A long-term commitment to the hybrid drive system.

Hybrid technology basically means the use of at least two different drive systems within one vehicle: an internal combustion engine operating in conjunction with one or more electric motors.

As yet, hybrid vehicles have only managed to reduce fuel consumption in city traffic. As a result, the test vehicles and series-produced hybrid vehicles delivered to customers by Daimler AG have only been delivery and transport vehicles.

In order to more effectively use the advantages of innovative hybrid technology in passenger cars as well, Daimler AG has formed a strategic alliance with General Motors and BMW, pooling technological expertise to ultimately benefit the environmentally-conscious consumer. The centrepiece of the joint development efforts is to create a vehicle which can accelerate dynamically but also operate economically over long distances.