Well, good riddance! BMW and Mercedes can't compete with Cadillac and Lincoln and they know it! Time to sell my Mercedes as the company is now a disgrace to my driveway! Cadillac and Corvette here I come!
The bottom of the article, did also mention, that quite-a-few other manufacturers, aren't turning-out either. I'd say that it's simply too expensive to participate, & that having these folks pulling-out is simply a way of protest. Once one starts, many will follow too.
I don't honestly think that there are too many people that would purchase a MB ( or other ) from new, from their own hard-earned. These cars at their new-prices are tax-write-offs for people that generate that kind-of-income, meaning that they'd rather acquire a brand-new MB & lose $$$ in depreciation over time, than lose $$$ for no return in taxes. Taxes pay for the right of new ownership, should you be generating that kind-of-income. People such as these, also lease etc etc for whatever the terms-of-contract, that ensures a new vehicle every few years. You may never actually own one, but your taxes will pay for a new car all your business-life.
Here in Oz, if you win races on a Sunday, you'll sell plenty of new cars on Monday...Hopefully some racing is on the agenda !
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"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.