The German automaker Daimler announced Thursday "
more than 40 billion euros
" of investments in its electrification between 2022 and 2030, to no longer sell cars with combustion engines by the end of the decade "
where the conditions of the market allow it
”.
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The manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz plans to open eight factories around the world for battery cells, the key component of electric models, a sign of the accelerated abandonment by the automotive sector of traditional fuels against a backdrop of increasingly stringent environmental standards.
"
We will be ready if the markets turn entirely to electric by the end of the decade,
" notes Ola Källenius, boss of Daimler, presenting a "
fundamental reallocation of capital
" at a time when a historic split in the group.
Investments
By the end of the year, Daimler intends to IPO its heavy-duty business Daimler Trucks, which has become independent. For the automobile branch Mercedes-Benz Cars and Vans, Daimler will in total devote at least 40 billion in less than ten years to electrification. Investments in thermal and hybrid technologies will drop by 80% between 2019 and 2026.
Mercedes now expects a share of hybrid and electric cars in global sales of at least 50% in 2025, down from 25% previously.
"
China is to play a key role in the accelerated electrification strategy
," says the manufacturer of the luxury S-Class, whose electric model EQS was unveiled in April.
The key to this strategy: from 2025, Mercedes will only launch “
architectures
” - the technical base of a vehicle that accommodates the engine, wheel and chassis - 100% electric.
It will also acquire the British start-up YASA, specializing in electric motors.
Read also: Daimler predicts a more profitable year 2021
Daimler has not specified either the deadline or the location for its eight "
gigantic factories
" of battery cells that the group intends to install around the world to cover its needs. Despite electrification, Daimler intends to maintain the level of its margins, adds the group.
