Daimler will double spending on green tech

GENEVA--Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit will roll out plug-in hybrids and fuel cell cars in every segment over the next few years, doubling its investment in green technologies in the next two years.

Mercedes intends to spend $1.4 billion in each of the next two years to develop batteries and fuel-saving engines. Annual spending averaged $700 million over the past three years.

In addition, the automaker will create a "flexible architecture so we can install the right powertrain for each customer--plug-in hybrid or pure electric fuel cell," Thomas Weber, head of Daimler's Research & Development, said in an interview last week at the Geneva auto show.

The strategy for Mercedes-Benz also includes adding more-efficient gasoline and diesel engines and expanding its electric options. Among the changes:

-- Small cars: Within a few years, Daimler will sell electric versions of the front-wheel-drive subcompact A class, compact B class, and Smart cars.

-- Mid-size, large cars: E-class and S-class vehicles, as well as their derived coupes, will have plug-in hybrid and possibly electric powerplants.

Mercedes-Benz already offers a full-hybrid M-class crossover. The next vehicle to get a plug-in hybrid powerplant will be the E class, most likely next year. The C-class hybrid would come in a few years when that car is replaced, Weber said.

In the next 10 years, sales of alternative-fuel vehicles will be "in the high numbers in some regions," Weber said. "In the S class, we could have a 100 percent hybrid share in some markets--perhaps in Europe."

Weber said that's based on the 20 percent take rate worldwide for the S-class hybrid--the S400 sedan, launched last summer.

He expects that about 20 to 30 percent of all E-class cars sold in the future will be hybrids. Mercedes-Benz is working on a flexible architecture that could house a gasoline engine, diesel engine, hybrid, or fuel cell powerplant.

The F800 concept, shown in Geneva, demonstrated a possible approach. The architecture first will be used with the next-generation S class, due in 2014, Weber said. The F800 show car can run 25 miles on electric power and has a fuel economy of 80 mpg on a European test cycle. It has a top speed of 80 mph, Weber said.

Because Mercedes wants to be at the forefront of electric technology, it will be making many components in-house and with joint-venture supplier partners.

"If you want to be market leader, you cannot wait until the supplier sells you these components. It means you push the pedal," said Weber.

(Source: Automotive News)