Marc Langenbrinck reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s belief in the electric direction. “We believe in the future of electric”, commented the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italy. But the transition cannot be imposed at the same speed everywhere. According to the manager, in fact, it varies from country to country: while in Europe the share of electric cars is between 23 and 25%, in Italy it remains around 5-6% (with Mercedes slightly ahead, between 7 and 8%). For this reason, the Star brand believes that electric will also grow in the Italian market, but insists on the need to align with customer needs, avoiding rigid and uniform approaches.
Mercedes believes in electric
To make the growth of electric sustainable, Mercedes pursues a multi-energy strategy and continues to offer electric, hybrid models and, where required by the market, also traditional engines. The new platforms, explains Langenbrinck, are designed to host different powertrains: priority goes to electric solutions, then come hybrid versions and only afterwards, if necessary, those with internal combustion engines. On the path towards a more electric future, diesel is therefore progressively downsized, favoring petrol hybrids, today considered capable of offering performance and efficiency comparable to internal combustion engines.
Different strategy depending on the market
Among the main obstacles to the spread of electric, Langenbrinck indicated the charging network is still insufficient, especially outside large urban centers, but also regulatory uncertainty and the unevenness of incentives between European countries. The manager also clarifies that incentives are not automatically the solution, because the customer still evaluates many elements, including these aspects. Even changes to access rules to ZTLs risk generating confusion, which is why he proposes a roundtable between industry, politics, and the scientific world. Looking at the range, he does not confirm the return of the A-Class but leaves the possibility open, saying he is very optimistic. Furthermore, he considers an entry-level compact car fundamental. Finally, he recalls the experience at the Mille Miglia as a symbol of the cultural and emotional heritage that Italy preserves towards the automobile, a wealth to be preserved.
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