Mercedes-Benz has concluded that there may be a potential market for the micro-compact A-Class in the US, reported The Car Connection (TCC) website, adding that the company had done extensive research. "The next generation of the A will be in the States," Juergen Hubbert, the DCX board member overseeing passenger car operations, told TCC. "It is a definite decision." TCC said Hubbert would not say when the A-class would arrive, hinting only that it would be sometime between 2004 and 2005, when the current platform is refreshed and according to TCC sources, likely to be stretched a bit. TCC said Hubbert also hinted DaimlerChrysler's even smaller Smart could follow. "Everyone is expecting Smart will come," Hubbert told TCC, adding, "There is increased interest" on the company's part.