Daimler’s brand is looking to reduce costs.
Companies in the automotive industry face a significant challenge with electrified vehicles. There are two options to address this situation: automakers can either consolidate and realize significant synergies, or reduce costs by reducing engine ranges and lineups. Mercedes-Benz is likely to take the second route, reducing cars, engines and platforms.
Markus Schafer, Mercedes R&D boss commented to Autocar, “We are reviewing the product portfolio, especially after we announced so many pure EVs.” We are reviewing our current lineup because we know how complex it is after all the growth over the past couple of years. The goal is to simplify – not only taking out car variants but also platforms and powertrains as well as components.
Schafer didn’t give any details on which models would be removed, but he did name the G-Class and SL as vehicles that ride on their own platforms. He said that “In the future we will have similar underpinnings with different cars and you’ll see the results pretty soon”, suggesting that some of the brand’s most costly and expensive models might be axed.
Although the R&D boss did not give any details on the future of V8 or V12 engines, he said that it all depends upon what Euro 7 emission standards require. Schafer stated that although the V8 and V12 will not be thrown out, “four-cylinder engines will make a lot more sense than a V12.”
According to a November 2012 report, Mercedes would not remove the V12 engine yet. Ola Kallenius (Daimler chairman) shared the good news, but didn’t give any details. The 12-cylinder unit is likely to be removed from the AMG-branded models , but it has not been officially confirmed.