The Maybach brand is not preforming up to Mercedes-Benz sales expectations. In fact there's concern that the Maybach brand may actually be hurting MB dealers. Each Mercedes dealer that sells Maybachs had to invest over $500,000 to prepare their dealership to handle the new brand, and many of these dealers are not getting their investment back in terms of sales. 500 Maybach sales per year had been projected, but actual sales have been only 778 cars since it debuted...
Full story here.
In a related story, might Mercedes fold the Maybach line into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, rather than keep it a separate brand? Hmmm... Not sure that's a good idea, as by doing that, it'll never be held in the same esteem as the Rolls Royce.
My take: I think the success of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom has put a real hurting on the Maybach. In terms of projecting one's ego—which is key in this segment—the Phantom is in a class by itself. There are only so many customers in this rarefied market, and the new RR has grabbed most of them.
In a related story, might Mercedes fold the Maybach line into the Mercedes-Benz lineup, rather than keep it a separate brand? Hmmm... Not sure that's a good idea, as by doing that, it'll never be held in the same esteem as the Rolls Royce.
My take: I think the success of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom has put a real hurting on the Maybach. In terms of projecting one's ego—which is key in this segment—the Phantom is in a class by itself. There are only so many customers in this rarefied market, and the new RR has grabbed most of them.
ateixeira says:
08:05 AM, 09/ 4/07
They are rare. The only place I see them are at car shows and in rap videos! LOL
gmguy111 says:
09:32 AM, 09/ 4/07
I agree ateixeria I live up in Michigan and I have not seen any maybachs a few porsches and bentlys but no maybachs. i guess you either have to be a spoiled heiress or a rapper to own one of these luxo barges
hondacura4 says:
02:36 PM, 09/ 4/07
Ive seen a white Maybach in Cincinnatti OH and it did draw attention. But I think the thing the most that hurt the Maybach line the most is that it looks like a Mercedes. Mercedes should have took the styling further.
estreka says:
04:33 PM, 09/ 4/07
Isn't exclusivity a big selling point? If I'm paying an enormous sum of money on a vehicle, I WANT there to only be 700 copies in the world.
desmolicious says:
06:22 PM, 09/ 4/07
I've seen a few of these around the LA area, but the problem is they look like a Merc limo built by Hyundai.
brucedm says:
02:01 PM, 09/ 5/07
It has a Hyundai grill, Hyundai tail lights, Mercedes headlights, so why should a person pay these big bucks for a Maybach nee Hyundai when a Hyundai costs 90% less. I have been waiting a long time to say this and it sure feels good to get it off my chest!!!