Luxury automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to go all electric by the end of the decade, where market conditions allow.
Accordingly, the company is accelerating toward an emissions-free and software-driven future.
Under the plans, by 2022, Mercedes-Benz will have battery electric vehicles (BEV) in all segments the company serves.
Besides, from 2025 onwards, all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only and customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes.
According to Mercedes-Benz, it intends to manage this accelerated transformation while sticking to its profitability targets.
"The EV shift is picking up speed -- especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade," said Ola Kallenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG.
"This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz."
Additionally, to facilitate this shift, Mercedes-Benz plans to significantly accelerate R&D.
In total, investments into battery electric vehicles between 2022 and 2030 will amount to over 40 billion.
In addition, Mercedes-Benz plans to set up eight Gigafactories for producing cells, together with its partners around the world.
"This is in addition to the already planned network of nine plants dedicated to building battery systems," the company said in a statement.
"Next generation batteries will be highly standardised and suitable for use in more than 90 per cent of all Mercedes-Benz cars and vans while being flexible enough to offer individual solutions to all customers."
One of the more interesting designs to come from KIA in the last few years has to be the Soul. The square-like design of the car was an instant hit with me, as it seemed to be an ideal people mover
It has been a number of years since I have driven a vehicle with a price tag over $100,000 but it was well worth the wait. I had the opportunity to experience such a car with one of Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-line models – the S550 long wheel-base.
A few years ago when the Patriot arrived in showrooms, I immediately thought of the old boxy Jeep Cherokee, one of Jeep’s most popular selling vehicles. You have to admit that it is a practical design that gets the maximum cargo space in the smallest package.
I recently attended the inaugural Auto-biography event in Vancouver showcasing the 2013 Range Rover special edition model. Sipping mimosa’s and indulging in appetizers, we were taken back in time as we were re-introduced to Range Rover’s impressive history.
With school back in full swing, for many it means another year of shuttling kids to and from school, sports and everywhere else in between. For those that aren’t keen on making the leap to a minivan quite yet, the compact crossover utility vehicle comes to the rescue
Recently I had the opportunity to test the full line of Porsche vehicles at the Porsche World Roadshow. This is a performance demonstration Porsche organizes for potential buyers and media every two years
