[ViceCity]

Apparently Mercedes-Benz is considering using an existing Nissan plant in Mexico to build the new CLA Class. Because the new Infiniti compact cars are based on the CLA, both cars could share the same production line. If the decision is approved, a next-generation version of the CLA would be built in Aguascalientes, Mexico, starting in 2018.

 

[mr.smith]

Sounds like a great opportunity for some corporate espionage.

 

[BenzFan]

I know some CLA owners won't like hearing that their car was built at a Nissan facility, it'll make them feel they don't own a real mercedes

 

[booker]

I know some CLA owners won't like hearing that their car was built at a Nissan facility, it'll make them feel they don't own a real mercedes

further slicing up of Mercedes clientele, you want CLA owners and S-class owners to feel related to each other. If CLA is being built by Nissan do people out for Mercedes prestige care, or does the hype of owning a benz eradicate that...

 

[mr.smith]

I think that people are usually more concerned with what the country their car is made in and not the exact factory. There are basically two classes: made in America, and not made in America.

 

[brianch]

As long as the quality control is still there I don't see a huge problem - there better be more buyer incentive though - since I would assume manufacturing costs will be lower.

 

[claNOW]

Sounds like a great opportunity for some corporate espionage.

I do not think there will be too much hot water down there. Infiniti and Mercedes have signed several partnerships going forward.

 

[BenzFan]

Good points here. Nissan and Mercedes already seeming to produce great cars I wouldn't worry all that much. But I wonder what Nissan vehicles come from that Mexico plant and how good the build quality is on them. That would be somewhere to start when getting an idea of what to expect in the CLA.