Markus Schaefer, the head of research and development for the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler, say his company currently has no plans to develop next-generation internal combustion engines Instead, it is shifting its focus to the development of electric powertrains and batteries.
However, he did indicate his company could still develop parts to improve the performance of existing engines. The company has just finished a number of new engines that will be used in its E and S class vehicles as well as its SUV models.
It is likely those latest engines will remain in production for 10 years or more.
BMW is still firmly committed to the infernal combustion engine, however. Klaus Froehlich, head of research and development for the company, says it doesn’t plan to phase out diesel engines for another 20 years and will keep cranking out gasoline engines for the next 30 years.
Mercedes seems to be out ahead of its German rival and appears to have got its sums right when it comes to planning for the future.
But who will win? Only time will tell…
Reference- Auto Motor und Sport, Interesting Engineering, Clean Technica, Automotive News Europe