Mercedes USA prepares to expand its vehicle line-up in order to increase sales by 30% in the next five years. Now, don't expect to see large cars as Mercedes CEO Ernst Lieb said in an interview that the real potential is in the small cars.

Starting in 2012 Mercedes will offer three new vehicles - a coupe, a crossover, and a sedan - all based on a new generation of the B class sold in Europe. When the redesigned C class launches in 2013, Mercedes will add a convertible and possibly other variants. A coupe based on the current C class goes on sale next year. Engines haven't been chosen for the smaller vehicles, but Lieb says they will probably opt for a four cylinder.

"Everybody wants to be Mercedes-Benz," he said. "They are after us in the S- and E-class segment. With C class, we're sitting with a four-door sedan and not doing anything else. Now we will go into segments where are strong."

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