Despite the high cost of development, Mercedes-Benz says that it will continue to develop new green powertrains. While many of the world’s automaker are easing into the pool of alternative fuels and other green technologies because of prohibitive costs, Mercedes’ large profit margins will allow the German automaker to continually develop new technologies.
According to Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche, high costs won’t stop Mercedes-Benz from offering diesels, hybrids, Diesotto and fuel cell vehicles. “I hear some competitors speculating that whatever it costs to meet the targets, that will be transferred to the customer,†Zetsche told Motor Trend. “But since this is a legal requirement in order to sell the cars, the willingness of the customer to come up with the full bill will be limited.â€
Zetsche also said that the Diesotto engine that debuted in the company’s F700 concept is making significant progress. Despite having only four-cylinders, Zetsche says the powerplant offers similar performance to Mercedes’ 3.5L gasoline V6 and 3.0L turbo diesel six, yet returns 44 mpg.
Looking a little further into the future, Zetsche says that Mercedes will be building one fuel cell B-Class vehicle a day by 2010. Moreover, Zetsche says that Mercedes should be in the mass production fuel cell business by 2014 or 2015. “Today we are convinced by 2014 or ‘15 we can offer fuel cell vehicles that compete technically and on price with conventional powertrains, in the range of 100,000-plus units a year,†he said.
