Mercedes-Benz X-Class might just be nearing its end

MANILA: In a world where more and more automakers are looking forward to introducing their own pickup trucks and grab a share of the ballooning pickup market, Mercedes-Benz seems to be preferring a regressive move. Reports say that the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, a pickup truck which is based on the Nissan Navara, might be preparing to say sayonara very soon. With a foundation laid by the Nissan Navara, the X-Class by the German automaker features a GLS inspired exterior and interior.

Dwelling more into the reports, we find that Mercedes-Benz wants to reduce the production costs due to declining profits. The German automobile manufacturer is also considering changes in its business directions. While the aforementioned reasons sound fair enough, the major cause behind Mercedes-Benz choosing to discontinue the X-Class should be the poor sales figures accumulated by the pickup truck.

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class sports a starting price of € 37,924 in Europe and the price, when converted directly to Philippines Pesos, comes out as Php 2.165 million. Considering this price figure, there is no doubt that the sales of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class have been eaten up by the likes of Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Strada, and other pickup trucks.

Due to the cutthroat competition and a steep price tag, the X-Class has only managed to find 16,700 homes across South Africa, Europe, and Australia ever since its inception. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz then shot itself in the foot by not offering the X-Class in the US and various Asian markets. The German automaker missed a trick here which could have yielded a huge chunk of sales. A recall forced due to a loose footwell light jamming the brake pedal did no good to the sales either.

Moving on, the Takata airbag recalls and diesel emissions regulations are also eating up Mercedes-Benz’s money big time. Hence, the day might not be too far away when we officially bid adieu to the X-Class.

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