New Delhi: As Tesla prepares to enter India, Mercedes-Benz – certainly one of its world rivals and India’s high luxurious vendor – has mentioned the marketplace for electrics will develop with new gamers, including that its EV charging stations might be open to automobiles of the American large.
“Our EV charging bays might be open for Tesla automobiles, similar to they’re for an EV of every other model,” Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes in India, advised TOI as he spoke in regards to the entry of latest manufacturers within the nation. The corporate sells electrics throughout its dealerships and has a complete of 116 charging stations unfold throughout 36 places.
Mercedes, which introduced its highest quarterly numbers in Jan-March, 2024 interval at 5,142 models (15% development), might be beefing up its inexperienced line-up by driving in three electrics this yr.
Iyer mentioned the corporate has no causes to be threatened by Tesla, contemplating that the value factors that the Elon Musk-run firm is reportedly focusing on are a lot decrease to their automotive costs. Additionally, he mentioned that any new participant will find yourself increasing the electrical market, relatively than competing with different manufacturers. “New entrants will solely increase volumes in numerous segments and develop the market.”
EVs had a 7% share (350 automobiles) within the Q1 gross sales of Mercedes India, and Iyer mentioned that is anticipated to go as much as as a lot as 25% “and much more” by 2030. “Our EV portfolio clocked a strong 130% YoY development in Q1 with a powerful response to the EQE SUV, along with the EQB SUV and the top-end EQS luxurious sedan.
We plan to launch three new electrics and double our inexperienced portfolio by the shut of this yr.” Requested whether or not the corporate will apply for advantages below new EV coverage that guarantees decrease import responsibility to firms that commit USD 500 million investments in greens, he mentioned it should wait to get extra particulars.
