If you could run mb what would be on your to do list? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

momentum · #1 01-14-2003, 02:46 AM

For me I would

1 get rid of the chrysler merger if posible.

2.Rehire the engineers back from the 80's if there still employable.

3. Bring back "the best or nothing" as the mb saying and mission statement.

4. Kill the c class 230 coupe(sorry coupe owners on here), a class, and other entry level benzes that cheapen the name. I think a benz should be somthing to aspire to own not be affordable for anyone.

5. Over engineer the cars like back from the 80's and cost be damned. I would fire any empolyee who believes cutting costs and taking quality shortcuts to lower prices and increase market share should be "the way to do business".

6. I would tell the designers to make the grill on the c and s class just a little larger so it will be more prominent .(everyone should know your driving a benz from a mile away)

7. ML has got to be assembled in germany.

8. Improve mbusa customer service and dealer networks to lexus standards.

9. Offer more power to the sl to show those caddy xlr owners and show them whose boss.

10. Redesign the interiors of the s and c class. Heard too many complaints of feeling too plasticy.

I know with my plan sales might slide and prices will increase but I believe customers are willing to pay more to have a reliable and high quality product.

That's all I can think of for now.

#2 01-14-2003, 03:12 AM

I like what you're saying here, and I agree with the quality or die approach to it. Cost be damned, it needs to be right.

1. Dump Chrysler- PERIOD. Two different schools of auto design here- they don't need to mix.

2. Improve MB customer service by holding dealers accountable for customer complaints- too many and you are fired!

3. Make the AMG a little more exclusive. I am not sure if the superchargers are the way to go here.

4. Work on making the cars feel less plastc like on the interiors as well as doing away with those designo interiors. Offer different types of woods on ALL models as far as dash goodies go.

That's about it for now. I know some folks may not agree with what I have said here, but it's like they say opinions are like.......

Travmonster

Ashman · #3 01-14-2003, 04:52 AM

1. sell chrysler.

2. import all non us models.

3. take money from sale of chrysler to pay for R&D of the next great automotive advance.

4. Take over the U.S. Van and Truck industry with Mercedes Rigs, Vans, etc etc.

5. Replace Army Hummers with Military spec unimogs.

6. release a special edition W124 500CE.

7. Commend and support all enthusiast websites, and allow use of all mercedes materials for enthusiast site use.

I can go on and on. hehe but those would be my top choices.

Alon

#4 01-14-2003, 10:05 AM

Bring the Mercedes truck racing series over here and give Nasbarge something to think about.........

GREAT stuff Ashman!!! You did better than I did!!

I'd also offer V8 wagons over here with a potential of the tiny C-class with a 4.3l V8 from a C43. HEEHEE!!!

mikemover · #5 01-14-2003, 10:15 AM

1. Immediately start importing all the diesel models to the US!

2. Disband Chrysler altogether, except the parts division, to keep the guys with the classic rides happy and on the road.

3. Eliminate ALL plastic from the interiors...My 79 SD only has 3 plastic parts on the entire dash/console area! The new one's are ALL plastic! Yuck.

4. Build a hybrid-powered model to shut up the enviro-nazis, and to improve the corporate MPG figures so the performance of the top-end models could be tweaked even higher!

5. Improve customer service at dealerships.

6. Call the sprinter van what it should be called: a MERCEDES-BENZ!

7. Eliminate the soccer mom-looking ML...Sorry ML guys...I just don't like them. They look like 1/2 mini-van, 1/2 Honda to me.

8. Bring back some CHROME! and wood! and the big grilles on the 4-door cars--aerodynamics be damned! hahaha...

Well...that's about it....everybody's covered just about everything else already.

Mike

Glen · #6 01-14-2003, 10:57 AM

I'd keep Chrysler

Move the ML to the Jeep division

Move the C-coupe over to Dodge with a sheetmetal change

Develop new high tech, inline six cylinder engines with direct injection

Offer manual transmissions on all C, E, CLK, and SL models, especially the AMG models

Ken300D · #7 01-14-2003, 11:05 AM

Very thought provoking thread.

