Mercedes’ performance division plans on expanding its line-up, as global AMG vehicles sales rose 40 percent last year, to 68,875 units.
These figures come from Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG, who recently told to Automotive News at the New York Auto Show that the car maker will add “at least” 10 new AMG nameplates to the existing 38.
“We’re going to expand our portfolio to 48 different models by the end of the year.”
Moreover, to support this plan, Mercedes is apparently beginning to test the idea of standalone AMG stores, while urging dealers to create dedicated AMG-areas in their showrooms.
“Stand-alone AMG showrooms are getting feasible worldwide. We are going to open up one in Japan, and we’re having a discussion in Australia about that”, Moers said.
Basically, as AMG is seen as a “key profit center” the German car manufacturer wants to maximize its potential, as explained by Dietmar Exler, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA.
“About a dozen U.S. dealers have dedicated AMG showroom areas with a distinct look. Mercedes hopes that dealers with strong AMG sales will follow suit. I don’t think it makes sense to go over 100. It’s voluntary. If dealers want to participate, we’re working with them. We don’t want to force dealers to do that. For plenty of them, it just makes sense.”
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