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Mercedes-Benz waits for hybrid market to develop
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Uber employees test a self-driving Ford Fusion hybrid car on Aug. 18 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US. (AP/Jared Wickerham)
M
ercedes-Benz Indonesia does not have any immediate plans to enter the hybrid car market because of infrastructure challenges and price competitiveness.
Hybrid cars, which utilize a combination of an electric motor and regular fuel combustion, are regarded by many countries as the environmentally friendly future of vehicles.
“In terms of price it [hybrid cars] are not competitive because hybrid cars are more expensive than conventional cars,” Kariyanto Hardjosoemarto, deputy director of sales operations and product management of MBI said on Wednesday.
He also said the company does not want to pursue a “trial and error” strategy because before it decides to take on the hybrid technology, it has to ensure the readiness of its technicians, dealers and spare parts supply.
“We are ready any time in terms of technology […]. In Indonesia, we will be ready whenever there are clear incentives from the government,” he said.
Mercedes-Benz competitor BMW had previously entered the hybrid market through the release of its hybrid model i8, which costs Rp 3.5 billion (US$259,163), available for indent purchase since August this year. (win/dmr)
