Less that six months ago, Mercedes-Benz was "talking" to BMW about partnering on a small drivetrain. Another pub now says MB is "talking" to Hyundai. Last year Dieter Zetsche said the company was open to every option. At the time he was referring to A & B class powertrains.
On May 1 of this year, MBUSA issued a press release that stated the year-to-date sales were at the highest level in company history. MB has had 14 consecutive years of sales growth.
If anyone bothered to "click the link" and read the article, then it would be clear how this is so much speculation and self congratulatory talk from Hyundai.
So, they can make s supercar engine? Well . . . what's stopping them?
Yah, I read the link, it's still speculation.
What happens if MBz starts talking to KIA too? I think I'm gonna puke
We only have Mr Lee's word for what Deiter actually said. But I suppose MB might be interested in a cheaper source than Stuttgart for their China market cars.
Anyway, didn't seem to hurt Audi, which stuffs VW engines under the hood - and God knows where they are made! And BMW use GM autos.
It has to be increasingly tough for MB and BMW, as relatively small independent makers, in the new world - the competition has a cheap parts bin to dip into when necessary, and does so quite shamelessly, but most buyers seem to care only about price.
MB can follow a time honored tradition in the far east and just buy a car with the engine technology in question and reverse engineer it; in years gone by, the Japanese were pretty famous for this kind of thing with Mercedes cars, IIRC.
Yah, I read the link, it's still speculation.
What happens if MBz starts talking to KIA too? I think I'm gonna puke
In fact, Hyundai and Kia are sister companies.
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1. 1988 420SEL (01/07/2005 to 04/22/2005)
2. 1990 420SEL (11/01/2005 to 11/17/2006)
3. 1995 S420 (12/02/2006 to 07/25/2007)
4. 1998 C230 in Black Opal Pearl Metallic (02/17/2007 to Present)
I spent some time in both a late model Sonata and an older XG-350 (what a stupid name for a vehicle) and I came away pretty impressed. Reminded me of the first time I drove an Accord back in the 80's. Nothing flashy, just good balance all around and a sense that it was well put together. Decent acceleration and good mileage. Hey if claims against the 100K warranty doesn't kill the brand and they start lasting 200K, they'll take over the market.
Not gettin' rid of my 124 any time soon, though.
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Scott in MD/DC
94 E320 Wagon (Just getting broken in)
95 C280 (RIP)
87 190E (Sold)
"There is nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes"
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