Mercedes-AMG’s product onslaught won’t be slowing anytime soon as there are plans for at least 10 more models by year end.
The information was confirmed to Automotive News (subscription required) by Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers.
"We're going to expand our portfolio to 48 different models by the end of the year,” Moers is quoted as saying.
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Mercedes-AMG currently offers 38 separate models when you include the various bodystyles as well as the arrival of the new “43” series. Some of these will include the recently revealed GLC43, GLC43 Coupe and C63 Cabriolet. And just around the corner is a new GT R performance flagship.
The need for more models, according to Moers, is strong demand worldwide. Last year the Affalterbach tuner sold 68,875 cars, a staggering rise of 40 percent on the previous year’s tally.
Mercedes-AMG will also test the waters with standalone stores. Moers said there will be a dedicated Mercedes-AMG store opening up in Japan and there are discussions in place to open one in Australia. Existing Mercedes-Benz dealers will also be encouraged to add dedicated Mercedes-AMG showrooms at their stores.
With so many models on offer, there is always the concern of exclusivity. However, as Porsche has shown, exclusivity can be retained by using extra profits to fund the development of limited run halo models. Porsche delivered a record 225,121 cars in 2015 thanks to mainstream models like the Cayenne and Macan, and with its extra profits is continuing to develop awesome cars like the 918 Spyder and future halos like the production version of the Mission E concept and a new mid-engine supercar.
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