Latest news with #OlaKallenius
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC EV teased ahead of launch. Here's what to expect
Officially dubbed the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, the new model follows the naming direction seen on the electric G-Class. Check Offers Mercedes-Benz is stepping up its electric vehicle push with the upcoming launch of the all-electric GLC. Set to break cover at the 2025 Munich Auto Show, the EV SUV is currently undergoing road tests — and it's already revealing some telling details. Officially dubbed the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, the new model follows the naming direction seen on the electric G-Class. Despite its mouthful of a name, this GLC sticks to what Mercedes knows best — combining everyday usability with new-age electric hardware. Unlike past models that wore standalone EQ branding, this SUV positioned itself as an electric version of the existing combustion GLC, not a radical departure. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz GLS AMG Line launched at ₹ 1.4 crore Fast charging and flexible infrastructure One of the GLC EV's standout capabilities is its high-speed charging. The vehicle is claimed to add up to 260 km of range in 10 minutes, enabled by a peak charging rate above 320 kW. That's not only fast by current standards, but also aimed at easing real-world EV usability concerns. Adding to its versatility is an integrated converter that allows the 800V architecture to charge from 400V public stations — a practical advantage the newer CLA EV initially lacked. Mercedes seems to be learning from its own rollout missteps and refining the approach as its EV lineup matures. Practical design and real-world usability While Mercedes is keeping performance figures under wraps for now, CEO Ola Kallenius hinted at aggressive acceleration reminiscent of the AMG GT, suggesting the GLC EV may be quicker than expected for its segment. However, it's not all about speed. The GLC 400 4MATIC will also offer a towing capacity of 2,400 kg, beating out rivals like the Porsche Macan Electric. That makes it one of the few electric SUVs balancing performance with proper load-carrying muscle. Also watch: Mercedes Benz GLC 2023: First drive review More room inside, optional ride tech Interior space is expected to improve with a longer wheelbase and larger boot than the ICE-powered GLC. A small frunk adds extra utility. Mercedes also confirms that features like air suspension and rear-axle steering will be available via an optional package, positioning the GLC for a comfortable yet agile driving experience. Styling with a retro touch Interestingly, the GLC EV won't go for futuristic minimalism. Mercedes hints at a front-end design inspired by classic models like the 300SEL 6.3 — especially in the grille's proportions. It's a subtle nod to the past, wrapped in tomorrow's tech. As the Munich debut approaches, the electric GLC appears to be shaping up not as a radical concept, but as a mature, usable and practical EV aimed squarely at the mainstream premium SUV market. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 14 Jul 2025, 08:24 am IST
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Brands that have ditched or delayed electric car plans
Car manufacturers are facing a difficult decision when it comes to the exact date to accelerate their electric vehicle adoption and ditch the internal combustion engine for good. With the sales of EV slowing globally, many car makers have announced they are delaying their previous commitments to going electric-only in favor of keeping flexibility in their offerings to make sure they cater for all buyers and protect the bottom line. Since the start of 2024, a number of auto brands have announced delays or a watering down of battery car strategies. And the snowball is only gathering size and speed, with the industry's challenges - charging infrastructure issues, wavering government policies, tariffs and stalling private uptake - triggering the realization that some EV deadlines are 'too ambitious'. So, which automakers have announced that they will be re-thinking their plans to go all-electric? And from when? Here are the brand that have confirmed they've postponed shifting to all-electric line-ups in favor of keeping combustion cars around for longer. Mercedes-Benz Original deadline: Full electrification by 2030 as long as 'market conditions allow' Mercedes is the latest manufacturer to backpedal on its electric-only deadline, with an extension of petrol and hybrid models beyond 2030 now confirmed. CEO Ola Kallenius said the brand will run a revised dual-powertrain strategy, keeping combustion engines on the road longer than planned, telling Auto Motor und Sport: 'Electrified high-tech combustion engines will run longer than we originally expected'. Mercedes saw a 23 pe cent drop in EV sales last year, despite global EV sales rising 25 percent to 17 million. Describing the new direction as a 'course correction', Kallenius pointed to slow EV takeup in some areas and general market conditions as