What's all this about?
Mercedes-Benz is going to make a pick-up truck, as the accelerating growth in this market worldwide is something Stuttgart needs to be a part of.
Will it be a commercial vehicle only?
No, there should be passenger and CV versions, because the announcement was made by both the head of cars and the head of vans for Daimler/Mercedes-Benz AG. They claim that many private buyers are opting for pick-ups over SUVS, while commercial users want 'increasingly car-like specifications' in their day-to-day workhorses.
Do we know anything about it?
Beyond it having a one-tonne payload and the sort of luxury toys you'd expect of a Merc? No, not as yet. Mercedes says it will be the first premium manufacturer to enter the pick-up game, just as it was a luxury pioneer in the SUV market nearly two decades ago with the M-Class.
Hold on, what about the Volkswagen Amarok and the Range Rover?
Yes, yes, Wolfsburg is already making a fairly luxurious truck, while the RR started production in 1970. Look, just let Mercedes have its moment on this one, OK?
Where are the key markets for this car? I'm guessing the USA...
Surprisingly, you'd be wrong. Mercedes says it will initially target Latin America, South Africa, Australia and Europe. Presumably, the US will follow if the pick-up finds good market traction in these locations first.
Matt Robinson - 28 Mar 2015