Mercedes-Benz Trucks just announced that they will build a Mercedes-Benz Midsized Pickup Truck! According to Mercedes-Benz Trucks, they will enter the midsized pickup truck segment before the end of the decade. Their main markets will be: Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Australia. No mention of North America.
“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.”
Mercedes-Benz Vans – Centre of competence for commercially and privately used vehicles has years of experience with V-Class vans, (Sprinter, Vito, etc.) and with some of the most notable off-road vehicles like the G-Wagon and Unimog, there is little doubt that Mercedes-Benz cannot deliver.
“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,” says Mornhinweg. “We will design our brand’s first pickup according to this recipe for success.”
There is no mention of platforms, powertrains or capabilities; however, judging by the official image, it could be about the same size as a Chevrolet Colorado. If that is the case, Mercedes-Benz has several smaller diesel and petrol engines that would fit this truck. The big question is: does it have a tuck frame underneath?
Time will tell.
Despite not having North America as a future recipient for the upcoming pickup truck, there is always a chance that, with enough consumer feedback, Mercedes-Benz could reconsider.
We’ll keep an eye on this one.
Speaking of Mercedes-Benz vans, check out this Mercedes-Benz 4×4 Sprinter video!
worldwide.
