Daimler says fuel-saving tech won't hit profits

Typography
GENEVA (Reuters) - Fuel-saving technology that Daimler AG is offering on its new vehicles will not erode the carmaker's profitability, research chief Thomas Weber told Reuters at the Geneva motor show. "We have to make sure that we keep an eye on the profit situation," he said in an interview.

By Hendrik Sackmann

GENEVA (Reuters) - Fuel-saving technology that Daimler AG is offering on its new vehicles will not erode the carmaker's profitability, research chief Thomas Weber told Reuters at the Geneva motor show.

"We have to make sure that we keep an eye on the profit situation," he said in an interview.

"What we are offering at Mercedes-Benz covers the costs," he added, although it did not make any money on the technology either.

!ADVERTISEMENT!

"Our strategic goal is not to make a lot of money with this, but also not to lose a lot of money with this."

Daimler plans to equip 20 models -- ranging from the A-Class compact to the S-Class executive car -- with technology this year that can cut fuel consumption by up to 12 percent.

The steps include better aerodynamics, light-weight materials, tires that generate less friction, efficient generators, gear-shift indicators for drivers, direct fuel injection and a device that turns off the motor when the car is at rest.

Together the technology can add hundreds of euros to the cost of a car.