In a recent interview, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kellenius confirmed that the company will continue to invest in diesel engines despite the rise of electrification. Mercedes-Benz is taking a strategic approach to developing new hybrid diesel engines as it prepares for the transition to electric models. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz is exploring alternative fuels such as HVO diesel, underscoring its commitment to green mobility.

At Mercedes-Benz, the customer is king

In a recent interview with Automotor and sportsThis was stated by the managing director of Mercedes-Benz Group, Ola Kellenius the brand will continue to invest in the development of diesel and diesel hybrid engines, despite the automotive industry’s growing shift toward electrification. Kellenius emphasized that Mercedes-Benz will support all of these powertrains as long as there is market demand. Although the end of the use of internal combustion vehicles in the European Union is planned from 2035, the company believes that the announced deadline may be unattainable. However, it is preparing for this transition by developing new electric models while maintaining a diverse offering, including diesel engines. As such, Mercedes-Benz has no intention of abandoning its diesel engines all at once, provided, of course, that customers continue to demand them. Unlike the others, the star manufacturer does not want to immediately switch to all-electric, it seems more cautious and adopts a different strategy than its colleagues. The customer is king, so the choice of engines offered should be based solely on demand. However, Mercedes-Benz is also preparing to go fully electric as it is agreed that only electric cars will be allowed to be sold in Europe in a few years. Diesel locomotives will no longer be welcomed, except in other regions of the world.

All alternatives are good to use

The transition to greener fuels is also part of Mercedes-Benz’s concern. The company is interested in “HVO” diesel fuel, or hydrotreated vegetable oil, produced from renewable and sustainable resources. THE HVO 100 reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, which makes it an attractive ecological alternative. However, this fuel is more expensive than traditional diesel fuel, although its pump price varies from country to country.
Mercedes-Benz demonstrates a balanced vision of the future of mobility, combining the development of electric technologies and perseverance in the improvement of diesel engines. From a broader perspective, this strategy illustrates the complex challenges the automotive industry faces in dealing with environmental and technological change. Electrification is growing rapidly due to growing concerns about carbon emissions and air pollution. however, the transition to fully electric mobility is a complex process, requires huge investments in charging infrastructure, the development of more efficient and affordable batteries, as well as the constant development of electric vehicle technologies. In this context, Mercedes-Benz’s approach to support a diverse range of engines, including diesel engines, looks reasonable. This approach allows the company to both meet current market demand and prepare for a future where electric powertrains may dominate.