Daimler has announced its plans to become one of Europe’s leading supplier of turbochargers. Daimler currently sources about 50% of its turbochargers from IHI Charging Systems International of Japan — a joint venture between Daimler and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries.
“Not long from now, we will be Europe’s third-largest turbocharger supplier,” Leopold Mikulic, head of passenger-car engines and powertrains at Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Cars, told Automotive News Europe. Mikulic continued by saying the automkaer hoped to achieve the goal within the next three to five years.
“Our dependence on the turbocharger suppliers was huge. We decided to invest in our own operation to have competition in the marketplace,” said Thomas Weber, Daimler board member for r&d.
The new operation — which is based in Cernusco Lombardone, Italy — has set a target of 600,000 units this year, up from 500,000 last year.
Mercedes-Benz sold 1.26 million units globally in 2006, with 40% of those vehicles equipped with diesel engines. All of Mercedes’ diesels engines are turbocharged as well as three of its gasoline engines. But that percentage is about to increase as Mercedes looks to forced induction on smaller engines to decrease its overall emissions.
“Downsizing and turbocharging in combination with direct-injection and stratified-charge combustion systems is the way to the future for the gasoline engine,” Mikulic said.
According to Automotive News, the turbo market — which is dominated by Garrett and BorgWarner — is expected to grow to 17.8 million worldwide by 2012, up from 14.6 million last year.
12/03, 3:53 PM
posted by:
LP640
Go Daimler !
12/03, 6:47 PM
posted by:
atourya
very smart business decision
12/03, 8:05 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Not only is this company making the world’s first luxury hybrids, but it’s taking the lead in diesels, as well.
12/03, 8:35 PM
posted by:
autonut
Celeron, GM is selling hydrogen buses in many US cities. I see them in NYC everyday. Even hybrid hydrogen buses. There is nothing new here. Also, new trucks in US achieve 8 mpg with full load of 60,000 pounds. I don’t believe I’ve even seen those tonnages in Europe.
12/03, 9:47 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
These idiots need to focus on building more reliable, true luxury vehicles … not turbos.
12/03, 11:34 PM
posted by:
67_L-88
That amazes me every time Autonut what big trucks can get for mileage. Shouldn’t then, a 3000 pound car with a smaller, but similarly designed diesel engine as those trucks not achieve 150 or more mpg? Sure it might need a few more gears then were usually used too, but doesn’t that make sense, or am I missing something.
12/04, 8:41 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
67_L-88: Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking as well, the mileage we get out of our vehicles (especially SUV’s) is just disastrous. I’m glad to hear that most auto makers agreed to work on achieving 35 MPG by 2022, which is a step in the right direction IMO.
12/04, 9:05 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Me three bitchez: that ****ing Wrangler of mine is getting 13 miles to the gallon in the city and I’m barely touching the pedal, no better than my outgoing TJ which was a gas hog of epic proportions.
Those goddamned lairs at Jeep. ****ing crooks.
12/04, 10:55 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Deantj: ‘Least you can find the car you want. I was almost tempted to go for an AWD model, but that’s a decision that’s going to cost you forever.
I don’t need AWD
12/04, 11:03 AM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
Do they produce the Turbonator? If so Im buying one for sure.
12/04, 11:59 AM
posted by:
Get Real
Anyone remember when Chrysler stuck a turbo into everything they made in the mid-late 80’s.
…..Then the turbos started burning up and costing too much to repair.
Great future for broken turbo repair shops.
12/04, 12:10 PM
posted by:
441Zuke
turbonium
12/04, 12:49 PM
posted by:
SwerveEarly
1st turbos, then the world.
12/04, 6:27 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Get real: terrible times for drivers of those rigs
12/05, 9:50 AM
posted by:
CA36GTP
I’ll stick with Garrett, thanks. The last thing I need is a turbo with Benz reliability.
12/06, 5:27 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Hahaha…are they so bad, CA36GYP?!
‘Cause seriously, I have no idea…