Mercedes to Stop Producing Petrol and Diesel Cars by 2039

Over the next 20 years, Mercedes-Benz aims to have a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet and aims to have plug-in hybrids or all-electric vehicles to make up more than 50% of its car sales by 2030. In addition, by 2022 all European Daimler factories will be producing in a climate-neutral manner.

The future Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler Ola Källenius, who will take over from Dieter Zetsche, is currently responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. He presented the targets for the car division under the heading “Ambition2039” at a press event.

“First Move the World – that’s our purpose at Mercedes-Benz Cars. That’s the deeper meaning of our work, what drives us, our ‘why’. First Move the World means going for more than just immediate objectives. This inner unrest for what’s next is part of our company’s DNA,” he said.

“Therefore, it’s also a cornerstone of the new sustainable business strategy we are currently working on. Although this strategy has several dimensions, one of the defining issues is how we address our CO2 footprint. At Mercedes-Benz, we strive for the best and our customers expect us to deliver sustainable and fascinating mobility. So, one of the key questions we are addressing is this: What are we doing to make sure our customers can switch to carbon-neutral mobility in the future? The answer is our Ambition2039.”

Daimler will aim to have a carbon-neutral new passenger car fleet in 20 years. On top of this, the German automaker is also working towards a carbon-neutral supply chain and production process. This will require a huge transformation of the company within less than three product cycles.

“That’s not much time when you consider that fossil fuels have dominated our business since the invention of the car by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler some 130 years ago,” he continued. “But as a company founded by engineers, we believe technology can also help to engineer a better future. Our way to sustainable mobility is innovation – in a holistic approach along the entire value chain.”