{
  "id": 19244967,
  "title": "Benz plans 40 launches amid Asean EV boom",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/benz-plans-40-launches-amid-asean-ev-boom",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-09T22:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Bangkok Post Business",
    "slug": "bangkok-post-business",
    "url": "https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/motoring/3351949/benz-plans-40-launches-amid-asean-ev-boom"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mercedes-Benz Group AG intends to introduce 40 new vehicle models globally within the next two years (2027-28), according to Mathias Geisen, a board member at the company. This expansion is fueled by the thriving electric vehicle (EV) markets, particularly in Southeast Asia.\n\nThe German luxury automaker will launch a blend of internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs, catering to diverse consumer preferences worldwide. These new models will initially be unveiled in Europe before being distributed to other regions.\n\nWith a focus on key Asian markets, Mercedes-Benz is strategically targeting China and Southeast Asia, noting the strong demand in these areas. The European market has shown resilience, experiencing a 35% growth recently, while Germany has witnessed a 10% increase.\n\nSoutheast Asia, especially Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, has demonstrated impressive growth potential. Mr. Geisen expressed Mercedes-Benz's intention to further invest in Thailand to bolster its rapidly expanding EV market. However, the exact investment amount is undisclosed.\n\nThe company is committed to adhering to Thailand's local content requirements for battery EV production, which necessitates at least 40% of the components used in vehicle assembly to be sourced locally. Mercedes-Benz recently showcased its newest luxury vehicles, the S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, both of which are manufactured locally in Thailand.\n\nChristian Schell, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), emphasized the company's ambition to establish Thailand as a significant EV production center in Southeast Asia. The company anticipates that a third of its battery EV production in the region will originate from its Thai manufacturing facility.\n\nMercedes-Benz operates vehicle assembly plants in Thailand and Malaysia, with similar models produced at both facilities, primarily serving their respective domestic markets. Martin Schulz, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and head of region for Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast Asia, confirmed the two plants focus on catering to their local markets.",
  "summary": "Mercedes-Benz Group AG plans to launch 40 new vehicle models globally over the next two years (2027-28), driven by robust growth in electric vehicle (EV) markets, particularly in Southeast Asia.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}