Mercedes-Benz changes vehicles’ naming style

Mercedes-Benz has decided to change the naming system of its cars and light trucks. The company is preparing to launch 30 models, including all new vehicles by 2020. Autonews reports that in addition to new models, Mercedes said it would also introduce new body variants and drive systems.

The report said the new naming system will start to appear next year when Mercedes will launch redesigned or freshened versions of all of its crossovers and SUVs.

The naming, the company said, is to address issues raised by dealers who have said the proliferation of models has posed marketing challenges and caused confusion among consumers, especially when companies have adopted alphanumeric names.

In a statement, Head of Mercedes Brand Marketing Communication, Jens Thiemer, said:

“Mercedes will have five core models: A, B, C, E and S. All crossovers will have a GL in their name in a tribute to the legendary G-Class and the letter that follows will indicate the vehicle’s size, similar to the way the company has differentiated its sedans through the years.”

According to the statement, the SL designation, as from 2016, would be used on two-door roadsters and the third letter would indicate the size. The SLK would be renamed SLC while the SL name won’t change “in recognition of its iconic status.