 Mercedes C180 adds value -
against the odds.Mercedes-Benz
Australia’s recently launched C180 Classic
has established a critical market presence for
the three-pointed star in a price-sensitive
market segment.
 Previewed at the Melbouyrne Motor
Show in March, the C180 is positioned to compete
with Japanese, as well as its traditional German,
rivals.
Priced from $52,700, the
C180 now gives luxury car customers, whose choice
of vehicle may be limited by the
Government’s so-called "luxury tax
threshold", a compelling reason to consider
Mercedes-Benz.
Most imprtantly, the 1997
version of Mercedes’ `entry-level’
C-class is seven percent less expensive
than the original C180 which was launched in
1994, despite being far more comprehensively
equipped with dual airbags, 5-speed electronic
transmission, cruise control and a host of new
safety features as standard.
The seven percent price
reduction also contrasts sharply with the
Consumer Price Index, which has risen 14 percent
in the same period.
Mercedes-Benz
Australia’s managing director, Bernt
Schlickum, said the latest C180 demonstrated his
company’s determination to make the
three-pointed star more accessible to a greater
number of customers - particularly young buyers.
"With the help of the
factory’s aggressive pricing policy, and
with initiatives of our own like our exclusive
three year unlimied kilometre owner protection
plan, and $159 per week lease plan, we can now
offer unprecedented motoring value," said Mr
Schlickum.
Some of the major standard
equipment items added to the C180 since its 1994
launch include:
Wider wheels and tyres -
security engine immobiliser - wood-trimmed centre
console - dual airbags - outside temperature
gauge - 5-speed electronic transmission - cruise
control - front passenger seat airbag sensor -
elimination of 1500km service (first service now
at 15,000km).
Mercedes-Benz last month
completed production of the one millionth C-class
model at its Sindelfingen plant. The C-class has
become one of the most successful model lines in
Europe, and in Australia has sold more than 6,800
units since its 1994 launch. It is available as a
saloon, estate-wagon or as a high performance AMG
version.
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