Future diesel models - response from MB - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cornblatt · #1 10-21-2005, 11:17 AM

It seems strange to discuss new cars on this forum, but I'll give it a try anyway...

I recently contacted Mercedes regarding their plans for future diesel models to be sold here (here = Canada, but the answer for the US is probably similar). The reply was discouraging...

I said:

Quote:

Hi! I would like to know if you have any plans to offer a diesel engine +
manual transmission in the C-class.

I currently have a 5-speed 190 Diesel. It is a very sensible car that is
reliable and gets good fuel mileage. But, it is getting old (22 yrs), and
I may need to buy a new car in the next couple of years.

I would like another Mercedes, but unfortunately there is nothing in the
current Canadian Mercedes product lineup that is comparable to this car.
Since the european market has many diesel engine options, I was wondering
if you had any plans to make those options available in Canada. I know you
offer the E-class CDI, but that car is too large for me.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question!

And their response was:

Quote:

Thank you for your interest in Mercedes-Benz.

Please note the only available diesel engines at this time are the
Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI and the smart fortwo CDI. In the future,
Mercedes-Benz AG will introduce more diesel engines to the Canadian
marketplace. We are currently evaluating a diesel version M-Class and the
newly launched R-Class, possibly for 2007, however we have no further
information at this time. Please note there are no current plans to
introduce a diesel version C-Class, however I would be more than happy to
forward your feedback to our Product Management Team for consideration in
the development of upcoming models.

As new models become available in Canada, they will be posted on our
website.

I also contacted Audi, since I think that the new A3 looks interesting, and the A4 is a fantastic car with the most incredible interior I've ever seen in a vehicle. The textures, fit and finish, and 'atmosphere' of being in the car are all perfect. Reliability may be another story... but they're probably no different than MB in that respect. Anyway, Audi's reply was even more discouraging:

Quote:

Thank you for contacting Audi of America.

With the current concerns over fuel prices, diesel is a natural answer and we do have advanced diesel technologies in Europe today. The reality, though, is that it will take some time and development yet, and some changes in the North American diesel fuel, before you will see a diesel powered Audi in North America. We are working on gasoline alternatives but the best thing we can say at this point is "Watch for news!" When new models are launched we will announce them through press releases and our website.

Again, thank you for writing and for your interest.

While I appreciate their honest answers, it wasn't what I wanted to hear! I guess this is an incentive to hang on to your existing diesel car as long as you can, because nothing new is coming any time soon...