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Hard-driving luxury to the power of X
Mercedes has unveiled its X-Class concept as it aims to bring luxury to the bakkie market
Mercedes-Benz is going to make a bakkie. This will come as a big surprise to many; after all, bakkies are not normally associated with luxury German vehicles. But Merc has been doing its homework. Speaking at the reveal of the new X-Class in Sweden, Marion Friese, head of marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans, advised that the mid-size pick-up segment is growing. She predicts that the segment will increase globally by a massive 39% over the next 10 years. Friese points out that the market is changing, with customers demanding more car-like qualities in their bakkies. The market has reacted, particularly in models such as the latest Ford Ranger, and the upcoming new Nissan Navara is set to follow suit. The Navara is also the platform for the new X-Class, which will arrive in SA early in 2018. It is not a new thing for Merc. The company has been at home with pick-ups in Argentina for more than 60 years since the 220D, affectionately known as "La Pick-Up". Since then it has created the migh...
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