“We are convinced that personal mobility will remain a fundamental need.”

We talked to Marcel Minter (Head of Business & Product Strategy Mercedes-Benz Vans) about his opinion regarding the mobility of the future and especially about the technology demonstrator the Mercedes-Benz SUSTAINEER.

Marcel is responsible for product and business strategy at Mercedes-Benz Vans and for the division’s sustainability activities.

After studying at the Berlin School of Economics & Law and various positions within Mercedes-Benz Vans Operation, he was responsible for several years as Project Lead Quality for the international vehicle projects Large- and Midsize Vans before assuming the function of Executive Assistant Head of Mercedes Benz Vans. Most recently, he headed the business, cooperation and digitalization strategy at Mercedes-Benz Vans.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word ‚mobility’? 

MM: The invention of the automobile in 1886. For more than 130 years we have built products for the world’s most demanding customers — to exacting quality standards and based on outstanding engineering.

What will happen, if we don´t shift our mobility behaviour?

MM: The world is changing rapidly. Sustainability, and protecting the environment and climate, are some of the most urgent challenges we face. We are taking on these challenges. With our actions, we want to set standards for sustainable mobility in the future. We as Mercedes-Benz are fully committed to CO2-neutrality with our Ambition 2039. 

What do we have to radically invent, improve or change to realize the turnaround in transport policy?

MM: We are convinced that personal mobility will remain a fundamental need. The transportation of people and goods will also remain a cornerstone of our economy. We expect this demand to continue growing around the world. Therefore, we are constantly working on new innovations in the fields of services, fleet management and digital, networked mobility solutions. One example is our technology demonstrator, the Mercedes-Benz SUSTAINEER.

Why is your topic fundamentally important to shape the future of mobility?

MM: Last-mile vans that are climate neutral, produce their own green electricity and can actively improve the air quality in cities: with its technology demonstrator, the Sustaineer (SustainABILITY PIONeer), we are providing a tangible impression of just how sustainability in urban delivery operations may look in the future. The fully electric van based on the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter combines a variety of innovative solutions designed to improve the quality of life in cities, to conserve resources and protect the climate, and to better the health and safety of the driver and other road users.

Which technology will play a big role – if not the biggest role – in shaping the future of mobility?

MM: I think it will be e-mobility. We as Mercedes-Benz Vans are shifting from electric-first to electric-only and want to go all electric by the end of the decade, where market conditions allow. By 2022, Mercedes-Benz will have battery electric vehicles (BEV) in all segments the company serves. From 2025 onwards, all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only and customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes. With our new platform VAN.EA we usher in a new era for purpose made electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles, which will contribute to emission free transportation and cities in the future.

What do you think you will say in 10 years: What will be the most important thing associated with ‘mobility’ that comes to your mind?

MM: With our actions, we want to set standards for sustainable mobility in the future. Mercedes-Benz is convinced of the ecological and economic advantages of battery-electric vans and is preparing to go fully electric before the end of the decade – wherever market conditions allow. In 10 years, I would like to say: “We made it.”

SHIFT Mobility 
https://shift-mobility-ifa.com