Contrary to an earlier report by German business publication Automobilwoche, which was later picked up by us, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has denied that the A-Class Sedan will be discontinued after the current generation ends.

At the sidelines of the all-new W206 generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ launch on Friday, Vice-President Michael Jopp said, “No, there is no stop. There were some news out in the media but from our perspective, no.”

“All the portfolios, all the products that we have in our portfolio, all the segments that we are currently serving in Malaysia, we are doing (it) with a purpose. We see demand and we would be foolish to exit any of these segments. There is no plan to exit any of the segments we are currently serving,” said Jopp.

Also read: To focus on wealthy buyers, Mercedes A-Class Sedan to be discontinued after this generation, B-Class too

CEO Sagree Sardien added, “It’s important to understand that for the A-Class (Sedan), it will continue for the entire lifecycle. There is no change, or immediate changes that are planned, and even when you look to the future global portfolio, we bring in a portfolio that leaves no gap for any of the segment of customers.

“The A-Class has been a new introduction of customers, we expect to continue this relationship with this group of customers and to have a product offering that satisfies their needs in the future. We would be foolish as a brand to not consider it.”

Earlier in January, Automobilwoche reported that Mercedes-Benz Cars will be cutting down its lower profit margin compact models, to focus on larger, higher profit margin models.

The report said that the A-Class Sedan, B-Class, and CLA Shooting Brake will not be replaced after their current model lifecycle ends, circa 2025. Also to be discontinued are wagon variants of the C-Class and E-Class.

Also read: After A-Class Sedan, Mercedes-Benz to cut C-Class and E-Class wagons, CLA Shooting Brake

Separately, Mercedes-Benz USA has also confirmed that the A-Class Sedan will be dropped for North American markets after 2022.

However, CEO Sagree did specifically mention “…continue for the entire lifecycle,” (which was what the original article mentioned anyway), along with a “future portfolio that leaves no gap.”

This is the most important point, perhaps hinting to a new type of compact car model?

Automobilwoche has since followed up on its scoop, saying that the A-Class Sedan and CLA’s model line will be merged into one China-focused, long wheelbase model, possibly electric (but combustion engine variants are not ruled out), built on the latest generation MMA platform due in 2024.

The MMA platform was initially presented as an electric vehicle platform but Mercedes-Benz has also been referring to it as an ‘Electric First’ platform, as opposed to electric-only, alluding to the possibility of supporting combustion engines?

Also read: Report: 2025 long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz CLA EV to replace A-Class Sedan

Automobilwoche says the lower profit margin compact cars range cannot make a switch to fully electric as fast as the company’s larger models, so combustion engine variants will still have to be offered in parallel.

Earlier in January, Mercedes-Benz presented its EQXX Concept, the company’s vision for a new generation electric compact coupe-sedan.