(March 21, 2012) Mercedes-Benz will drop the slow-selling R class wagon from its U.S. lineup after the 2012 model year.

Mercedes dealers sold 293 copies of the R class through the first two months of this year, one-third less than the number sold in the first two months of 2011.

"There will be no model year 2013 R-Class in the U.S.," the company said in a statement, adding that the large crossover will continue to be assembled in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and shipped to other markets around the world.

It went on sale in the United States in September 2005. Demand in the United States dropped 19 percent to 2,385 in 2011. Demand for the R class is much higher in foreign markets. Mercedes will continue to sell the wagon in Mexico, Canada and China until at least 2015.

The 2012 R350 4Matic starts at $53,565, including shipping charges, and comes with a 302-horsepower V-6 engine. For $54,715, the R class comes equipped with a diesel engine.

Source: Automotive News