Mercedes-Benz EQB Discontinued – Auto Magazine
Here’s a summary of the key information from the provided text:
* Mercedes-Benz is scaling back its electric vehicle (EV) production. The company initially aimed to be fully electric by 2030, but this is no longer feasible due to declining EV sales.
* EV sales are decreasing. Sales fell from around 222,000 in 2023 to 185,000 in 2024, and are down 7% year-on-year in the first nine months of the current year (130,000 units).
* The EQB is being discontinued. The electric version of the GLB SUV (EQB) is no longer available in the configurator and production will cease. It’s being removed after only four years due to low customer interest, despite being the best-selling of the EQ models.
* Other models are also being cut. The EQE and EQE SUV will also be discontinued in 2026 without replacements.
* Reasons for the shift:
* Customer preference for traditional engines: Customers still largely prefer gasoline and diesel vehicles.
* End of incentives: The removal of government incentives for EV purchases in countries like Germany and the USA has impacted demand.
* Design concerns: Customers find the aerodynamic designs of the EVs less appealing and prestigious.
* Cost-cutting measures: Mercedes-Benz is also moving production from Germany to hungary to reduce costs.