Local Assembly Of Mercedes-EQ Models On The Cards
The German brand wants to launch more electric cars in India and assembling them locally will help it price them well.
Mercedes is looking into the possibility of local assembly of its EQ-series electric cars, revealed MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, Martin Schwenk.
The German automaker had started assembling AMG models in India last year and had even increased its investment in India by Rs. 400 crores for local assembly of cars.
At present, the brand sells the EQC in India, which is a completely built-up unit (CBU) and is looking to bring more pure-electric cars to the market.
Globally, Apart from the EQC, the brand also sells the EQV luxury MPV, while it has unveiled the EQS electric saloon and smaller electric SUVs like the EQA and EQB already.
Later this year, the carmaker will also reveal the production-spec EQT MPV. In total, Mercedes-EQ wants to have 9 battery electric vehicles globally in the near future.
India will get the flagship EQS luxury saloon next year, while there is a possibility that the EQB will also get launched here. Martin has stated that the firm is looking into all segments as “there is a chance to do something in every segment.”
The commencement of Mercedes electric car assembly in India would help bring down the asking price of the EVs, which, at present, cost a lot more than their counterparts powered by combustion engines.
Expansion of Mercedes’ EV sales network will also happen when new models are brought in. But, it will happen slowly, an example set by the EQC which is only retailed in 6 cities (Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune).
One reason for Mercedes to look into the possibility of local assembly of its electric cars is that it claims there is no “advantage for bringing an electric CBU versus an ICE”, and wants reduction of taxation for imported EVs.
However, Mercedes also acknowledges the fact that it has “traction on the policy side”, and the Union government, like many States, is now looking to waive off registration fee for EVs.
Source – AutocarIndia.com
