A photograph of a Mercedes-Benz EQA in Berlin on January 20, 2021.
Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The CEO of Mercedes-Benz in Germany believes that the shift to zero-emission mobility should be approached as a marathon rather than a sprint. Ola Kallenius, speaking to CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe,” emphasized the significant challenge that lies ahead for the automotive industry as it switches its focus to electric vehicles (EVs).
“The transition to zero-emission driving is a marathon, and we are currently only at kilometer eight or nine on that journey,” Kallenius stated. “We should not see it as a sprint. The strategic direction is clear — we are investing in the future and heading towards zero-emission.”
Kallenius expressed satisfaction with the reception of Mercedes-Benz’s EV models, including the EQA, EQB, and EQE SUV.
This statement was made as the Mercedes-Benz Group reported its second-quarter earnings. Earnings before interest and taxes increased by 8%, reaching 5 billion euros or approximately $5.48 billion.
Regarding EVs, the company’s battery electric vehicle sales in the second quarter of 2022 reached 61,211, compared to 31,259 during the same period last year. Plug-in hybrid sales also slightly increased from 32,335 to 34,699.
“We have a range of our first-generation electric vehicles on the market now, and our momentum is growing,” Kallenius explained.
He further stated that the company is investing in new architectures that will shape its electric vehicle strategy in the second half of the 2020s. “We are optimistic about electric vehicles and zero-emission driving, and we are investing billions in it,” he added.
However, Kallenius emphasized the importance of maintaining tactical flexibility by balancing EVs with traditional automobiles. “Our production network has the flexibility to produce both high-tech electrified combustion engines and electric vehicles,” he stated.
These comments from the CEO of Mercedes-Benz come at a time when major economies worldwide are developing plans to transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to electric cars.
However, with the majority of cars still running on diesel or gasoline, the adoption of low- and zero-emission mobility poses a significant challenge for lawmakers and businesses.
Despite this, some regions are already experiencing significant changes. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported a record number of electrified vehicle production, reaching 170,231 between January and June 2023.
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