reasons why 'the most rational approach is for an established manufacturer to do both and not neglect either technology.' Volvo Original deadline: All cars will be fully electric by 2030 Last year, Volvo backtracked on its promise to sell only fully electric cars by 2030 due to poor battery vehicle sales. In September, the Swedish company announced it is now aiming for 90 to 100 percent of its global sales to be either pure electric or plug-in hybrid by the end of the decade. Volvo executives said the delay to its EV schedule will 'allow for a limited number of mild hybrid models to be sold, if needed'. Majority-owned by China's Geely, Volvo has attributed its change in policy to a 'slower than expected' rollout of charging infrastructure, the withdrawal of government incentives in some markets and 'additional uncertainties' created by recent tariffs on electric vehicles. Volvo Cars chief executive Jim Rowan reaffirmed that Volvo is 'resolute' in its 'belief that the future is electric' but that 'the transition to electrification will not be linear' and so Volvo 'needs to be pragmatic and flexible'. Audi Original deadline: All ICE car production to end in 2033 Audi is another car brand that's just executed its U-turn on EV strategy, with the Bavarian-based marque confirming it will continue to make both internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and plug-in hybrids into the next decade. The German manufacturer had made a commitment to stop developing ICE engines in 2033. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the brand's revised plans last week, explaining that 'flexibility' is the new direction Audi will take so it can see how 'markets develop'. Originally the car maker had planned to build its last ICE-only car next year with the new-generation Q7. However, it suggested earlier this year that petrol and diesel models could run for longer as part of a 'completely new' fuel-powered line-up. EVs accounted for less than 10 percent of Audi's global sales last year, despite the fact it is one of the manufacturers to have broadened its range of battery-powered vehicles. Porsche Original deadline: 80 percent of cars electric by 2030 Porsche adjusted its electric ambitions in July 2024. In a statement, the luxury car maker said that it expects the transition to electric vehicles to take longer than it thought. Porsche said it's watering down its aims for 80 percent of sales to be all-electric by 2030 and went on to confirm it will continue to sell the existing Cayenne SUV with combustion engines into the next decade. The 80 percent target will only be delivered if customer demand and developments in the electromobility sector warrant it, Porsche said. Porsche also struggled with low EV sales last year, and highlighted the disparity in its three key markets in EV uptake, with demand far ahead in China, slower in Europe and patchy in the US. 'Our double strategy is more important than ever,' Porsche said, referring to its continued development of both combustion engine and electrified cars. Ford Original deadline: All passenger vehicles in Europe would be electric or plug-in hybrid by mid-2026, and fully-electric by 2030 US car giant Ford had some of the most ambitious EV plans, storming ahead of rivals in its quest to supply buyers with zero emission cars. But in summer 2024, Ford scaled those ambitions back after admitting that its 2030 deadline to be all-electric was 'too ambitious'. Chief operating officer of Ford's Model E electrification division, Marin Gjaja told Autocar that there was 'uncertainty' around driver demand for electric vehicles and that challenging legislation changes are to blame for the updated deadline. Gjaja said: 'Ithink customers have voted, and they told us that was too ambitious, is what I would say - and I think everyone in the industry has found that out the hard way. I would also say reality has a way of making you adjust your plans. 'We don't see that going all-electric by 2030 is a good choice for our business or, especially, for our customers,' he told Autocar. Aston Martin Original deadline: Not confirmed but now 2035-2040 to be all-electric Technically, Aston Martin hasn't delayed its electric deadline, rather it has pushed back delivering its first electric car. The British luxury car producer was scheduled to be bring its first ever EV to market in 2026, but new CEO Adrian Hallmark said earlier this year that the company would instead prioritise its mid-engined plug-in hybrid electric vehicle 'Valhalla'. The first Aston Martin battery electric car will be postponed to the latter part of this decade . It's the second time the EV's launch has been postponed, after it was first pushed back from 2025 to 2026. The shift was made due to a global downturn in EV sales, and a pivot towards plug-in hybrids. Hallmark said that in light of the European 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel sales, Aston Martin will become all-electric between 2035 and 2040. Bentley Original deadline: Would stop selling fossil fuel cars by 2030 Bentley announced in November