Mercedes-Benz has described its X-Class as a “niche product”, adding it is “reviewing” the role of the bakkie in its range.

The statement from the Stuttgart-based firm comes after a Nissan executive said the Japanese brand was “doing its best to help” Mercedes with its X-Class as rumours of the bakkie’s impending demise continued to swirl.

Nissan builds the X-Class alongside the Navara (and Renault Alaskan) under an agreement between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. In July 2019, however, a report suggested the Stuttgart-based firm had plans to axe the bakkie as part of its efforts to “reduce costs amid profit warnings”.

In a new statement issued to CarAdvice, Mercedes-Benz said the X-Class built in Barcelona “for Europe and overseas [markets] remains a part of our product portfolio”.

“Although we know that the [bakkie] plays a very important role in some key markets like Australia, it is a niche product for our overall worldwide product portfolio,” the statement continued.

“So, we continuously review and analyse which further role the X-Class will play in our product portfolio. We kindly ask you for your understanding that we do not provide any further comments.”

Original article from Car