The Mercedes-Benz stand is dominated by the latest models in white and silver, but one bright red concept car is a true showstopper: the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6! First shown at Pebble Beach last month this electric coupe gives a hint at the direction Maybach is headed to. The sleek lines, futuristic interior and chrome details definitely wet our appetite. But the Maybach Concept car is certainly not all that Mercedes brought to Paris.
The Mercedes-Benz press conference hosted was by Dr Dieter Zetsche focusing on e-mobility. Currently in Europe less than 1% of the cars sold are electric cars. But this is about to change at a faster rate that earlier predicted by industry analysts.
Smart has been on the forefront of the electric revolution with the first full electric Smart going on sale back in 2007. Now 9 years later it offers electric and combustion engines across its entire portfolio, including a convertible – the worlds first electric convertible.
The Mercedes-Benz long term strategy focuses on connected, autonomous, shared and electric cars. Ideally combined in one package and exactly that is what the new Generation EQ concept here in Paris embodies.
The new full electric Generation EQ concept car promises a 500 km range and it should be on the market in three years for the price of a Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. It has the size of a GLC Coupe but it is build on a completely new full electric platform.
By 2025 Mercedes-Benz will have more than 10 full electric models which should make up 10-25% of Mercedes-Benz global sales. Mercedes-Benz launched a new sub-brand for all electric initiatives and models called EQ.
Mercedes-Benz is investing 1 billion euro in its own battery production. Half of that will be invested in a second battery factory in Germany. They will build the new electric vehicles in the existing factories around the world.
While other manufacturers talk about e-mobility – Mercedes-Benz is already taking actions on its plans and promises to go full steam ahead to transform from a combustion driven company to a major player in the electric market. A market in which, it has to be said, Tesla paved the way to a great extent.7
But before we go all green let’s not forget about the emotional new petrol cars Mercedes-Benz brought to Paris. The new AMG GT Roadster and GT C roadster are among our highlights of the show, they were officially revealed last night alongside the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe.
