Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a handful of electric cars over
the coming years to counter models already offered by Tesla Motors [NSDQ:TSLA],
as well as newcomers from its fellow German rivals Audi and BMW.
The first of these electric cars are to include a pair of sedans
and a pair of SUVs, and Mercedes will preview at least one of them in
concept form in late September at the 2016 Paris auto show. They are expected
to start arriving on the market before the end of the decade.
Based on its sources, Bloomberg is
reporting that Mercedes will follow the lead of BMW and establish a sub-brand
for its new electric cars. However, the sources said a name for the sub-brand
is yet to be determined. Mercedes already offers some electric cars like the
Smart ForTwo Electric Drive and B-Class Electric Drive, but these are sold
under the regular brands.
Establishing a sub-brand is a risky move for Mercedes which
has suffered major losses with Smart, as well as Maybach back when it was a
standalone brand. BMW’s own i sub-brand has failed to make a major impact,
though it could be due to the limited performance of the cars compared to the
competition as well as their somewhat radical styling.
Mercedes’ new electric cars are expected to feature a level
of sophistication comparable to or superior to the automaker’s existing cars.
They are also promised to have a range of 300 miles or more, though stricter
EPA ratings may see a lower figure stated for the United States.
The cars will ride on a
“skateboard” style platform where the batteries are stored in the
floor and an electric motor is mounted at one or both axles. The platform,
which was previewed in June, will be flexible enough to spawn multiple models.
As for batteries, Mercedes plans to produce its own. They
will be produced by fellow Daimler subsidiary Deutsche Accumotive, which
already offers
home energy storagein some markets and is currently
expanding its factory in preparation for the new electric cars.
Note, these electric cars are separate to the electric
commercial vehicles also being developed by Mercedes, such as the electric
truck previewed by the Urban eTruck concept.
source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1105402_report-mercedes-plans-sub-brand-for-new-electric-cars
by Viknesh Vijayenthiran
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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