Mercedes-maker Daimler says shift to EVs non-negotiable despite coronavirus

  • Daimler has said it is engaging in a gradual restart of production and would continue its investment in electric cars and digitisation.
File photo: Daimler expects group revenue and EBIT to be below 2019 levels. (REUTERS)
File photo: Daimler expects group revenue and EBIT to be below 2019 levels.

Germany's Daimler AG, maker of Mercedes-Benz luxury cars, made only a small profit in the first quarter of 2020 as the company shut down factories and shifted into cash preservation and cost management mode during the coronavirus crisis.

The company's CEO said Wednesday the Stuttgart-based automaker was now engaging in a gradual re-start of production — and would continue its investment in electric cars and digitisation. He called the shift to new technologies “non-negotiable" despite the severe disruption from the virus outbreak.

Also check these Vehicles

Find more Cars
Mercedes-benz Gle (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2999 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹96.40 Lakhs - 1.15 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Mercedes-benz Glb (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1950.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 63.80 - 69.80 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Mercedes-benz Eqb (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon66.4kWh Range Icon423 km
₹ 74.50 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Mercedes-benz Eqc (HT Auto photo)
BatteryCapacity Icon80 kWh Range Icon471 Km
₹ 1.07 Cr
Compare
Mercedes-benz Glc (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon1999 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 73.50 - 74.50 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Mercedes-benz Amg E53 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2999.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 1.02 Cr
Compare

Net profit was 168 million euros ($182 million), down from 2.1 billion euros in the same quarter a year earlier. Revenue fell to 37.2 billion euros from 39.7 billion euros in the first quarter of 2019.

Also Read : Daimler sees profits at Mercedes-Benz rising in 2020 even as it abandons outlook

CEO Ola Kallenius said that “now we have started with a gradual ramp-up of our production."

“At the same time," he said, "we are continuing to invest in key technologies, including electrification and digitalization. They are non-negotiable elements of our future."

First Published Date: 29 Apr 2020, 13:03 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Select a dealer

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy
Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.