Mercedes-Benz And Aston Martin CEOs Stand Up Against EV Future

With Britain joining France in forward-planning a ban on internal combustion vehicles, the world's motoring superpowers have began to react, with perhaps surprising support for existing engine technologies.

In two separate interviews, the CEOs of both Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin have voiced their opposition to attempts to ban internal combustion engines in certain markets with each backing a different existing technology.

The CEO of Daimler (parent company of Mercedes-Benz), Dieter Zetsche, has told Bloomberg that “diesel is worth fighting for,” in response to an increasing push for electrification.

The timing of Zetsche’s statement is poignant as Daimler comes under fire for allegations of colluding with the BMW Group and Volkswagen Group on areas including technology, suppliers, pricing, and emission controls.

Like BMW and Volkswagen, Daimler has announced preliminary electrification plans for future models, including an EQ sub-brand tasked with creating zero-emissions vehicles, but until EV technology becomes widespread the brand intends to use diesel to keep its emissions figures low.

Palmer also weighed in on reports that the UK’s internal combustion ban could exclude hybrid-assisted vehicles, suggesting such a move would have little impact.

“In 2040 there won’t be a pure combustion car, because hybridisation and plug-in hybridisation will be there with room to spare,” he said. “I genuinely believe plug-in hybrids will represent 40% of the mix even by 2030, so this 2040 ban would be late.”

Palmer also criticised the timing of the announcement for adding additional pressures to the UK auto industry, which was already facing uncertainties in the wake of Brexit.