We knew that the time was coming eventually, and according to a source who spoke to Autoweek, the end has finally come to pass for Maybach->ke52.

Mercedes-Benz->ke187, the company that revived Maybach nine years ago, is finally pulling the plug on the luxury line in 2013. The decision to drop Maybach was spurned by disappointing sales figures for its two core models, the 57->ke1854 and the 62->ke1113. It certainly didn't help matters when efforts in trying to jumpstart the company didn't amount to anything, particularly when a proposed deal with Aston Martin->ke13 to assist in building future models ended up falling by the wayside.

For now, the plan is for Maybach to continue selling the two models until 2013 when Mercedes' fifth generation S-Class finally hits the market. The next-gen S-Class will likewise see an all-new S600, which you could take the reins from Maybach in competing in the ultra-luxury market currently dominated by Rolls-Royce->ke74 and Bentley->ke15.

We can't say that we didn't see this coming, although we're a little disappointed that Mercedes didn't exercise a little bit more patience before they cut the cord. Then again, it wasn't our decision to make and if Mercedes really wanted to cut their losses on the brand, they have every right to do so.

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