Mercedes-Benz Offers Sneak Peek of New Compact CLA-Class

TIVERTON, R.I., Feb. 4, 2013 — In an effort to attract younger buyers, Mercedes-Benz will be releasing a range of new compact vehicles in the near future, and the press recently got a glimpse of the first model headed for the United States: the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Designed to target other compact luxury cars like the BMW 1 Series, the CLA four-door coupe was previewed at an event on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show last month, donning similar styling to the larger 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

When it goes on sale next fall, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will house a 208-horsepower turbocharged engine, and all that output will be put to good use thanks to the car's drag coefficient of .23, a new world record for production-car aerodynamics. Appealing to tech-savvy Gen-Y buyers, the CLA will come standard with the luxury automaker's mbrace2 infotainment system for smartphone integration, as well as Collision Prevention Assist technology, which alerts drivers and prepares the brakes if there is an imminent collision.

"The Mercedes-Benz CLA will give younger buyers an affordable opportunity to experience the brand's signature luxury and performance without missing out on the practical features that can often be even more important to them, like in-car connectivity and fuel efficiency," said Will Dame, general manager of Viti, Inc., a Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz dealer. "The CLA's sharp design lines make it look twice as expensive as its actual price tag, and the car manages to stay just as fun as it is functional behind the wheel."

The CLA wasn't the only fresh Mercedes-Benz model making an appearance in Detroit, as the coupe and cabriolet versions of the revamped 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class made their auto-show debut. Receiving larger headlamps and a prominent, propeller-themed grille, the front fascias of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and Coupe have been revised to better match the styling of the rest of the lineup. Like the CLA, the new E-Class models will also now feature standard Collision Prevention Assist when they go on sale this summer.

Even with an updated model on the docket, the existing E-Class remains very popular at dealerships, moving 65,171 units in 2012 as Mercedes-Benz's second-best seller. Those strong results helped the luxury brand reach its best sales ever in the United States last year, with overall volume increasing 12 percent compared to 2011, totaling 274,134 units.

"If Mercedes-Benz isn't busy creating new models to cater to the needs of modern buyers, then it is finding more ways to appeal to them with its existing models, and those efforts show in the sales results," Dame added. "With improved style, performance and technology due across the lineup this year, we expect Mercedes-Benz to set a new sales record once again in 2013."

About Viti, Inc.:
Winner of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award, Viti, Inc. has served Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz owners for more than 36 years, specializing in new and used Mercedes- Benz sales, service and parts. Whether you're looking for a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class or a pre-owned GLK-Class SUV, Viti's friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will ensure that you get the right vehicle without the hassle. Plus, with 150 loaner cars and 50 drivers at their disposal, Viti offers all of their customers free pick-up, delivery and loaners during servicing. Check out their full inventory online at www.viti.com, visit them in person at 975 Fish Road in Tiverton, or contact them by phone at 866-980-6224. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VitiMercedesBenz.