Reports have surfaced on the internet that Daimler executives are planning to stop production of Maybach cars. Daimler-Benz first purchased the ultra-luxury brand in 1960 and 37 years later in 1997 the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept was introduced in Tokyo; in 2002, Maybach was officially restarted as an automotive brand.
Maybach was first founded in 1909 as a heavy-duty engine production company by Wilhelm Maybach, a former technical director at Daimler. In 1919, the company introduced its first concept car and two years later, Maybach began assembly of extravagant vehicles. When World War II broke out in 1940, Maybach began building engines for German tanks. This ultimately resulted in a 60 year halt in the manufacturing of cars.
Today, Maybach has seen dwindling sales since 2007 and is still suffering from the global economic downturn. Besides flat sales lines, Daimler could also be looking to preventing Maybach from eating into the sales of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class that is scheduled for release in 2014. The new S-Class is apparently set to be the lead model in the house of Mercedes, it will boast an impressive touch screen that lets the user control most interior functions with just hand gestures.
Maybach currently has no plans for a new model, in fact the company doesn’t even have any long term plan, the short-term plans include a facelift only, and no new engines. A facelift will include LED daytime lights, new grille, redesigned bumper, and a new hood. The new Maybach could be shown at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show in April.
Source: Autoexpress.co.uk