it will delay going fully electric by five years to 2035 as it too slammed the brakes on its drive to an electrified future. The British luxury firm's original 2030 deadline to transition away from the internal combustion engine has now officially been scrapped. And it also announced that its first EV due to be unveiled next year will no longer be a sleek electric grand tourer GT that was first hinted - instead, it will be a large urban SUV. In a blow to both it – and the government's – future electric car ambitions, Bentley says current falling demand for EVs and a lack of a suitable public charging infrastructure is to blame for the delay. Lamborghini Original deadline: Not confirmed but will continue to sell ICE cars past 2030 Another luxury car maker to push its electric timeline backs is Lamborghini. It's pushing back the launch of its Lanzador EV from 2028 to 2029. 'We do not think 2029 is late to have an electric car. We do not think that, in our segment, the market will be ready in 2025 or 2026,' CEO Stephan Winkelmann told reporters in December 2024. The next Urus will be fully electric, while traditional V8 and V12 models will remain in production into the 2030s. Alfa Romeo Original deadline: Sell only EVs from 2027 The Italian car maker changed its 2027 EV-only deadline earlier this year. In 2023, global head of product for Alfa Romeo, Daniel Guzzafame said: 'From 2025 onward, we will be (electric) only on the core models … and from 2027 (we will have) a 100 percent electric line-up.' But in January head of Alfa Romeo North America Chris Feuell told Automotive News: 'It would be very challenging for them [the 110-strong US dealer network] to survive with a EV-only portfolio'. Alfa Romeo will instead adopt a 'multi-energy' approach instead of a 'EV-only strategy'. Lotus Original deadline: Be an electric-only car maker by 2028 Lotus scrapped its plan to go electric-only by 2028 at the end of last year. Instead it will now invest in hybrid technology due to slowing global demand for battery-powered vehicles. Autocar reported that Lotus models will be fitted with a new plug-in 'Super Hybrid' system combining a turbo-petrol engine with a battery pack and 'ultra-fast' charging. Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng reportedly confirmed this to journalists at the Guangzhou motor show. Lotus already has its all-electric Eletre hyper-SUV and all-electric Emeya hyper-GT. The undecided manufacturers Some manufacturers are still sitting on the fence, and have to give a concrete yes or no as to whether their EV plans have shifted. BMW is one, as it put plans to invest £600m in electrifying the Mini Oxford plant on ice due to a slower than expected take-up of EVs. European Union EV sales dipped by 5.9 percent in 2024, although petrol and diesel sales also declined – so BMW took the decision to pause investment plans given 'multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry'. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse last year called on the European Union to rethink its ambitious plan to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035, stating that the target is 'no longer realistic.' Last July Renault's now departed CEO Luca De Meo (pictured) cast doubts on the French brand's transition to electric cars in the next decade, warning that sales are not on the 'right trajectory'. He warned that customers are not ready to switch to battery-powered vehicles and called for 'more flexibility in the schedule'. He told French financial daily newspaper, Les Echos this just after the EU elections -a time of weak electric vehicle demand when there were increasing calls to scrap the 2035 deadline, which is due to be reviewed in 2026. Speaking to the French newspaper, de Meo the Renault boss said: 'We need a little more flexibility in the schedule'.
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
The great EV U-turn: Brands that have ditched or delayed electric car plans due to slow public demand
Car manufacturers are facing a difficult decision when it comes to the exact date to accelerate their electric vehicle adoption and ditch the internal combustion engine for good. With the sales of EV slowing globally, many car makers have announced they are delaying their previous commitments to going electric-only in favour of keeping flexibility in their offerings to make sure they cater for all buyers and protect the bottom line. Since the start of 2024, a number of auto brands have announced delays or a watering down of battery car strategies. And the snowball is only gathering size and speed, with the industry's challenges - charging infrastructure issues, wavering government policies, tariffs and stalling private uptake - triggering the realisation that some EV deadlines are 'too ambitious'. So, which auto makers have announced that they will be re-thinking their plans to go all-electric? And from when? Here are the brand that have confirmed they've postponed shifting to all-electric line-ups in favour of keeping combustion cars around for longer. Mercedes-Benz Original deadline: Full