[FirmwareBurner]

>They went to the same Jack Welch school of business that boeing did and thought they were clever not being responsible for anything and could just be middlemen pushing paper.

Mercedes thought themselves to be untouchable due to it being a premium brand with high margins by putting a star on commodity parts, like they're a Swiss watch.

[kjellsbells]

That would have been fine, but they also simultaneously cheapened the brand by pushing out models aimed at younger less well heeled buyers. A Mercedes C class (US models) is like a slightly juiced up VW to me. Nice but not special at all.

Same impact as in fashion. Louis Vuitton can try and persuade us that they remain the choice of the world's wealthiest explorers, but when every two bit junior associate realtor is sporting an LV purse, I am not so sure.

Both brands fell for the growth at all costs mantra.

[FirmwareBurner]

It's OK, they're fixing their brand image by stopping selling their cars as Taxi vehicles. /s