The ultimate ideal of the automotive industry is, of course, profitability, otherwise everything is empty talk. When the electrification boom comes, the ideal of achieving carbon neutrality seems to be just around the corner. Many automakers see full carbon neutrality as a medium- to long-term goal, but the process of achieving it varies, and the reasons for this are quite subtle.
The bad emissions of traditional fuel vehicles are one of the key factors in the transformation of the industry, and although there is still debate about whether electric vehicles are the best solution to achieve zero emissions, there is still a consensus as a transitional commodity.
Many companies have announced that they will completely abandon internal combustion engine products, but is it really good to abandon products that are sure to make money to pursue an unknown future? From the perspective of reducing or offsetting carbon emissions, this is wise and necessary, but it requires a certain amount of wisdom. Let's take a look at the visions of some mainstream companies:
tesla
Since 2008, it has become a manufacturer of pure electric vehicles, and its commercialization has been quite successful, becoming a bellwether for the electric vehicle market. Tesla has set a new benchmark for the industry, somewhat subverting the perception of the traditional auto industry.
Polestar PoleStar
After the Polestar 1 PHEV in 2021, Polestar is ready to completely produce electric vehicles. For this brand new high-performance electric vehicle brand, how to gain real consumer recognition in the market is crucial.
Jaguar
Jaguar plans to become a pure electric brand by 2025. Jaguar's history is known for its elegant design and strong sporty style, and its local manufacturing in China has nurtured a group of basic customers for it. Undoubtedly, achieving pure electrification is another milestone for Jaguar, but also a huge business challenge.
Alfa Romeo
The brand aims to sell only electric vehicles in China, Europe and the United States. Since the domestic Alpha Romeo brand is still shallow, electrification may bring new opportunities.
Fiat
Fiat plans to strictly produce and sell electric vehicles from 2030. In fact, Fiat's small and compact cars are very suitable for electrification and are easier to accept for the target group.
Mercedes-Benz
For Mercedes-Benz, the trade-off between best-selling fuel vehicles and electric vehicles is quite important, so Mercedes-Benz's commitment to sell only electric vehicles "when market conditions permit" is intriguing.
Bentley
Bentley is preparing to strictly produce and sell electric vehicles by 2030. The electrification process for ultra-luxury brands is very interesting, and it is relatively possible that Bentley customers are more concerned about design style and luxury, and the powertrain is less important.
Volvo
Although Volvo claims to strictly produce and sell electric vehicles, the current product line is crucial to its profitability, and the risk of a complete transformation is not small.
MINI
MINI has pledged to start selling only electric vehicles in 2030. When BMW and Great Wall's joint venture beam car in China begins production, domestic consumers will have a deeper understanding of electric MINI.
Audi
Audi says it will sell only electric vehicles in most markets except China. This is the typical two-handed grip, hard rhythm with both hands. Given Audi's history in China, everything is self-explanatory.
Honda
The Japanese approach is equally amusing, with Honda planning to sell electric vehicles only in North America by 2040, demonstrating their determination to squeeze out every drop of profit from conventional fuel vehicles.
By 2050, companies including Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen Group have all declared carbon neutrality. Until this clear goal is achieved, each business will turn around according to its own situation, and in the end, it may only be the market that will prove that their strategy is wise.