G-Class (W463) Mercedes To Continue Producing G-Class

[Alx]

Despite earlier rumors that Mercedes may be replacing the legendary G-Wagon with the upcoming GL-Class, DaimlerChrysler has officially announced today that they will continue producing the G-Class in coming years.

The legendary G-Wagon has remained virtually unchanged in it's design since 1979, except for various safety and technology upgrades. According to Dieter Zetsche, head of the Mercedes Car Group, "Mercedes-Benz wrote automotive history by always ensuring that the G-Class remained state of-the-art over the past 26 years, and it will continue to offer its customers the very latest technology in the future.”

Production for the G-Class will remain at the Magna Steyr Plant in Graz, Austria, where over 185,000 have been produced throughout the years.

Although the G will remain with Magna Steyr, DaimlerChrysler has also announced today they will be moving E-Class production (which has been with Magna Steyr since 1996) to the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen from early 2007.

For more info on the G-Class and E-Class production, you can check out the full press release below.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Legendary Off-Roader Will Remain Part Of The Mercedes Product Lineup

Stuttgart/Graz, Nov 11, 2005

DaimlerChrysler will continue to produce its “classic off-roader” in the coming years. On behalf of Mercedes-Benz, the company Magna Steyr has manufactured over 185,000 units of the legendary G-Class in Graz, Austria, since 1979. The car continues to be very popular among customers, and it has been part of the Mercedes product lineup for the past 26 years.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC, which Magna Steyr in Graz has also been building since 1996, will be manufactured instead at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen from early 2007. “By continuing to produce the G-Class in Graz and manufacturing all E-Class variants at our main plant in Sindelfingen from 2007, we have found a viable solution for both partner,” explains Dr. Dieter Zetsche, DaimlerChrysler Board of Management member and head of the Mercedes Car Group. “We are delighted that we can continue our successful and long-standing cooperation with Magna Steyr.”

With its rugged technology and outstanding off-road capabilities, the G-Class has set standards from the very start. And it is equipped with the industry’s most effective drive and driving safety systems, combining permanent all-wheel drive with the 4ETS electronic traction system and three differential locks that are activated when needed.

The vehicle’s striking shape, which has remained nearly unchanged over a period of almost three decades, has made the “G” a design classic with cult status. Together with its legendary ruggedness, the off-roader’s design has contributed most to its popularity. “Mercedes-Benz wrote automotive history by always ensuring that the G-Class remained state of-the-art over the past 26 years, and it will continue to offer its customers the very latest technology in the future,” says Zetsche.


Copyright © 2005, DaimlerChrysler AG

 

[Alx]

Thank you MB! I guess they finally heard the masses!!!

 

[Mark]

They heard us!!

 

[wltsm]

I must say I'm happy that the G class has staying in production, it's a great looking car and, is a classic car. It's still top IMO, and it doesn't lack power, with the G55!

I wonder what will happen with the Land Rover Defender!

 

[Yperion]

I guess they let the G class die slowly.

But what about the model we see in the spy shots? If it's not new G class what is it?

 

[Alx]

They heard us!!

You know, i bet they really did, the decision had to come from the choice of buyers and such forums as this one. They were full blast into this new GL looking thing. I guess all the negative responses, had them reconsider.

We should all take a bow!

 

[RikfromBelgium]

Well, although I'm happy the G will stay, I always thought it had character. But WTF, a G and a GL? So now they hey have how many cars in this segment or close to the same segment? ML, R, G, GL, E estate 4-matic, a possible 7-seater ML, ... Is this how they are thinking to regain top position?

I say drop that GL, it only looks like a big ML and just improve the G.

 

[Centurion]

Please make all the soccer moms happy by throwing in the 63 engine under the hood of the car.

 

[wltsm]

I say drop that GL, it only looks like a big ML and just improve the G.

I'm sure it's a bit late for that, they have already invested a lot of money into the new car!

 

[emarati]

Great news, Thanks Alx.

And i agree with Rik, MB is goin insane with all these models, its like theres a new model every year.

 

[Alx]

Great news, Thanks Alx.

And i agree with Rik, MB is goin insane with all these models, its like theres a new model every year.

No problem Emarati ,

That big thing could just be the extended ML which is what it looked like from the start anyways, though i disagree with huge model expansion, i feel this decision on keeping the G may be the turn around in marketing that MB needed. Seems like there are many big decisions and moves made since the beginning of November, let's see what will follow.

 

[Mark]

Well, although I'm happy the G will stay, I always thought it had character. But WTF, a G and a GL? So now they hey have how many cars in this segment or close to the same segment? ML, R, G, GL, E estate 4-matic, a possible 7-seater ML, ... Is this how they are thinking to regain top position?

I say drop that GL, it only looks like a big ML and just improve the G.

Plus "MLG" as well according to their trademark applications. We discussed this before here:

https://www.germancarforum.com/posts/27

and about what I would like to see as an improved, evolutionary design for a new G? Here:

https://www.germancarforum.com/posts/97

BTW if Carmel_Dude is ever back he's going to like these news!

 

[Alx]

BTW if Carmel_Dude is ever back he's going to like these news!

I had sent him an email already....

 

[bum-man]

Um...I said this many times that the Gelandewagon will remain in production for special orders. The rumors I heard were until 2010 though, was no one paying attention? This was on the MBWorld.org boards like 3 months ago.

 

[Pagani's Zonda]

Long live the 463!

 

[MoSs]

thank goooood ,,,,, thank u mercedes beeeeenz ,,,, that have made my day ... lol

 

[Alx]

Um...I said this many times that the Gelandewagon will remain in production for special orders. The rumors I heard were until 2010 though, was no one paying attention? This was on the MBWorld.org boards like 3 months ago.

This is the official press release, not speculation of.

 

[Zafiro]

I dont understand what people like about this car. Looks like it was designed back in the 70's

 

[MoSs]

I dont understand what people like about this car. Looks like it was designed back in the 70's

30 year old car but worth 30 x5's
i never liked it before i test drove my brother's freind g55 AMG
looks stunning with AMG kit ,, its really fun to drive, feels as fast as the m3 , bit lazy handling but thats not what its made for ... i even like it more than the ml

oh and yeah a true offroad car ...

 

[audi_rudy]

so incredably happy
i was gettin sad cause i was not going 2 be seeing any more of these things well atleast new ones
well im beyond joy