Daimler AG and Geely Holding, the parent companies of Mercedes-Benz and Geely Auto respectively, have confirmed their plans to collaborate on developing “highly efficient powertrain systems for next-generation hybrid vehicle applications.” Simply put, the two giants are forming a hybrid engine R&D partnership that will benefit both parties.
Already reported as early as January this year, the cooperation is set to enhance both automakers’ global competitiveness while creating true economies of scale, according to Daimler. Both groups will use their global R&D networks to work together on next-gen petrol hybrid engines, which will be produced in both Europe and China. The export of the motors from China for use in other markets is also an option.
Daimler goes on to detail that the new engines will be used on future Mercedes-Benz models, as well as the wider Geely portfolio of brands, including Volvo. The specific mention of “wider Geely portfolio of brands,” of course, could mean that the new Mercedes-Geely engines may one day be installed in future Proton models.
It’s worth mentioning that the Geely-based Proton models, the X50 and X70, do feature the Chinese company’s latest powertrain systems. So when the next-gen engines are introduced in Geely’s China models, it’s entirely possible that similarly-powered Proton versions for the Malaysian market will follow suit.
For Volvo, it will mean that the premium carmaker will be sharing the same engines with Mercedes-Benz, its direct competitor. This, however, wouldn’t be a first for Volvo, having used Ford’s 1.6 and 2.0 litre EcoBoost engines in its line-up for the better half of this decade, sharing powertrains with fellow premium brands Jaguar and Land Rover. Both Volvo and JLR have since introduced their own engine line-ups (Drive-E and Ingenium, respectively).
“We have witnessed strong momentum in the development of the Chinese automotive industry over the past years, and we believe China will continue to offer great potential in terms of innovation, efficiency and economies of scale,” said Hubertus Troska, member of the board of management of Daimler AG. As China is now the world’s largest car market, that’s a pretty safe bet for Daimler.
Meanwhile, An Conghui, president of Geely Holding stated that “this project reflects the need for economies of scale and targeted R&D investment in clean and highly efficient powertrains and hybrid drive systems. Together with our partner, we will jointly develop the next generation of advanced technologies in order to remain at the top in the industry in times of wide-ranging change.”
Though not confirmed, it is reported that the new engine line-up will eventually replace Mercedes’ current Renault-sourced 1.33 litre turbo four motor, badged as the M282 and which is fitted here in Malaysia on the W177 A 200 hatch, V177 sedan and X247 GLB 200 models. It remains to be seen if Geely/Volvo can manage to convince Mercedes-Benz to finally adopt three-cylinder engines for its lower-end models, something the German brand has vehemently avoided so far.
It’s also possible that the Mercedes-Geely engine line-up will include larger 2.0 litre four-cylinder versions, potentially with a 500 cc-a cylinder modular design (1.5 litre three-pot and 2.0 litre four pot) that has already been put to good use by both Volvo and BMW. Mercedes too has been using a similar strategy further up the range, with its latest 3.0 litre inline-six engines being heavily related to its 2.0 litre inline-four units.
For the record, Daimler AG and Geely working together isn’t a brand new thing. They already have a working joint venture to develop the smart brand globally, and both are also collaborating on a premium ride-hailing service in China. Geely’s owner, Li Shufu, also holds a near 10% stake in Daimler, reportedly worth 7.3 billion euros (RM35.4 billion) in early 2018.
So, what do you think of this development, especially with our own Proton possibly benefiting from this in the long run? Do discuss in the comments section below.
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X50, 1.5 MHEV PHEV already have at China
1.5TGDI MHEV is making 190hp, 300Nm
1.5TGDI PHEV is making 257hp, 425Nm
Why we get the lowest output 1.5tmpi to 150hp? And the kosong 1.5TGDI 177hp?
Tested 1.5tgdi, no faster than 10s just like any other B segment despite they have less output…
Wishing to see 1.5TGDI MHEV…
I am expecting more man.
Wishing to see Geely HaoYue, Xingyue, Borui, Jiaji here
Ahh, I hear X70 facelift is coming..
now local pipu can taste Mercedes Daimler AG tech n engineering prowess. after experienced the sweet finesse of Volvo engine in x50 n X70… is time to facelift our Proton front grille soon, Ayoh local engineers ugaiz can do it!
Great combination for the BEST of both world!!!
If you can’t beat them.. then join them!
Makan sama2… Yaba Daba Doo!! hidup Chinas
Sweden, German, Proton
Under China now
Tq China
Is better Malaysia,
Under China too
Trims kasih China
Proton can get engines at the lower rung, why not. The 1.5 3-cyl was developed with PHEV and MHEV in mind by Volvo (and Geely). Can easily be upsized to 2.0 4-cyl. With all modular applications, enough for Proton with these 2 engines
Proton can do all we want with the engine, 1.5 3-cyl was developed with PHEV and MHEV… upsized to 2.0 4-cyl all modular applications whatsoever. But local carbuyers still sez kenot..
Can afford to buy the expensive European spare parts later?
Eh, P2 like Axia use engine develop with Lexus tor so long already la..
We will hear more and more this kind of arguments in this section.
Partially yes, aluminium dual-vvti, 0w-20 spec EEV engine
Timing chain for the win
Oh don’t worry. Jap fanbois oredy been saying that for years despite the only Jap technology they have is defective and problematic fuel pumps.
Proton made the right choice. If they had went with Peugeot, they only have access to unreliable French engines or gas-guzzling Murican engines via FCA merger. No use for us here.
Should also increased the low salary pay of govt servants…so they can afford to buy all these game-changing Proton models. Govt servants deserved to made the right choice too.
It’s gonna take a while though. A good few years…and then there’s the transmission problem. A good engine with a sloppy gearbox is as good as being a good for nothing engine.
Yea as good as usain bolt running barefeet
That ZF 8HP gearbox from BMW… plus Benz engine and Volvo scandinavian design. Only the best of motoring in Proton car soon….Caucasians full konfiden in Msia auto industri and award-winning Infinite weave grille..
Should just focus on fully electric engines and propulsion rather than hybrids.
Most European countries are banning sales of new vehicles with any form of internal combustion engines by 2030 anyway.
after proton launch a new phev all the potong sales man will tell their car is mercedes
But how does kereta potong sales man have anything to do with proton launching a new phev?
Biggest loser would be Mercedes brand name and technology being tainted with China notoriously lousy quality.
Mercedes didn’t see their brand getting diluted by selling their cars in China, in fact that market was so hot that Mercedes bowed to their demands for extra long wheelbase only for Chinese market. Perhaps everyone else realised something you didn’t.