Mercedes-Benz to roll out 14 new models in 2019
Mercedes-Benz Korea (MBK) will roll out 14 new models this year, including the EQC, the brand’s first fully electric vehicle (EV), and up to four plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Korean unit of the German carmaker said Thursday.
“To make sure Mercedes-Benz stays in the lead, we want to innovate our product portfolio,” MBK CEO Dimitris Psillakis said during a press conference at the Shilla Hotel in central Seoul. “With the new models, 2019 will be a year for MBK to lay the foundation for future mobility.”
The EQC SUV was unveiled last September as the first full EV of Mer- cedes-Benz. Its motor yields 408 horsepower and allows to accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.1 seconds, with its battery covering 450 kilometers of maximum travel distance.
Along with the EV and four PHEVs, MBK will introduce nine new models and six facelifts this year, including the new A-Class sedan, the new GLE SUV and the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupe. As well as fulfilling the portfolio, Psillakis said MBK will continue efforts to improve customer satisfaction, through expanding its service networks and introducing multiple customer convenience programs this year.
Currently, MBK is operating 54 showrooms and 64 service centers across Korea. Psillakis said the number will grow to 60 showrooms and 70 service centers this year, as well as introducing “Mercedes-Benz Express Service,” which will complete repairs in just 30 minutes, cutting the cur- rent repair time in half.
For parts supply, it will complete its 35 billion won project of expanding its parts distribution center.
Also, it will launch an EV charging membership program, titled “Mercedes me Charge,” which provides EQC owners access to Mercedes-Benz showrooms and public charging stations.
Through the programs and service expansion, the company pledged to create 600 additional jobs at MBK by the end of this year.
Psillakis did not put numbers to his expectation on MBK’s sales volume for this year, citing economic uncertainties, but said he is optimistic because of the “continuation in product introduction.”