Mercedes could consider creating an eco-focused sub-brand to rival the likes of BMW’s i division, according to sales and marketing boss Ola Källenius, but he thinks the company should first continue to focus on expanding its fleet of plug-in hybrid and zero-emissions models.
Read more: Mercedes trademarks EQ for electric car range name
“What we’re going to do in terms of the road to zero emissions is invest heavily in alternative drivelines and electrification,” he said. “That’s a very wide strategy, but it means that by the end of next year we will have 10 plug-in hybrid models, which, I think, is the widest portfolio of any luxury manufacturer.
“By the end of this year, we will have three electric cars, with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the two Smarts. And at the end of next year we will launch a next-generation fuel cell vehicle, which is a zero-emissions vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz GLC platform.
“We could choose for the purpose-made electric vehicles to create some sort of sub-brand but, right now, Mercedes is focused on investing tremendous resources into the path towards zero emissions. It’s something that will affect the whole portfolio.”
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Electrical Problems
Let's hope they drop their cynical approach to range
Hmmmmmm