Mercedes plans electric car for 2010

In a telephone interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung today, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche spoke briefly about the company's plans for the coming years. During the interview, Zetsche noted that "we plan an electric Smart for 2010 and for the same year a Mercedes (electric) model as well." The news comes as an addendum to Daimler's recently detailed "Road to the Future" plans, in which the company revealed a timetable for many of their forthcoming modular technologies.

After confirming an electric Mercedes and smart model in 2010, Zetsche then went on to speak briefly about the fact that pricing for electric models is still undetermined, stating that it "depends on whether we sell the batteries with the car or lease them. The willingness (on the part of consumers) to pay more is limited."
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Agent63 - 6/21/2008 6:06:56 AM

+7 Boost

Cool. Good to see a company going for straight electric in an already fuel efficient car. Two thumbs up.

0to60 - 6/21/2008 10:22:58 AM

-1 Boost

I wouldnt trust an all electric car by mercedes quite yet. I want to see a reliability increase with their technologically advanced systems prior to the implementation of such advanced automotive technology.

Bill - 6/21/2008 11:25:07 AM

+5 Boost

Oh please, not these stereotypes again. Look at the latest JD Power or even Consumer Reports where newer Mercedes' cars have done exceptionally well in terms of reliability. There is a clear sign here that the company has fixed their past electronic problems.

Even the major problem child of the past, the M-Class, has done very well. See here:

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/Mercedes/M-Class/2008/SUV/ratings

I have an early '07 Mercedes S550 and about four and half months ago my wife and I bought a C350 Sport. Both our cars have been flawless and very reliable.

0to60 - 6/21/2008 2:44:06 PM

-1 Boost

Didnt the CEO of Benz say that reliability slipped with Chrysler in the picture? Has that turned around this fast?

theoptimisticpessimist - 6/21/2008 2:23:58 PM

+1 Boost

Hmmm, I wonder about America power grid, is it up to handle all the new plug in cars?

theoptimisticpessimist - 6/21/2008 6:29:36 PM

+1 Boost

America = America's and handle = handling, I must be hungover.