Mercedes-Benz has been selling an electric vehicle - the B-Class Electric Drive - in the U.S. since December 2013. But you have likely not seen on. Mercedes has only sold 3,651 B-Classes, mostly in states that follow zero-emission vehicle mandates such as California. Now, Mercedes-Benz has made the decision to drop the B-Class Electric Drive.
Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Rob Moran confirmed the news to Automotive News, saying production of the Electric Drive would be phased out in the next quarter. Part of the reason for the vehicle being dropped is Mercedes putting more focus on their upcoming EQ lineup of electric vehicles.
"Due to our strategic focus on [connectivity, autonomous driving, sharing and electric drive systems] for the mobility of the future, we are planning the step-by-step electrification of our portfolio. Moreover, we are evaluating the production of our new generation of electric vehicles at all of our locations of Mercedes Benz Cars," said Moran in an email.
The other part as to why the B-Class Electric Drive is being kicked out is Mercedes will be converting the plant in Rastatt, Germany to produce the next-generation compact lineup. Mercedes will continue to produce the B-Class (gas & diesel variants) for other markets.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)
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