ZEVs, fuel cells, and high-tech engines

Only 10% of cars on Europe's roads by 2020 may be zero-emissions vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz is supporting future ZEV and other advanced technologies with an undiminished R&D budget.

“We believe-especially in a crisis situation-that companies that can invest in R&D and in future technology can better survive and be stronger after the crisis than before. That is our target.” Those are the words of Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management, Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, as the world's automotive industry fights to escape the maelstrom of economic downturn while looking far out to the end of the next decade.

Weber acknowledges that the industry is in “a difficult situation,” but explained: “We spent €1 billion more on R&D last year than the year before. In total, including spending on new tooling, etc., the figure was €8 billion, and the Board has decided that we should stay at such a high level for 2009.”