The fate of Maybach to be decided soon

What will become of Maybach? That question has been rattling around the halls of Daimler headquarters in Stuttgart for some time now. But all questions will be answered, and answered soon: according to reports, the German automaker is currently evaluating prototypes and propositions for its top-end marque, and will make its decision next month.

So, what are the options? On the one hand, Daimler could kill the Maybach brand altogether. It was a notion ill conceived and even more poorly executed, taking an old platform and building a new flagship atop it. In that way, it was sort of like the Chrysler Crossfire, only far more costly to both the buyer and manufacturer. On the other hand, Daimler could opt for the long-time-coming proposition of contracting the production (and possibly much of the development) of a new generation of Maybachs to Aston Martin.

The British automaker has been linked with a future Maybach tie-in for some time now. The idea would be to have Aston produce the hyper-luxury range for Daimler at its own facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England - the same location that was recently expanded to accommodate bringing the Rapide home from its current assembly line at the Magna Steyr complex in Austria. In return, Aston could get the platforms and engines to underpin its next generation of vehicles, including the rebirth of the Lagonda badge.

One way or another, reports indicate the decision will be made on July 1st. As to when said decision might be announced, well... we'll just have to sit tight and find out.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/aston-or-bust-maybachs-fate-to-be-decided-next-month/

 

Make something worthwile and not just a rebadged MB.

 

What he said.

 

+100.

It seems there is a fairly lucrative market for thes $500k + touring limousines. (RR Phantom, Maybach etc..).

The brand "Maybach" is associated with "the ultimate luxury" for the last few years, I think it would be wise for MB to keep its brand at the top of this segment for continuing worldwide bragging rights.

 

Here is what I dont understand about the 'rebadged Benz' criticisms.

As far as my experience the MB S Class W221 platform introduced in 2005 is equal to the best out there and due for an update next year which will improve it further.

Why wouldnt they build on the new platform ? Its not like the MB engineers are intentionally holding back. Its the best they can do.

So doing an all new Maybach platform isnt going to improve on the new SClass.

The Maybach is ALL in the details.

 

MB should just sell the factory to Puff Daddy since he seems to won most of them
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Well, from where I sit (and that's not in a Maybach) I expect that the cancelation of the brand or seconding production off to AM won't hurt resale value any.......because there is very little to begin with as it is.

 

The latest report has it that Maybach could become a Mercedes sub-brand.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/22/maybach-could-become-mercedes-benz-sub-brand/

 

A technicality, as most view it in that respect anyway. I had to think for a minute to remind myself that it wasn't already a sub-brand, but a sister.