Just as smartphones ended up gaining far more followers than push-button phones, Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) are replacing cars with V8 engines , are winning the hearts of customers, according to the new head of Mercedes-Benz Australia.
New Mercedes-Benz Australia boss Jaime Cohen is overseeing the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 63, which replaces the first-generation 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine. The GLC is AMG's second flagship to switch from a V8 to a four-cylinder PHEV.
The new model, despite better performance and fuel economy, was accused of "losing character" because of the absence of a V8. Poorer sales of the new products were immediately reported.
But Cohen is confident that eventually customers will get used to the change. “I don't think there is a problem, it is a transition, and transition always takes time and always requires some conviction and experience.
It's about productivity. It would be a problem if we couldn't deliver the same power with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, but when you drive it you see the performance is there “, he says.
The head of Mercedes-Benz Australia likened the change to the introduction of automatic transmissions or touchscreen phones instead of push-button ones. “I still love manual transmissions, if you ask me I would buy one.
But the market has evolved and changed. During our transition, not everyone was confident in our automatic transmissions. But after all, now almost every Mercedes is automatic.
I miss a phone with buttons. How can it be sold without a keyboard?… This progress took some time and ultimately it was successful because it is a good product and that is what convinces people “, concludes Cohen.