Thanks to climate protection, the automotive industry is moving towards a sustainable future. Electric vehicles (EVs), smart design and eco-friendly supply chain practices are part of an ever-evolving relationship between our cars and our environment. Where luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, Mercedes-Benz is spearheading climate action as part of the brand’s innovative philosophy. “We believe Mercedes-Benz has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate true leadership in the global shift to sustainable solutions,” said Eva Wiese, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “From product development to infrastructure, it really defines every decision we make.”
As a growing number of business leaders tackle the climate crisis through new and sustainable practices, the national conversation on climate change is beginning to mature and encourage tangible results within the automotive industry. Take for example the Mercedes-EQ brand: the line of all-electric vehicles launched in Canada earlier this year that is rapidly ushering in a new era of luxury driving in the Canadian market. “Being electric is just one of the many things that sets these vehicles apart from the competition,” says Wiese. “By meeting the high expectations and standards of our customers, we see Mercedes-EQ as the definition of progressive luxury.” A process that emphasizes resource efficiency and renewable materials is incorporated into the aerodynamic design and technological features of each vehicle – think of the flagship EQS model’s carpets made from recycled fibers, or even the key components brand new VISION EQXX made from food and yard waste, cardboard and even nappies.
As a brand approaching its 100th anniversary and having literally invented the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has uniquely positioned itself as a leader and continuing innovator of the modern driving experience. True to this reputation, its Mercedes-EQ range is a major step forward in the company’s holistic and comprehensive sustainability strategy.
The company broke new ground last year with the world’s first automotive part made from transformed CO2, a by-product of its collaborative research with Israeli startup UBQ Materials; which earned him a Sustainability Award. On a larger scale, Mercedes-Benz’s global production will be CO₂-neutral in its own factories from this year, and the electricity purchased for all Mercedes-Benz factories will also come exclusively from renewable sources – in other words. , 100% green electricity. global. “When you combine these substantial actions with our vision of an emission-free vehicle fleet, it is clear that our commitment to climate protection and air pollution control is a central part of our business strategy. “, says Wiese, referring to the brand’s 2039 ambition. campaign.
Climate change is a global problem with global consequences, which requires collective action. As a globally operating company, Mercedes-Benz has tailored its Ambition 2039 goals to propel all aspects of the business towards an environmentally friendly future for industry. By the end of this year, Mercedes-Benz will have battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in all segments the company serves and plans to go all-electric by the end of the decade, when market conditions market will allow it. Along with continuous research initiatives and a unique green energy concept, the company aims to be fully carbon neutral by 2039.
As important as it is to deliver high-quality electric vehicles to the Canadian market, the investments made in their integration and success are just as important. Automakers around the world can look to Mercedes-Benz and its ecosystem approach as a model for developing a well-oiled (but oil-free) fleet of electric vehicles. Currently, Mercedes-EQ drivers have access to nearly 9,000 public charging ports in total across the country, including more than 1,300 DC fast charging ports. “A fast, easy-to-use and widespread charging network is critical to our success,” says Wiese. “Our game-changing Mercedes-EQ vehicles need to be paired with a world-class customer ecosystem and that’s why we’ve worked so hard to ensure we have the right partners working with us to invest in this charging infrastructure across Canada.
Transforming the automobile is no small feat, but it seems Mercedes-Benz doesn’t view this evolution as a reinvention of the wheel, so to speak. For a company that is always one step ahead, introducing sustainability into the luxury driving experience is a natural step. “We firmly believe that there is no contradiction between a high-end luxury experience and sustainability,” says Wiese. “The two actually go pretty well together!”
To learn more about Mercedes-Benz’s sustainability efforts and the comprehensive Mercedes-EQ specialty brand, click here.
