes officials is that it’s merely speculation.

According to the source, the A-class will be dropped when most of Mercedes’ lineup goes in for a revamp in 2011. The next-generation A-class was originally due in 2011, and it was previously reported that Mercedes was considering partnering with France’s PSA/Peugeot-Citroen Group to share the car’s development.

Without the A-class, Mercedes could instead concentrate on improving the next B-class model, which could be sold in the US for the first time. The B-Class has proven a sales success in Europe and the next-gen model is expected to further improve on this image by sharing its underpinnings with the new C-class saloon. This would mean a sportier chassis with a rear-wheel drivetrain and higher performance engines.