SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Mercedes Unveils First Tesla Rival in $12 Billion Attack
Mercedes-Benz, the world's largest maker of luxury cars, is rolling out its first in a series of battery-powered models, adding to a growing array of high-end brands targeting Tesla Inc.
The Mercedes EQC crossover starts production in the first half of next year, part of a plan to develop its EQ electric line, Daimler AG Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche told reporters in Stockholm at the model's world premiere. The company intended to invest 10 billion euros ($12 billion) in its electric-vehicle push but has ended up spending "more than that," he said Tuesday, without specifying figures.
"There is no alternative to betting on electric cars, and we're going all in," Zetsche said. "It is starting right now."
The car joins the Porsche Taycan, Audi E-tron and Jaguar I-Pace in putting pressure on Tesla as the California-based carmaker struggles to hit Model 3 production targets and earn profits. Mercedes plans to assemble the EQC at its factory in Bremen, where the automaker also makes its best-selling C-Class sedan. Daimler will build the car in China for the local market.
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Monday September 10 2018, @12:03PM (2 children)
That's true, but it's more than that. To answer the inevitable objection that those supercharger stations were merely shifting carbon emissions from the car to the power plant, Tesla powered theirs with solar panels. To enable mass production, Tesla built the Giga factory. To anticipate the inevitable transition to autonomous cars, Teslas either already have driver-assist or are ready for that upgrade if/when a car owner wants to. To make sure early adopters don't regret moving first, the company has OTA updates to keep everybody current.
The thinking is strategic and multi-layered. In a free market, such prescience has to win out.
This does underscore that the other luxury brands, and even many of the mass-market brands, are chasing Tesla. Last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show everyone was showing off their EV models. Now Mercedes is making this move. To everyone out there who has pooh-poohed EVs, saying they'll never replace the ICE, do you still think that?
Washington DC delenda est.
(Score: 2) by Knowledge Troll on Monday September 10 2018, @02:28PM (1 child)
Is it possible to believe that Tesla is a terrible company, Elon is a piece of shit, and that the internal combustion engine's days are numbered? Because that's what I believe.
(Score: 2) by Phoenix666 on Monday September 10 2018, @05:20PM
Sure you can, but then i was talking about the ICE faithful, not you.
Washington DC delenda est.