The insight into Mercedes future is Dr. Z's stated goal of doubling worldwide sales by 2020. That's 2.5 million vehicles, compared to 2011's 1.26 million. To do that, or to even come close, Mercedes has to build and sell in the mother of all markets . . . China.

Cost cutting is already in place with the Renault deal; killing off Maybach and focusing on the S-Class; production plants in the US, China, India and soon Mexico; converting SMART to a joint venture with Nissan; consolidated chassis for the A/B and then this new CLC/CLS.

photo of car in Los Angeles with subdued trim