Personally, I think the Chrysler purchase was a mistake, but its too late to take back economically from a business view.

So, I do have a few suggestions - some based on other suggestions above:

1) Leverage the Chrylser-Mercedes relationship. Put a Mercedes diesel engine into the Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Make sure everyone KNOWS it is a Mercedes diesel - they will FLY off the lot.

2) The C-class is not a Mercedes. It belongs in the Chrysler brand. It and the Neon appear to be merging anyway.

3) A hybrid is a good suggestion. I suggest a hybrid diesel-electric. A nice, small, smooth 4-cylinder diesel with electric assist. If gasolene hybrids get 50+ mpg, diesel hybrids should get 70.

4) Chrysler makes money from "retro" models all the time. Like the PT Cruiser. Volkswagon has the "retro" Beetle. How about a "retro" W123? Is there enough steel left on the planet?

Ken300D

#8 01-14-2003, 12:26 PM

1. Manuals in the C, E, and SL class.

2. Kill the ML class, update the G-wagon and keep the offroad ability and solid axles.

3. Interior build quality up to Audi standards (totally possible! just look at VW!)

4. New DOHC inline 6 and V-8 engines. Hell, bring back the M119 engine family.

5. Extricate oneself from Chrysler.

-Sam

#9 01-14-2003, 12:32 PM

Heck if we are gonna talk retro, why not bring back the grandaddy of the retro Mercedes.....The 300sl GULLWING coupe!!! Shoot, they'd make a friggin' MINT off those things, and of course, they'd have to make their parts available again, so the poor guys restoring them will be happy.

I agree with moving the ML class out of the line up, it is just not a Mercedes to me. I dunno WHAT they were thinking when they built that ugly thing!! I know that the Gwagen is a true TRUCK, and that would stay in the lineup. Ditto on the manual gearbox thing as well.

One more thing, offer AWD on all models of their lineup. I know they are doing it with the S-Class, but why not ALL of them?

I think the C-class should stay, but make them a QUALITY vehicle!! I hear of all sorts of horror stories of these things and their quality. Mercedes should be synonymous with the word QUALITY. Might get expensive, but I have learned something about this quality thing- people will pay a little more if they believe in the quality of their vehicles. Look at Toyota!! Friggin things are priced WAY up there for a JAPANESE vehicle but they have no ptoblem selling them!! I have read several articles on their unwavering ciommitment on the quality issue. I also see a BOATLOAD of the older trucks with like 300-400k ALL the time!!
I have also read an article on Chrysler's quality issue, and I can't remember where I read it, but I remember a higher up in the Chrysler organization say "recalls are cheaper than quality" I hope that guy is unemployed by now. I know I'd fire his ass. Attitudes like that are cancerous to car companies, it spreads and ends up killing them from the inside out. If I am wrong feel free to correct me, but I am a stickler on the quality thing.

mikemover · #10 01-14-2003, 12:36 PM

MB quality and image has suffered since the Chrysler deal. Chrysler quality and image has benefitted. Coincidence? I doubt it.

Mike

mikemover · #11 01-14-2003, 12:45 PM

I hope you're right...but if the C-class or the ML are any indication of the future direction of the company...I won't hold my breath.

mike

Jim Anderson · #12 01-14-2003, 12:47 PM

Offer the entire product line with standard transmissions

el presidente · #13 01-14-2003, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashman

6. release a special edition W124 500CE.

Alon, you have my vote!

renyf1 · #14 01-14-2003, 02:22 PM

a retro Gullwing :-)

I'd have McLaren (their f1 partner) do some consutling work as far as quailty is concerned

make AMG more exclusive

give the e55 flared fenders like the old E500 or something special like that

yeah bring back the big grilles

use ex-f1 driver Mika H to give feedback on all AMG cars

and everything everyone has said....like dealer treatment

rickg · #15 01-14-2003, 03:10 PM

I think we need to forward this thread to Mercedes!