Mercedes Planning 13 New Models by 2020, Plus Hybrid AMGs

MercedesMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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33 videos
is the cue from BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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and Volkswagen GroupVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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and plans to begin iterating on its platforms than it ever has before. This strategy started with the CLAMercedes-Benz CLA-Class Gen.1Germany, 2013 > present63 versions
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being created from the new A-ClassMercedes-Benz A-Class Gen.3 [W 176]Germany, 2012 > present33 versions
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platform, and Mercedes will go even farther in the future with plans for 13 brand new models without predecessors coming by 2020. On top of that, the new S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-ClassGermany, 1972 > present6 series
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will be on sale by the end of the year, and Mercedes is even talking about creating hybrid AMGAMGGermany, 1966 > present17 models
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cars in the near future. In an interview with "Car and Driver", Mercedes execs gave some hints as to what is coming. 

Mercedes says that hybrid AMGs are definitely coming. It has to make them to deal with strengthening emissions standards. 

"Hybrids are the next logical step, likely in five to seven years. For now, with conventional gas measures we can reduce emissions another 20 percent. The immediate future is relatively clear. Downsize and direct injection is where combustion is headed," said Ola Källenius, AMG Chairman.

It also plans to add more AMG S models, like it did with the introduction of the E-Class AMG SMercedes-Benz E63 AMG 4MA...Germany, 2013 > present3 photos
at the North American International Auto Show.

"We won’t have an S model for every AMG, but we will certainly roll it out to other cars," said Källenius.

He also said that there are not any more Black Series on the horizon. The cars are generally unplanned in a model's production schedule and are meant as a way for the engineers to experiment. 

While it grabs headlines, AMG models are not volume sellers. China is clearly a growing market and already represents the largest or second largest market for several international automakers. Mercedes will capitalize on this by offering more long-wheelbase versions of its cars, which sell well there. The S-Class is already confirmed to get a long-wheelbase version. 

Unlike competitors, like BMW, Mercedes has chosen to work with suppliers to develop battery technology. It has been working with TeslaTeslaUnited States of America, 2003 > present4 models
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to create the powertrain for the B-Class Electric DriveMercedes-Benz Concept B-C...Germany, 2012 > 20121 photo
. 

"The battery cell should not be done by the OEM. There should be huge competition among suppliers to get the cell right. The specific know-how for the automaker is in the packaging and the battery management," said Jörg Prigl, Mercedes' head of small car development.

Source: Car and Driver