Last month, Mercedes announced that it will continue to develop ICE and hybrid cars in the future, and it seems that Škoda will follow the same path. At least as long as there are buyers who choose this type of vehicle.
The growth of demand for electric cars in the world is on the rise, however, most European car manufacturers are struggling with competition, which, supported by government subsidies and lower labor costs, offers cars at lower prices. This forces most of the world’s manufacturers to continue offering cars with ICEs.
“We will offer our customers everything they are looking for, from diesel and petrol engines, through mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids, all the way to electric vehicles. From our point of view, this is not about competing for the latest internal combustion engine, but about putting the desire of our customers in the center of attention. Our position, but our attitude is as reasonable as the one Škoda has accustomed us to,” said Chairman of the Board of Management of Škoda Klaus Zellmer to the Spanish motor.es.
Although EU regulations are forcing manufacturers to switch to fully electric cars, it is the customers who set the speed. A large number of them still do not trust electric cars and choose ICEs or hybrids. In addition, under the pressure of the current situation with Chinese cars that are rapidly conquering the European market, Renault Group head Luca de Meo suggests that European manufacturers join forces to protect the European market.
Last month, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.
“Speed is important against the Chinese. We are in an uncertain world. In the past, when we had cars with internal combustion engines, we could predict what was coming. Now, if you take four or five years to react, it is too late,” said de Meo.
Source: motor.es, Automotive News Europe, Škoda