electrification by 2030 as long as 'market conditions allow' Mercedes is the latest manufacturer to backpedal on its electric-only deadline, with an extension of petrol and hybrid models beyond 2030 now confirmed. CEO Ola Kallenius said the brand will run a revised dual-powertrain strategy, keeping combustion engines on the road longer than planned, telling Auto Motor und Sport: 'Electrified high-tech combustion engines will run longer than we originally expected'. Mercedes saw a 23 per cent drop in EV sales last year, despite global EV sales rising 25 per cent to 17 million. Describing the new direction as a 'course correction', Kallenius pointed to slow EV takeup in some areas and general market conditions as reasons why 'the most rational approach is for an established manufacturer to do both and not neglect either technology.' Volvo Original deadline: All cars will be fully electric by 2030 Last year, Volvo backtracked on its promise to sell only fully electric cars by 2030 due to poor battery vehicle sales. In September, the Swedish company announced it is now aiming for 90 to 100 per cent of its global sales to be either pure electric or plug-in hybrid by the end of the decade. Volvo executives said the delay to its EV schedule will 'allow for a limited number of mild hybrid models to be sold, if needed'. Majority-owned by China's Geely, Volvo has attributed its change in policy to a 'slower than expected' rollout of charging infrastructure, the withdrawal of government incentives in some markets and 'additional uncertainties' created by recent tariffs on electric vehicles. Volvo Cars chief executive Jim Rowan reaffirmed that Volvo is 'resolute' in its 'belief that the future is electric' but that 'the transition to electrification will not be linear' and so Volvo 'needs to be pragmatic and flexible'. Audi Original deadline: All ICE car production to end in 2033 Audi recently did a U-turn on its promise to only sell EVs from 2033, with it now bringing out hybrids and ICE cars into the next decade Audi is another car brand that's just executed its U-turn on EV strategy, with the Bavarian-based marque confirming it will continue to make both internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and plug-in hybrids into the next decade. The German manufacturer had made a commitment to stop developing ICE engines in 2033. Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the brand's revised plans last week, explaining that 'flexibility' is the new direction Audi will take so it can see how 'markets develop'. Originally the car maker had planned to build its last ICE-only car next year with the new-generation Q7. However, it suggested earlier this year that petrol and diesel models could run for longer as part of a 'completely new' fuel-powered line-up. EVs accounted for less than 10 per cent of Audi's global sales last year, despite the fact it is one of the manufacturers to have broadened its range of battery-powered vehicles. Porsche Original deadline: 80 per cent of cars electric by 2030 Porsche adjusted its electric ambitions in July 2024. In a statement, the luxury car maker said that it expects the transition to electric vehicles to take longer than it thought. Porsche said it's watering down its aims for 80 per cent of sales to be all-electric by 2030 and went on to confirm it will continue to sell the existing Cayenne SUV with combustion engines into the next decade. The 80 per cent target will only be delivered if customer demand and developments in the electromobility sector warrant it, Porsche said. Porsche also struggled with low EV sales last year, and highlighted the disparity in its three key markets in EV uptake, with demand far ahead in China, slower in Europe and patchy in the US. 'Our double strategy is more important than ever,' Porsche said, referring to its continued development of both combustion engine and electrified cars. Ford Original deadline: All passenger vehicles in Europe would be electric or plug-in hybrid by mid-2026, and fully-electric by 2030 US car giant Ford had some of the most ambitious EV plans, storming ahead of rivals in its quest to supply buyers with zero emission cars. But in summer 2024, Ford scaled those ambitions back after admitting that its 2030 deadline to be all-electric was 'too ambitious'. Chief operating officer of Ford's Model E electrification division, Marin Gjaja told Autocar that there was 'uncertainty' around driver demand for electric vehicles and that challenging legislation changes are to blame for the updated deadline. Gjaja said: 'Ithink customers have voted, and they told us that was too ambitious, is what I would say - and I think everyone in the industry has found that out the hard way. I would also say reality has a way of making you adjust your plans. 