German automaker Daimler is planning to expand its partnership with American electric car maker Tesla Motors.
Daimler holds a 4.3% stake in Tesla, which currently supplies electric motors and batteries to Daimler for its vehicles. Daimler is providing these parts for the production of Smart Fortwo EV and new Mercedes-Benz B-Class EV. It will introduce the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class EV in the US and Europe in 2014.
The German carmaker plans to expand its recently launched CLA compact sedan with a second model, GLA compact crossover, in early 2014. It is also planning to introduce next generation of small vehicles by 2018.
Daimler chief financial officer Bodo Uebber said that Daimler is discussing different strategies for building the next-generation compacts in Mexico with partner Renault-Nissan, but no decision has been made.
"The CLA, the GLA and at least one more derivative in 2015 from the company's MFA modular platform were crucial to Daimler's growth, especially in the US and China," Uebber added.
"We are a late comer" to the small premium segment, but we need compact cars to get a broader, younger customer base."
