Every major player in the automotive industry wants a piece of the electric vehicle segment and officials over at Daimler are the latest ones to go after Tesla.
The German group that owns Mercedes-Benz and Smart, will reportedly roll out its own electric car brand, according to Handelsblatt, quoting “people familiar with the matter”.
Daimler apparently has the 2016 Paris Motor Show in its sight for the launch of the new brand, where the 3-pointed star has already announced its intention to show the world a hydrogen-powered GLC prototype. The model has been unveiled over the web and it’s capable to provide enough battery juice for an all-electric range of approximately 30 miles (48 km).
The German publication states that, aside from the hydrogen powered SUV, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce an electric version as well, at the same French motoring event, a rumor backed up by a previous report published earlier this month. The zero-emissions vehicle could go on sale as early as next year, and will eventually pave the road for even more EVs from Daimler.
A final decision regarding the introduction of a brand for the upcoming e-cars is expected to be taken by Daimler’s non-executive supervisory board on July 20, and if everything goes as planned, they will be built in the existing factories, something that will keep production costs down.
Note: Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
