Mercedes-Benz to enter pickup segment with a new midsize pickup

Mercedes-Benz is all set to enter the pickup segment for the first time in its history with a new midsize pickup, planned to be launched in 2017. The first pickup from the premium carmaker will be developed by Mercedes-Benz Vans division and will be made available to both private and commercial sectors. The company has referred to the segment’s versatility, all-round utility, payload and good sales potential for entering the pickup segment. The new Mercedes-Benz pickup will initially be made available in markets like Latin America, South Africa, Australia, and Europe, where pickup market have shown sustained growth.

 “The Mercedes-Benz pickup will contribute nicely to our global growth targets,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division. “We will enter this segment with our distinctive brand identity and all of the vehicle attributes that are typical of the brand with regard to safety, comfort, powertrains, and value.”

Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, adds: “As part of our ‘Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global’ strategy, the pickup is the ideal vehicle for the international expansion of our product range with a newly developed model. We can perfectly serve customers looking for a vehicle that offers a high level of utility and at the same time has the comfort, safety, and design of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. We will design our brand’s first pickup according to this recipe for success.”

Source : CarDekho