Maybach U.S. debut for 2003's 2nd quarter

July 1, 2002 Bloomberg News Rreported that DaimlerChrysler AG's U.S. Mercedes-Benz unit plans the first U.S. deliveries of its Maybach luxury sedans, designed to compete with Rolls Royce and Bentley models, in next year's second quarter.

The automaker will begin taking orders for the sedans, expected to start at less than $300,000, at 85 dealers in September, said Mercedes-Benz U.S. Chief Executive Officer Paul Halata in an interview in Detroit. The Stuttgart, Germany-based company already is selling Maybachs in Europe.

Mercedes-Benz added Maybach cars to counter Bentley sedans planned by Volkswagen AG and a new Rolls Royce that Bayerische Motoren Werke AG expects to begin selling next year. Mercedes expects to sell 1,000 Maybachs a year, including about 400 in the U.S. Worldwide demand for so-called super luxury models costing more than $250,000 is about 8,500 cars, Halata said.

The Maybach 57 went on sale in Germany last month for 310,000 euros ($307,500), while the Maybach 62 starts at 360,000 euros. U.S. prices have not been set, Halata said. The cars include DVD systems, a refrigerated compartment in the backseat area and airline-style seats with foot rests.