German luxury and commercial vehicle automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a luxury electric van for the Chinese market based on its VAN.EA platform, the head of the carmaker’s vans division informed the German publication WirtschaftsWoche.
Geisen did not elaborate on the van or the timing. He reiterated the van division’s 2024 sales margin of 12%-14%, ahead of the quarterly results due on April 30. Mercedes-Benz Vans sold a record 447,800 units last year and achieved a return on sales of about 15.1%.
“A super-luxury variant, so to speak. We want to significantly increase our sales share in China. Geisen said. “The demand for vans is growing rapidly here, especially in the luxury segment.”
About VAN.EA
Mercedes-Benz introduced VAN.EA, or “Van Electric Architecture.”
Starting in 2026, it will serve as the foundation for all newly designed medium- and large-sized vehicles. By 2030, the percentage of vans that are entirely electric is projected to reach 50%.
As an interim target for 2026 (and with its current portfolio of electric vans), the company aims for a share of 20 per cent. For comparison: in 2022, 14,700 of all 411,000 Mercedes vans delivered had an electric drive, corresponding to a share of just 3.6 per cent. The big leap will follow after 2026 with the first VAN.EA models.
Mercedes-Benz Vans has concentrated on using its VAN.EA architecture to optimize every part of the vehicle in their quest of perfection. The aim is maximum efficiency and performance from the chassis, tyres, drivetrain, and aerodynamics.
The brand guarantees scale effects and synergies, leading to leaner and quicker operations, by utilizing a modular and scalable architecture. VAN.EA’s three unique blocks serve both private and commercial van customers by providing distinction and enabling platform synergies. With VAN.EA, Mercedes-Benz Vans sets a new benchmark for sustainable profitability and resource utilization in development and production.
Mercedes-Benz Vans underlines its commitment to electric mobility, reinforcing its position as a European market leader since 2010 with the pioneering Vito E-CELL.
In 2023, Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer completely electric choices in all van classes, from small to medium and big.
The release of VAN.EA marks a big step forward in the company’s electrification plan. By 2026, all midrange and big vehicles based on this modular architecture will be completely electric. With over 40,000 eVans already sold and a stunning 20% market share in Europe for electric big and midsize vans in 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vans expects to see ongoing strong growth in the electric vehicle industry.
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