Recently, Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated at the annual shareholder meeting that it would adjust its "comprehensive electric" strategy. This information was interpreted by many people as "Mercedes-Benz will give up." "All-electric vehicle plan", this interpretation is not accurate. Based on the current market enthusiasm for fuel vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles, Mercedes-Benz’s timely adjustment of its strategy is a positive feedback to the market.
From many aspects, it is not difficult to see that Mercedes-Benz’s determination to adhere to the electric transformation has not changed. Not long ago, Wang Xin, executive vice president of Mercedes-Benz (China) Investment Co., Ltd. and head of Mercedes-Benz China R&D autonomous driving and Internet of Vehicles, also made it clear at the China Electric Vehicles 100 Forum (2024) Mercedes-Benz’s firm belief in the electric transformation.
It is reported that starting from 2030, Mercedes-Benz will provide the products that customers need based on market conditions - whether they are pure electric models or electrified internal combustion engine models. In markets that do not meet the conditions, electrified internal combustion engine models will continue to be introduced. It is expected that by 2030, new energy models will account for up to 50% of Mercedes-Benz’s new car sales.
Multiple matrix to create richer luxury travel options
So far, Mercedes-Benz has launched 9 pure electric models and 5 plug-in hybrid models in China, and plans to bring a variety of electrified products this year (2024). Among them, the high-end luxury product matrix will launch a new pure electric G-class off-road vehicle, a new Mercedes-Maybach EQS pure electric SUV and a new Mercedes-AMG pure electric EQE53 SUV to further expand the electrified product lineup; new generation luxury The new generation of pure electric models, EQA pure electric SUV and EQB pure electric SUV, will also usher in iterative upgrades.
In addition, the Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid model matrix will also usher in new generation products and new models, including the long-wheelbase E-Class plug-in hybrid, which has been a well-deserved market darling for many years. version, and the long-wheelbase GLC plug-in hybrid version.
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class plug-in hybrid version (overseas model)
Mercedes-Benz standards, continuously upgraded service experience
Promoting electrification transformation does not only rely on products, but also tests the entire value chain of the brand. Mercedes-Benz has more than 700 authorized service outlets across the country, covering 240+ cities across the country, of which nearly 600 dealer outlets can provide pure electric exclusive services. Luxury brands and century-old car companies are in after-sales and car use The deep foundation of protection makes people feel at ease. The retail network upgrade and transformation project based on the "2020 Network Upgrade Plan" will also be fully accelerated this year, and the entire network will be launched before the end of 2025. By then, Mercedes-Benz's electric service experience will also be further improved.
When it comes to electrification, convenience of charging is also an important indicator of after-sales experience. If the charging network is not perfect enough, the experience will be greatly compromised. Previously, Mercedes-Benz super charging stations were launched in China in October 2023. As of February 2024, super charging stations in Chengdu, Foshan, Qingdao, Chongqing, Kunming, Wuhan, Suzhou, Changzhou, Hangzhou and other places It has also been put into operation one after another, and more super charging stations will be built and put into use within the year. According to official disclosures, it is expected that by 2026, Mercedes-Benz owners will be able to recharge their vehicles at more than 1,000 supercharging stations and 7,000 supercharging piles in China.
Not only that, Mercedes-Benz has also been accelerating the construction of charging services including home smart charging wall boxes, public charging services, emergency road assistance and one-click power-up services. As of March 2024, its public charging services have covered There are nearly 580,000 public charging piles in more than 350 cities across the country and the "Ten Vertical, Ten Horizontal and Two Rings" highway fast charging network.
The increasingly rich product matrix and increasingly complete electric services are enough to demonstrate Mercedes-Benz's decision and persistence in electrification transformation. Electrification is more than just a product or a slogan. As the inventor of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz will continue to carry out electrification transformation with uncompromising "Mercedes-Benz standards" and an orderly strategic pace.