Following a period of rapid growth, all-electric vehicle demand began to cool later in 2023, which has many automakers pumping the proverbial brakes on their ambitious electrification plans. That includes Ford Motor Company, which wound up delaying around $12 billion in planned EV investments, halving its scheduled 2024 Ford F-150 Lightning production, and potentially even delaying future EV launches as it adjusts to a changing market. As for FoMoCo’s luxury arm – Lincoln – it too has reversed course on electrification, ditching its timeline for new model launches and even putting its EV dealer sales program on hold, too. Now, yet another automaker is doing essentially the same – Mercedes – according to Reuters.
Previously, Mercedes planned on electrifying its entire lineup by 2030, with 50 percent of its sales consisting of all-electric models and hybrids by 2025. However, after last year saw its EV mix reach just 11 percent and 19 percent with hybrids included, the Germany company is now aiming for a 50 percent electrified sales mix by 2030, pushing its plans back by five years, essentially.
On top of this shift, Mercedes also plans to continue revamping its ICE models, with a number of updates now slated to take place by 2027. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2024, M-B noted that it expects its electrified model sales to stay roughly the same, accounting for somewhere between 19 and 21 percent of its overall mix.
“Mercedes-Benz continued its transformation in 2023, developing new cutting-edge electric and digital innovations, while scaling electric vehicles and delivering solid financial results,” said Ola Kaellenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “In other words, the team once again came through to execute our strategy in challenging times, delivering the eSprinter and the new E-Class. At the same time, we prepared the ground for next-generation products and platforms like VAN.EA and MB.OS. to keep Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of the industry.”
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