Mercedes-Benz's Ulrich Walker: Desire to reinvent the automobile

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai) - The development of new energy vehicles has been the source of media attention in China as of late. On one hand the government is doing its part to promote enterprises to research, develop and manufacture, but the market for these vehicles has not been responding in kind. However, taking into accounts global trends, the market for new energy vehicles only looks set to increase. The companies tasked with the invention of the modern automobile, Daimler and Mercedes-Benz are commemorating their 125th anniversary with a surprising move: joining hands with indigenous Chinese manufacturer BYD to research and develop electric vehicles. Gasgoo.com has interviewed Ulrich Walker, chairman and CEO of Daimler's Northeast Asia operations.

Gasgoo.com: With the continuing depletion of traditional fuel reserves and the lack of a clear alternative source of energy, manufacturer from across the globe are anxiously anticipating the future of automobiles. What does Daimler predict automobiles of the future to be like, and what goals will the industry look to accomplish?

Mr. Walker: As a key innovator in the automobile industry's history of 125 years, Daimler has always been confident. Whether discussing the present or the future, we will continue to be a leading pioneer in providing solutions to traffic questions. In order to ensure continuing development and security, we pay special attention to automobile safety, comfort, environmental friendliness, functionality and design craft.

Automobiles are the world's most important and most welcome form of transportation. Our ultimate goal is to know future consumer demands, as well as lay the foundation for continuing innovation. With this notion in mind, we will continue to optimize automobile optimization and invent new technology, as well as increase the luxury of our vehicles, in order to better satisfy consumer demands and fit with social trends.

Gasgoo.com: As a luxury manufacturer, Daimler has already set its research and development sights on new energy vehicle development. You have also decided to employ a three step development strategy towards new energy vehicles. Can you share with us more about how your company plans to develop in this segment?

Mr. Walker: Daimler already has formed a very clear roadmap in regards to future transportation demands, with energy saving being a core goal. In order to satisfy this goal, we will take a three-part plan: firstly, we will optimize traditional engines; secondly, we will use hybrid technology to increase vehicle performance and fuel efficiency; third, we will employ pure electric and battery-powered vehicles in order to make zero-emission driving a reality. We firmly believe that this is the correct direction to take. Daimler will also try its hand at alternative renewable and clean energy technologies.

Gasgoo.com: According to Daimler, fuel and battery powered vehicles will be a major R&D focus. Which aspects are you considering? Do you represent the international industry's attitude towards new energy vehicles as a whole?

Mr. Walker: In reality, our long-term goal is to use fuel and battery powered as well as pure energy vehicles to help popularize zero-emission technology. This will not only decrease sound disturbance in vehicles, as well as decrease emissions and pollution, but will also contains a great deal of hidden potential for the market, especially in very crowded regions. Currently, our first batch of models is already making their rounds in the country. This is evidence of the value we put into this segment.

Following the world tour of the fuel battery-powered Mercedes-Benz B-Class not long ago, the first like event with a fuel battery-powered vehicle, we demonstrated Daimler's resolve in the field of electric vehicles. The B-Class completed its world tour and returned to German smoothly, demonstrating the maturity of fuel electric battery technology. During the voyage, the fleet went through Shanghai, Beijing and Xi'an, and later the frontiers of Kazakhstan, before ultimately reaching Germany. Via the tour, the prime drivability and stability of Mercedes-Benz's electric battery vehicle technology was proven.

Gasgoo.com: China is one of the world's most active country for new energy vehicles. How do you look at the prospects for the industry in China?

Mr. Walker: Energy-saving and reducing emissions have become very hot topics in the Chinese automobile industry. China's government has also very specific goals for new energy vehicles, and is looking to provide financial support and other enterprise incentives. In the government's recently unveiled Twelfth Five-Year Guideline, new energy automobile technology is one of the seven key industries China is looking to expand into. Therefore, it is clear that the Chinese government is putting great deal of energy into solving future traffic and transportation issues.

Gasgoo.com: Currently the global automobile industry is looking towards new energy automobiles as one of its key directions to expand, while before some enterprises were more concerned with hybrid technology. As a transitional type of vehicle, what do you feel about the development of hybrids?

Mr. Walker: Hybrid technology is an important milestone in the road to zero emissions. As far as Mercedes-Benz is concerned, we have already standardized hybrid-powered system platforms in order to satisfy various consumer demands. We possess many hybrid systems which can be outfitted with different battery types and sport different capabilities that can be mated to commonly-seen engine types. These improve drivability while also decreasing emissions.

We also provide plug-in style hybrid systems, allowing consumers the ability to charge batteries with household charging systems, further increasing drivability.

Gasgoo.com: Looking at international trends, what aspects do you believe new energy vehicles need to develop (for example, technology, investment, supply chains, management and infrastructure, etc.) to break past the bottleneck period? Which aspects will be first to see new breakthroughs?

Mr. Walker: The next big step for new energy vehicles lies in whether or not they are able to gain multilateral support in order to ensure proper infrastructure and spread their usage. As infrastructure and equipment becomes more complete and through, they will play a larger and larger role in the future of new energy vehicles.