'We don't see that going all-electric by 2030 is a good choice for our business or, especially, for our customers,' he told Autocar. Aston Martin Technically, Aston Martin hasn't delayed its electric deadline, rather it has pushed back delivering its first electric car. The British luxury car producer was scheduled to be bring its first ever EV to market in 2026, but new CEO Adrian Hallmark said earlier this year that the company would instead prioritise its mid-engined plug-in hybrid electric vehicle 'Valhalla'. The first Aston Martin battery electric car will be postponed to the latter part of this decade. It's the second time the EV's launch has been postponed, after it was first pushed back from 2025 to 2026. The shift was made due to a global downturn in EV sales, and a pivot towards plug-in hybrids. Hallmark said that in light of the European 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel sales, Aston Martin will become all-electric between 2035 and 2040. Bentley Original deadline: Would stop selling fossil fuel cars by 2030 Bentley announced in November it will delay going fully electric by five years to 2035 as it too slammed the brakes on its drive to an electrified future. The British luxury firm's original 2030 deadline to transition away from the internal combustion engine has now officially been scrapped. And it also announced that its first EV due to be unveiled next year will no longer be a sleek electric grand tourer GT that was first hinted - instead, it will be a large urban SUV. In a blow to both it – and the government's – future electric car ambitions, Bentley says current falling demand for EVs and a lack of a suitable public charging infrastructure is to blame for the delay. Lamborghini Original deadline: Not confirmed but will continue to sell ICE cars past 2030 Lamborghini will continue to make combustion cars into the 2030s and won't bring out an EV until 2029 Another luxury car maker to push its electric timeline backs is Lamborghini. It's pushing back the launch of its Lanzador EV from 2028 to 2029. 'We do not think 2029 is late to have an electric car. We do not think that, in our segment, the market will be ready in 2025 or 2026,' CEO Stephan Winkelmann told reporters in December 2024. The next Urus will be fully electric, while traditional V8 and V12 models will remain in production into the 2030s. Alfa Romeo Original deadline: Sell only EVs from 2027 The Italian car maker changed its 2027 EV-only deadline earlier this year. In 2023, global head of product for Alfa Romeo, Daniel Guzzafame said: 'From 2025 onward, we will be (electric) only on the core models … and from 2027 (we will have) a 100 per cent electric line-up.' But in January head of Alfa Romeo North America Chris Feuell told Automotive News: 'It would be very challenging for them [the 110-strong US dealer network] to survive with a EV-only portfolio'. Alfa Romeo will instead adopt a 'multi-energy' approach instead of a 'EV-only strategy'. Lotus Original deadline: Be an electric-only car maker by 2028 Lotus, which already sells the all-electric Eletre hyper-SUV (pictured) and Emeya hyper-GT EV, will no longer be EV-only from 2028 Lotus scrapped its plan to go electric-only by 2028 at the end of last year. Instead it will now invest in hybrid technology due to slowing global demand for battery-powered vehicles. Autocar reported that Lotus models will be fitted with a new plug-in 'Super Hybrid' system combining a turbo-petrol engine with a battery pack and 'ultra-fast' charging. Lotus CEO Feng Qingfeng reportedly confirmed the to journalists at the Guangzhou motor show. Lotus already has its all-electric Eletre hyper-SUV and all-electric Emeya hyper-GT. The undecided manufacturers BMW pulled its £600m investment into Mini's EV plant causing doubts over BMW's EV deadline and phase out Some manufacturers are still sitting on the fence, and have to give a concrete yes or no as to whether their EV plans have shifted. BMW is one, as it put plans to invest £600m in electrifying the Mini Oxford plant on ice due to a slower than expected take-up of EVs. European Union EV sales dipped by 5.9 per cent in 2024, although petrol and diesel sales also declined – so BMW took the decision to pause investment plans given 'multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry'. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse last year called on the European Union to rethink its ambitious plan to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035, stating that the target is 'no longer realistic.' Renault ex-CEO, Luca De Meo (pictured) said that the 2035 deadline for reaching 100% electric new cars is unrealistic and called for 'more flexibility' in the schedule to shift to EVs Last July Renault's now departed CEO Luca De Meo cast doubts on the French brand's transition to electric cars in the next decade, warning that sales are not on the 'right trajectory'. He warned that customers are not ready to switch to battery-powered vehicles and called for 'more flexibility in the schedule'. He told French financial daily newspaper, Les Echos this just after the EU elections -a time of weak electric vehicle demand when there were increasing calls to scrap the 2035 deadline, which is due to be reviewed in 2026. Speaking to the French newspaper, de Meo the Renault boss said: 'We need a little more flexibility in the schedule'.
