Daimler AG prepares to sell Mercedes-Benz branded all-electric battery automobiles in China, its China chief stated on Wednesday, as the automaker capitalizes on government efforts aimed at increasing the market for new-energy vehicles (NEVs).
Hubertus Troska stated the government’s push, which includes tax breaks and other policy support, has assisted the numerous NEVs sold last year exceed 300,000, making China the world’s most significant market for electric, gasoline-electric and other such automobiles.
Most of those vehicles were priced under 250,000 yuan ($37,332) and provided primarily by Chinese car manufacturers, Troska stated at an analyst and investor conference in Beijing.
Knowing the aspects including the government push – which falls under a broader drive to cut oil dependence and air contamination – Daimler is “very confident NEVs will be an essential aspect of the Chinese market,” Troska stated.
“Mercedes-Benz will also to contribute in China in NEVs,” he stated, referring to the planned automobiles.
He likewise stated he sees demand in time shifting toward a “higher” sector of more expensive and capable all-electric battery vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
Troska did not elaborate on the planned vehicles such as expense, rates, models or launch dates. But investor relations head Björn Scheib stated Daimler plans to show a concept electrical automobile at the Paris Motor Show which opens to the public on October 1.
Daimler presently sells one all-electric battery model in China under its smart brand, and one under the Denza brand it runs with local partner BYD Co Ltd. Its China line-up also includes plug-in gasoline-electric hybrid variations of the Mercedes-Benz C-class and S-class sedans as well as GLE crossover sport utility vehicle.
