Mercedes-Benz will take three green concepts to the Detroit Auto Show next month, including the plug-in electric BlueZero E-Cell pictured here.
Merc’s plug-in electric concept is built on a sandwich platform packed with lithium ion batteries that provide a theoretical range of 100km. Of at least equal interest is the heavily contoured styling that is said to offer clues to the design of future versions of the A- and B-Class ranges – styling which is already drawing comparisons to the controversial ‘flame surfacing’ introduced at BMW under designer Chris Bangle.
Other concepts being crated up in Germany for the long haul to Detroit include the BlueZero F-Cell and the BlueZero E-Plus. The former is a pure hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, and the latter a hybrid that turns the Smart ForTwo’s turbocharged three-pot into a generator for a lithium ion battery pack, apparently making the E-Plus good for a 600km range.
Merc’s decision to flaunt its new-age wares under the noses of the Detroit 3 may have particular piquancy for Chrysler.
Yesterday Daimler was publicly panned for its management of the US brand – in which it still retains a 20 percent stake – by leading automotive industry analysts at CSM Worldwide. CSM chief executive Craig Cather blamed Daimler’s period at the helm for leaving Chrysler a ‘caretaker company’ of ailing model lines, partly through limiting Chrysler’s opportunities to expand internationally.
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