How Mercedes plans to smoke BMW and Audi [video]

Does anyone really care about what Mercedes-Benz will be doing over the next 7 years? If you are BMW and Audi, you would be very interested in knowing what your chief German rival is up to. We know it includes the launch of the all-new 2015 GLA-Class next year, but what else does Mercedes have up their sleeve to challenge their chief luxury rivals?

Mercedes-Benz President and CEO USA Steve Cannon, gave a holiday message to Mercedes fans extending warm holiday wishes to them. “We value every member of our Mercedes-Benz family and want to thank you for making 2013 the most successful year in our history.”

But what he said next reveals a key strategy for the German automaker to overtake BMW and Audi for the top luxury spot in the world. Mercedes has not been secret about their plans to be number one by the end of the decade. But now we know how they will pull it off.

The CLA-Class played a major role in contributing to the Mercedes success this year. It represents a new global strategy for the brand to reach a new and younger generation of buyers who have never purchased a Mercedes vehicle before. It creates a new entry point into the compact premium car segment. The car is priced under $30,000 (before destination) and is already selling well around the globe.

Here is what Mercedes-Benz President and CEO USA Steve Cannon said that reveals their key strategy over the next seven years. Cannon said, “And you are going to want to keep your eyes on us, because we are not taking our foot off the gas. Over a seven year period, we are bringing 30 new models to market."

That’s a giant task for the Stuttgart automaker to pull off. It will start next year with the launch of the all-new premium compact SUV GLA-Class. It’s sporty new SUV that will follow directly on the heals of the successful CLA. And the all-new sporty C-Class is a newly-redesigned sedan that should continue to be the top-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the world.

Mercedes has an ambitious plan to bring 30 new models to market by the year 2020. Can they really pull it off? If they do, Mercedes will be looking in their rearview mirror at BMW and Audi. They will both be keeping an eye on Mercedes-Benz. Stay tuned to Torque News for the next chapter when they launch the all-new 2015 GLA-Class.

Watch Happy Holidays from Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve Cannon video.