Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers has his nearly 40 models in global circulation and more coming. At the Detroit auto show, we commandeered this performance magician for a few minutes to see what?s hiding up his sleeve.
C/D: How large is the AMG team"
Tobias Moers: We?re building up to a total of 1500 employees, 800 of which are engineers. We have 350 engaged in production, logistics, and quality control, half of which are involved in manufacturing engines.
Expanding the model range down to the A45 (not sold in the U.S.), the GLA45, and the CLA45 offers buyers access to AMG performance at a fairly affordable price. Is that working as you hoped"
We want to offer customers the opportunity to begin what we hope will be a lifetime journey through the Mercedes-AMG model range. The C450 AMG [which is being renamed Mercedes-AMG C43] has been especially successful. What do you think those new to the brand are seeking"
They really appreciate the more precise dynamic behavior. Whether or not they have above-average driving skill or interest in using their car on the track, our customers recognize and enjoy how AMG-tuned products behave on the road. And because we keep applying what we learn in new models, they feel good about returning to this brand in the future.

Last year you repositioned your flagship sports car to butt heads with the Porsche 911. How has that worked out"
In all honesty, the GT S exceeded our expectations by a wide margin. Again, I think this is...