Autocar January 22, 2020

THE RISE OF electric vehicles hasn’t been as rapid as some had hoped, stalled by high prices, limited choice and off-putting practicality issues. And despite the growing number of EVs available (and with many more to come in 2020), last year they still made up only 1.6% of UK new car sales. Major change is afoot, with the imminent arrival of transformative benefit-in-kind tax changes (p16). From April, those choosing an EV as a company car will pay no tax at all. Such an appealing incentive will have a significant effect on EV uptake when you consider that company cars accounted for more than half of last year’s UK car sales. EVs won’t be suitable for every mile-munching exec, but the appeal of more money in the bank will no doubt encourage…

“The new EQ electric models form part of an £8.6 billion development programme” Mercedes-Benz has finalised development plans for more than 30 new models – all scheduled to arrive by the end of 2022. The headliners in the wide-ranging new-model programme, confirmed to Autocar by high-ranking Mercedes officials, include replacements for the existing C-Class, S-Class and SL. Under the plans, the new SL will return to its roots by featuring a traditional fabric hood for the first time in more than two decades when it is unveiled in early 2021 as a reborn 2+2 sports car. A raft of new AMG performance models are also under development as part of Mercedes’ ongoing efforts to retain its global luxury car sales crown. The upcoming Mercedes-AMG newcomers include a rapid GT 4-Door Coupé flagship model with…

THE RISE OF electric vehicles hasn’t been as rapid as some had hoped, stalled by high prices, limited choice and off-putting practicality issues. And despite the growing number of EVs available (and with many more to come in 2020), last year they still made up only 1.6% of UK new car sales. Major change is afoot, with the imminent arrival of transformative benefit-in-kind tax changes (p16). From April, those choosing an EV as a company car will pay no tax at all. Such an appealing incentive will have a significant effect on EV uptake when you consider that company cars accounted for more than half of last year’s UK car sales. EVs won’t be suitable for every mile-munching exec, but the appeal of more money in the bank will no…

Mercedes-Benz and Chinese car maker Geely have carried out preliminary talks on how the two might co-operate on a series of projects, including future four-cylinder petrol engine and dual-clutch gearbox development, according to senior officials from the German firm. Geely – which has a 9.7% stake in Mercedes parent Daimler and owns brands such as Volvo and Lotus – cemented operational ties with Mercedes’ passenger car division in early 2019, when it agreed to purchase a 50% stake in Smart. Earlier this month, Mercedes and Geely confirmed they were co-operating on the development of a new Smart SUV. Due in 2022, it is claimed to be among a number of new Smart models set to be made in China by the middle of the decade. “The initial talks surrounding Smart have led to…

“The new EQ electric models form part of an £8.6 billion development programme” Mercedes-Benz has finalised development plans for more than 30 new models – all scheduled to arrive by the end of 2022. The headliners in the wide-ranging new-model programme, confirmed to Autocar by high-ranking Mercedes officials, include replacements for the existing C-Class, S-Class and SL. Under the plans, the new SL will return to its roots by featuring a traditional fabric hood for the first time in more than two decades when it is unveiled in early 2021 as a reborn 2+2 sports car. A raft of new AMG performance models are also under development as part of Mercedes’ ongoing efforts to retain its global luxury car sales crown. The upcoming Mercedes-AMG newcomers include a rapid GT 4-Door…

Mercedes-Benz and Chinese car maker Geely have carried out preliminary talks on how the two might co-operate on a series of projects, including future four-cylinder petrol engine and dual-clutch gearbox development, according to senior officials from the German firm. Geely – which has a 9.7% stake in Mercedes parent Daimler and owns brands such as Volvo and Lotus – cemented operational ties with Mercedes’ passenger car division in early 2019, when it agreed to purchase a 50% stake in Smart. Earlier this month, Mercedes and Geely confirmed they were co-operating on the development of a new Smart SUV. Due in 2022, it is claimed to be among a number of new Smart models set to be made in China by the middle of the decade. “The initial talks surrounding Smart…