Mercedes-Benz expects diesel engines to remain part of its powertrain line-up, particularly for customers who cover long distances, according to chairman Ola Kallenius.

He said the company would continue investing in combustion engines alongside the expansion of its electric vehicle portfolio. "Diesel is still alive," Kallenius told the sister publication Autocar Professional when asked about the technology's future.

"For those that need a high-tech, electrified, combustion choice, don't worry about it. We got you covered for as long as there's meaningful demand," he said.

The chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG was speaking ahead of the GLC EV launch in Pune. His visit to India coincided with a board visit marking 30 years of the company's research and development operations in the country.

Diesel remains part of Mercedes-Benz's India business

Kallenius identified Europe as the world's largest diesel market and referred to Mercedes-Benz's investment in a new generation of electrified internal combustion powertrains.

"We have launched a completely new generation of electrified, high-tech ICE," he said, adding that the engines were "prepared for the EU7 emission standard".

He said diesel would continue to be relevant for customers with high annual vehicle usage. However, he did not specify a timeline for discontinuing the technology or announce a separate engine development programme for India.

Diesel models continue to contribute to Mercedes-Benz's sales in India, particularly in the SUV segment. As previously reported by Autocar Professional, the company will expand its electric vehicle portfolio while continuing to offer petrol and diesel models, which will remain part of its sales mix.

Mercedes-Benz is undertaking a programme involving 40 models over three years, covering electric and combustion-engine vehicles. Kallenius said the company intended to transition to zero-emission mobility, although the pace of this transition would vary across the approximately 150 markets in which it operates.

"From our point of view, there's no question that the destination is zero emission. But it's not a straight line," he said. He added that the pace of electrification would also differ within individual countries. "Not every single part of India is going to have the same speed in terms of electrification," he said.

Role of Indian engineers in R&D

The development of combustion powertrains also includes work on their operation during everyday driving.

During his visit to Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), Kallenius met a team working on the engine's automatic stop-start function. The project focused on modifying engine shutdowns and restarts at traffic lights to reduce the impact on occupants.

Indian engineering teams are involved in the development of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for global markets. Kallenius said MBRDI's work covers powertrain development, mechanical engineering, electrical systems and software, with its teams integrated into the company's global vehicle development organisation.

"It may sound like a simple exercise, but there's a difference between the Mercedes way, where it just feels right, and what maybe other people do," he said.