The future of the Mercedes-Benz X-class is being called into question following claims in Europe it could be dropped from production.
Automotive News Europe is reporting the brand’s parent company, Daimler, is looking to make the move to reduce costs amid profit warnings, according to its sources.
Daimler recently downgraded its earnings outlook by up to 4% for the 2019 financial year in light of costs associated with a diesel emissions breach and Takata airbag recall.
However, New Zealand manager of PR and corporate communications for the brand, Blake Vincent, told Stuff the reports are just “speculations” and the X-class will remain a focus for Mercedes-Benz Vans locally.
New Daimler chief executive Ola Källenius was reported as saying back in April the joint venture between Daimler and the Nissan-Renault alliance wouldn’t last much longer.
The arrangement which saw the Nissan Navara platform on which the X-Class was based and modified upon will cease according to a report by Manager Magazine in Germany.
An interview with Källenius has him suggesting he will “gently drain the alliance” “without hurting anyone” and “end the co-operation”.
After Källenius takes over from current chief executive Dieter Zetsche, the Nissan build program for Daimler is expected to end by 2023, leaving Mercedes to build X-Class on its own or partner with another OEM.
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