Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz has decided to extend the production of the A-Class until 2028, contrary to previous plans to discontinue it in 2026, due to sustained demand in the European market for this entry-level fuel vehicle [4][12][20]. Group 1: Production Decisions - The decision to extend the A-Class production was confirmed by production chief Jörg Burzer, who stated that this will be the "last round of production" for the A-Class [5][19]. - The A-Class was initially set to be the last generation of its series, with plans to shift focus to new models based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform [10][11]. - The production of the A-Class may be transferred to the Kecskemet plant in Hungary to free up capacity at the Rastatt plant for the new MMA models [18] Group 2: Market Demand and Strategy - Despite a decline in overall compact car sales, the A-Class has shown relatively strong performance in the European market, with sales of 27,772 units in the first five months of the year, although this is down from 32,711 units in the same period last year [16]. - Mercedes-Benz plans to reduce its compact car lineup from seven to four models, indicating a strategic shift to focus on more attractive models for global markets [10][21]. - The extension of the A-Class production is seen as a response to the strong customer base in Europe, where the A-Class has been one of the best-selling compact cars [20][22]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The new CLA will take over the entry-level role in the Mercedes lineup after the A-Class is phased out, with production of the next-generation CLA set to begin in 2026 [11][21]. - The additional two years of A-Class production serve as a farewell to European customers who prefer fuel vehicles, while also providing a transition period before the new electric models are introduced [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the discontinuation of the A-Class model as part of its strategy to streamline its global product lineup, with the current A-Class hatchback being the last version produced [2][4]. Group 1: Product Line Changes - The A-Class has been in production since 1997 and is now in its fourth generation, with the latest version released in 2018 and updated in 2023 [4]. - Mercedes-Benz plans to reduce its compact car offerings from seven models to four, which will include the CLA sedan, CLA shooting brake, GLA, and GLB SUV after the A-Class is discontinued [4]. - The CLA will become the most affordable entry-level model for Mercedes-Benz following the A-Class's discontinuation [4]. Group 2: Future Plans - The next generation of the CLA is scheduled for release in 2026, based on a new electric platform called MMA, which will offer both hybrid and fully electric versions [4]. - Mercedes-Benz has canceled its original plans to use the MB.EA platform for future EQE and EQS models, opting instead to utilize existing platforms [4].