Although traditionally I tend to shy away from stories that bear no factual evidence, this story has been publicized enough that I felt necessary to mention it.  According to Autocar (citing company sources), Mercedes is abandoning its A-Class platform, replacing it as well as the B-Class with more conventional front-wheel-drive hatchbacks.  They then go on to state that in addition, the new models will be joined by a three-door coupé, a cabrio, a 4x4 and an MPV.

As for what started speculation that both the A- and B-Class will soon meet their demise, rumors began circulating after a statement made by Mercedes Chief Operating Officer Rainer Schmückle several months ago in which he indicated that the company wants "to expand the line-ups to at least double that of today's levels."  Now, Autocar's "inside sources" have revealed that Mercedes will abandon the current models' sandwich construction, instead adopting a simpler arrangement that continues to be front wheel drive, has the potential to allow for four-wheel drive, and can be adapted for a wider range of models.

Here's the thing:  is any of this really a surprise?  Maybe Mercedes will opt to abandon the A- and B-Class monikers; maybe they won't.  Regardless, both are due for a complete redesign in the next couple years, and it's only logical Mercedes is going to develop a broader platform that better allows them to compete in the ever-growing compact market.  Last  month, BMW sold a little more than 22,000 1-Series -- that's one-fifth of BMW's total sales.  You don't think Mercedes' sole intent with their next compact model range is to knock the BMW 1-Series off its gilded pedestal?  Of course it is.  We don't need insider sources to know that Mercedes' mission is to dominate each and every market segment they compete it, and most would agree the A-Class and/or B-Class need a complete reinvention to successfully effectuate this goal.

To read more of Autocar's vision for the future Mercedes A-Class and ultimately learn nothing that you didn't already know, you can find their full article over at Autocar.co.uk.

Enjoy.