Mercedes -- like a lot of other folks -- believes oil is going to run out eventually. But instead of waiting until the "Low on Oil" light comes on, the brand behind the three-pointed-star has set a goal to convert its entire fleet to run on alternative fuels by 2015. That's seven years to get off the drink we've all been addicted to for well over a century.
In the pipeline first are fuel-efficient technologies such as Stop/Start on the marque's next A- and B-Class models sold in Europe. Then come the BlueEfficiency vehicles with Mercedes' supremely parsimonious diesel engines, and eventually the Diesotto first shown in the F700.
And then come the real showstoppers: ethanol, electric, and fuel cell vehicles. There are electric smarts running trials in London right now, and the F600 Hygenius is expected to eventually spawn some sort of production variant. On the face of it, seven years to go diesel- and gas-optional for an entire fleet is somewhat hard to fathom -- but the prediction is coming from a company not previously known for wild daring. Even if they just get close to success, in only seven years, they might prove a nearby rival wrong about what's doable under the new CAFE laws
Vehicle: White 1982 Euro 500 SEC (67,000), Black 1982 Euro 500 SEC, 1985 300D Turbo Diesel (329,000 miles!)
Location: Missouri
Posts: 199
If any automaker can meet such a goal, it's Mercedes.
I especially like their view on multiple drivetrain options. Different driving environments require different powertrains for optimal efficiency. No longer will the only engine options be displacement in liters of gasoline engines.
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The finest example of automobile engineering in the world
Floats like a CADI
Stings like a BMR
Stingy as a Prius
and.... all Mercedes Benz.
sounds like a great plan, hope they can pull it off quick enough!
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1995 C220 (W202)
Brilliant silver metallic
Pioneer DEH-P5900IP Headunit
Pioneer CD-BTB200 BLUETOOTH Handsfree kit and Audio.
Clarion components throughout
Jl audio 6" subwoofers in package tray
Total 500.1 subwoofer amplifier
17" MB wheels - 2002 E class
Clear corner markers
35% Tint all around
Mercedes could do this right now. All they have to do is go diesel-only which is easy since they already make excellent diesels. Diesels can run biodiesel. Done! (Of course, if they went all-diesel most buyers would still be burning fossil fuels, but in theory every car could be 100% non-fossil.)
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"Mercedes: Expensive and Built to Stay That Way"
MB might switch but fossil fuels will be around for a while - too many existing vehicles on the road which will still be on the road in 2015. Might be a variation of what we're seeing today - perhaps natural gas - a ton of that around and conversions are not that difficult.
In my years of being automotive enthusiast I outlived at least 5 different fueling ideas.
We still drive on gasoline and diesel.
They sure runs better. My 2-tons E320cdi burns much less than 1300lb Fiat 126 about 30 years ago.
WOW !!! 
Retrofit Powerplants??? 
Linear Mode
