Mercedes planning smaller GST for Europe

Mercedes-Benz says the enormous Vision GST concept, first seen in Detroit in January, isn't really suited to Europe's crowded conditions. Instead, parent DaimlerChrysler AG is planning two different GSTs for European and North American predilections.

The European model will be built on a shorter wheelbase but retain the same design theme. The North American GST will see few changes from the basic dimensions or style from the car shown in Detroit.

With three rows of seats, the longer North American GST can accommodate up to seven passengers, while the European model offers a choice of four individual seats or a more conventional bench seat — to accommodate five passengers and cavernous luggage space. Both are built on the platform of the next-generation M-Class, Mercedes' U.S.-built SUV that's set to generate three entirely different models.