Mercedes-Benz is to enter the pickup market for the first time as early as 2017.The premium German marque will be positioning its new at the higher end of the sector, the so called ‘rough luxury’.
Based on Nissan Navara
The new commercial vehicle is still a couple of years away from being launched but the new pick-up, but it will be based on the Nissan Navara, like the new pickup from Renault, and will feature leaf-sprung rear suspension. It’s also thought likely the pickup will be built at the Navara’s factory in Spain.
This is due to Mercedes-Benz’s parent company, Daimler AG, has a 3.1 percent stake in the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This partnership has previously given birth to the Mercedes-Benz Citan, which is a major re-working of the Renault Kangoo, a small panel van.
Opportunity to grow commercial sales
Mercedes believes the pickup market is offering the opportunity for it to grow its commercial vehicle sales, as pickups are not only used for commercial use but private as well.
The company believes it is ideally suited to enter the market as it has a history of redefining vehicle segments, plus its long history of operating in both the premium car and commercial vehicle market will provide it with the necessary expertise to develop, build and sell a successful new entrant into the market.
Premium commerical pickup
Mercedes is confident it can produce a vehicle ‘that offers a high level of utility and has the comfort, safety, and design of a Mercedes-Benz passenger car,’ according to Volker Mornhinweg, head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
It will face an increasingly competitive market though, with six new pickups launching in 2015 and 2016. These include the 2015 Mitsubishi L200, 2015 Ford Ranger, 2016 Nissan Navara, 2016 Toyota Hilux, 2016 Fiat Professional pickup and 2016 Renault pickup.
Merc will be offering its new pickup in Latin America, South Africa, Australia and Europe including the UK.
Mercedes says it will be on sale before the end of the decade with 2017 likely to be the year it first goes on sale.
