B Class Merc to be launched in 2005

PUNE: The B Class Mercedes is set to roll out by the end of 2005. This is a global car, slated to be a volumes car, on the platform of the A Class, the compact Merc. "The B Class is based on the platform of the A Class but has more space than the A Class. It is a special model, a global car, which will not be launched in all markets," Helmut Petri, out-going chairman, DaimleChrysler India Pvt Ltd, said.Mr Petri was in Pune for the 10th anniversary celebrations of the German-American luxury car maker. The B Class will bear the distinctive three-pointed star of the Mercedes brand, Mr Petri said, adding that they plan to show it at international car expos during the course of the next year. Like the rest of the car, its price, too, is under wraps. Being a car meant for the 'volume' segment, the B Class will share the components with the A Class. The market for the compact has largely been Germany and Italy with Japan expected to follow. The B Class will be produced at the German plant and among the markets DCAG plans to launch it in are the European, North American, Japanese and some other markets. "We have not decided on launching it in India although we could consider it," Mr Petri added.