Mercedes-Benz Pushes Back US Launch Of Electric SUV Until 2021
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Mercedes-Benz has rescheduled the US launch of its first mass-market electric vehicle — an SUV known as the EQC to 2021. The SUV was introduced in Europe earlier this year, and it reportedly “generated high interest”, enough so that Mercedes’ parent firm Daimler made a “strategic decision to first support the growing customer demand” in Europe, Engadget reported on Tuesday.
The US is the second-largest car market in the world after China, but it is only on par with, and sometimes behind, Europe when it comes to sales of all-electric vehicles.
One factor driving the availability of cleaner cars in Europe is the strict emissions regulations package put in place by the European Union (EU), which requires automakers to reduce the emissions of their new vehicle fleets by 37.5 percent by 2030.
In contrast, President Donald Trump has spent the bulk of his presidency unsuccessfully trying to roll back Obama-era emissions regulations that are similarly meant to support the adoption of cleaner cars, according to The Verge.
Price of Mercedes’ EQC base model is expected to begin at $67,900 — less than the $74,800 Audi E-Tron and the $84,990 Tesla’s Model X.
Questions & Answers
Q.Why has Mercedes-Benz delayed the EQC launch in the US?
Why has Mercedes-Benz delayed the EQC launch in the US?
Mercedes-Benz postponed the US launch to first meet strong customer demand for the EQC in Europe. The company's parent firm, Daimler, made a strategic decision to prioritise the growing interest there.
Q.How do US electric vehicle sales compare to Europe's?
How do US electric vehicle sales compare to Europe's?
The US electric vehicle sales are only on par with, and sometimes lag behind, Europe. This is despite the US being the world's second-largest car market after China.
Q.What is driving the availability of cleaner cars in Europe?
What is driving the availability of cleaner cars in Europe?
Stricter emissions regulations from the European Union are a key factor. These rules require car manufacturers to reduce their new vehicle fleets' emissions by 37.5 percent by 2030.
Q.How much will the base model of the Mercedes EQC cost?
How much will the base model of the Mercedes EQC cost?
The Mercedes EQC base model is expected to start at $67,900. This makes it less expensive than competing models like the Audi E-Tron and Tesla's Model X.
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