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, June 23: Tata Harrier EV price list, Audi Q7 Signature Edition, Mercedes-Benz EV strategy & more…
Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. (Mohd Nasir for HT Auto) Notify me The automotive sector is undergoing swift transformations, making it challenging to keep up with all the recent developments. At HT Auto, we are committed to providing the most pertinent and up-to-date information as it emerges. Presented below is a brief summary of the main highlights from Monday, June 23. Tata Harrier EV RWD full price list out, top variant priced at ₹ 27.49 lakh The price list of the Tata Harrier EV rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models has been announced. While the new flagship electric SUV from Tata Motors starts at ₹ 21.49 lakh, it tops out at ₹ 27.49 lakh for the RWD variants. All the prices are ex-showroom. The Harrier EV was launched on June 3, 2025, and the bookings for the vehicle will commence from July 2. The Harrier EV is available across five trim levels for the RWD powertrain option - Adventure 65, Adventure S 65, Fearless+ 65, Fearless+ 75 and Empowered 75. Also Read : Tata Harrier EV RWD full price list out, top variant priced at ₹ 27.49 lakh Audi Q7 Signature Edition launched in India at ₹ 99.81 lakh The Audi Q7 Signature Edition has been launched in India with a starting price of ₹ 99.81 lakh, ex-showroom. Earlier in the month, Audi India had also launched the Audi A4 Signature Edition. The company stated that only a limited number of units of the Audi Q7 Signature Edition will be offered. Also Read : Audi Q7 Signature Edition launched in India at ₹ 99.81 lakh. Check details Mercedes-Benz rethinks EV plans, will retain combustion engines due to slower adoption In a major strategic pivot, Mercedes-Benz has become the latest in a long list of traditional automakers reassessing their lofty electric vehicle (EV) goals. "We will keep building combustion engines well into the 2030s, longer than originally envisaged," confirmed company CEO Ola Kallenius recently, as global EV uptake lagged behind expectations. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz rethinks EV plans, will retain combustion engines due to slower adoption CNG poised for significant growth as India focuses on EV transition Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been finding an increasing number of takers in the Indian passenger vehicle market as a key alternate fuel solution. While the focus of the industry players, as well as government and policymakers, remains on electric mobility, the adoption of CNG as a cleaner fuel has also been thriving over the last few years. Now, multiple studies have projected that the growth of CNG as an auto fuel could continue in India. Also Read : CNG poised for significant growth as India focuses on EV transition Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 24 Jun 2025, 06:58 AM IST
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes-Benz rethinks EV plans, will retain combustion engines due to slower adoption
Mercedes had previously declared it would be all-electric 'where market conditions allow' by 2030 Notify me In a major strategic pivot, Mercedes-Benz has become the latest in a long list of traditional automakers reassessing their lofty electric vehicle (EV) goals. "We will keep building combustion engines well into the 2030s, longer than originally envisaged," confirmed company CEO Ola Kallenius recently, as global EV uptake lagged behind expectations. A change in course Kallenius told German publication Auto Motor und Sport that the brand has made a 'course correction" in its transition strategy. Mercedes had previously declared it would be all-electric 'where market conditions allow" by 2030. But now, the automaker acknowledges that high-tech hybrid and combustion engines will remain in its lineup for the foreseeable future. 'In today's climate, it's most logical for an established automaker to pursue both paths—EVs and internal combustion engines—without abandoning either," Källenius said, emphasizing the need for flexibility in light of regional demand variations and infrastructure gaps. Also Read : Weak demand for Mercedes G580 EV spurs plans for smaller G-Class with hybrid powertrain EV market growth persists Though such announcements as that of Mercedes might stoke fears of the sustainability of electric mobility, market figures have a more differentiated tale to tell. Worldwide sales of EVs continue on a sharp growth trend. As per the International Energy Agency, sales of EVs increased more than 25 per cent in 2023 to 17 million units globally. BloombergNEF's most recent Electric Vehicle Outlook again forecasts a 25 per cent increase in plug-in hybrid and EV sales in 2025, reaching as high as almost 22 million units. Significantly, China is still reigning supreme in the EV market, and it is forecast to represent nearly two-thirds of these volumes. China remains crucial, despite headwinds Mercedes-Benz continues to rely heavily on China as its most important market, even as the brand faced a 7 per cent year-on-year sales decline there in 2024, down to 683,600 units. Still, the company is adapting to local consumer habits. 'For many Chinese buyers, their vehicle is more than just transportation—it's a personal living space," Kallenius explained, possibly alluding to the increasing digitalization and screen-heavy interiors in recent models. Also Read : Audi delays ICE phaseout, to launch new petrol and hybrid cars till 2033 and beyond The road ahead With Mercedes now echoing the sentiments of fellow German automakers BMW and Audi, it's clear that Europe's luxury carmakers are hedging their bets. All three will hold on to a dual-technology strategy—blending internal combustion engines and EVs—for the foreseeable future. This comes as a concern for how these firms will meet the European Union's planned 2035 ban on the sale of new combustion-engine cars. Some industry players are hoping in silence for delays in regulation, but EU policymakers have demonstrated little such inclination. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz looks to be bridging both worlds, walking a delicate path that is at once innovative and pragmatic. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 23 Jun 2025, 09:28 AM IST
