2 days ago
Mercedes-Benz PH rolls out first plug-in hybrid EV cars
Mercedes-Benz Philippines has introduced its two pioneering plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models in the country, banking on the growing market for electric vehicles.
In an interview with GMA News Online, Mercedes-Benz Philippines general manager Maricar Parco said the luxury vehicle company launched last month its 'two models, our E-Class sedan, which is a mid-size sedan, and the GLC SUV, which is also, I'd say, a mid-size SUV.
'Two years ago, we introduced our EQ full electric vehicle lineup. And then now, we complement that with the plug-in hybrids, so giving the best of both worlds,' Parco said.
The Mercedes-Benz PHEV models, she said, have price points that are 'more attainable for more Filipino buyers aspiring to have the Mercedes-Benz in their garage.'
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350e Plug-In Hybrid can be purchased at P5.490 million.
The GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid, on the other hand, is priced at P4.890 million.
'Because the plug-in hybrid could be, you know, it starts out with the electric motor that propels the vehicle. Then, if you run out of it, then you always have the... we use gasoline. Petroleum,' Parco said.
'We feel it is a good gap measure because we saw that in the last two years, it was difficult to jump from the ICE or the internal combustion engines, the regular cars… to jump to electric immediately,' she said.
Parco said Mercedes-Benz is gearing towards sustainable luxury, electrification, and 'that is a global strategy for Mercedes.'
'Because globally, the strategy of Mercedes-Benz is really to go electric by 2039. We want at least half of our production globally to be electric. And of course, that still varies depending on market, on readiness of the market,' she said.
'At the moment, for Mercedes-Benz, at least in the last year, 12% of our product mix would be on electric. We want to grow that to at least 15% this year and further grow that next year with the plug-in hybrids. So, at least that would be for Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines,' she added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
