According to a report by Chinese media outlet 36Kr, Mercedes-Benz is currently developing a new electric vehicle (EV) platform using Geely’s GEEA 4.0 E/E (electrical/electronic) architecture.
This marks the first time in the luxury brand’s history that development of a new vehicle platform takes place outside of Germany. It is understood that Mercedes-Benz’s R&D centre in China will serve as the global headquarters for compact vehicle development, with the German base focusing on mid-size and large vehicles.
Industry sources revealed to the publication that the upcoming platform is codenamed ‘Phoenix’ and will be used for entry-level EVs sold globally. Set to enter production around 2030, the Phoenix platform will replace the current MMA to produce future compact models like the A-Class, B-Class, GLA, GLB and CLA.
The E/E architecture is the foundation for a car’s advanced driving assistance systems and intelligent cockpits. Geely’s GEEA 4.0 is designed for both EVs and non-EV applications, serving as the successor to GEEA 3.0 that made its debut in the Galaxy E5 – the twin to our Proton eMas 7.
The report goes on to mention that Mercedes-Benz is focused on reducing costs, hence the strategic decision to deepen the partnership with Geely. Companies like Volkswagen and Stellantis have already announced closer cooperation with Chinese brands.
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soon mercedes should learn from proton on how to rebadge geely. the vaunted german designers will get to design the badge and grill.
Mercedes-Benz cars so expensive but no money and talents to invest in R&D, prefer to use and steal CHINA technology.
merc should put aside their marwah (pride) and can sell 49% shares to geely and appoint dr li chun rong to be their CEO.