VANCE, Ala. - Mercedes-Benz has increased production capacity for its year-old CLA entry-level sedan, aiming to alleviate tight supplies that have limited sales.
The U.S. will get additional CLAs, but Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Mercedes' parent Daimler AG, said he couldn't give specific numbers. In an interview at a press event here, Zetsche said he expects "a positive reaction" to the increased allocation for the U.S., where Mercedes wants to increase compact vehicle sales.
The CLA has been in tight supply in the United States since spring after the initial allocation sold out. Mercedes executives said that at times the supply of CLAs at dealerships dwindled to fewer than 10 days.
Zetsche said he knew of the supply problems in the United States. "We could have sold twice as many vehicles, easily, compared to our planning," he said.