Mercedes E-Class cabrio and wagon to be delayed until 2010 - report

Due to the ongoing financial crisis, Mercedes is delaying the introduction of the new E-Class convertible and wagon.

The convertible was originally scheduled to debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but the company has now decided to introduce it as a 2011 model at next year's Geneva Motor Show. Likewise, the E-Class wagon will also be unveiled next year but as a 2012 model.

While the move delays some of the E-Class' more popular variants, it allows the company to cash in on sales of the new E-Class sedan and coupe. It also means the convertible will be launched much closer to the peak drop top buying season in spring. More importantly, the delay allows Mercedes to focus on the redesigned CLS, V6 BlueTEC Hybrid, and creating a new four-cylinder diesel engine for the next-generation S-Class.