GTspirit recently sat down for an interview with Daimler AG board member Ola Källenius, who is on track to replace Dr. Dieter Zetsche when he retires before the end of 2020. Källenius shared some interesting info with us, but perhaps the biggest news nugget he sent our way was in regards to Mercedes-Benz’s future with plug-in hybrids.
According to Källenius, Mercedes plans to release 10 new plug-in hybrid vehicles over the next three years. Additionally, the automaker is hoping that by the year 2020, 10% of all new Mercedes cars sold will be plug-in hybrids. Källenius noted that Mercedes doesn’t sell plug in hybrid vehicles in “huge numbers,” yet, but added that they “are selling more every month.”
Mercedes will also launch a new hydrogen car next year to complement its growing alternative power lineup. The automaker previously revealed the hydrogen model would be a version of the GLC crossover, a decision likely based on the growing demand for crossovers and SUVs all around the world. By 2019, a new full-electric Mercedes will join Daimler’s existing e-range, which consists of the Smart ForTwo and ForFour and electric Mercedes B-Class.
