Has The Mercedes-Benz EQC Already STUMBLED Out Of The Gate? A FLOP? You Won't Believe The Sales Numbers...

For many industry pundits and Wall Street analysts, the thesis was that Tesla would run into trouble once mainstream automakers got up to speed. After seeing the Audi e-tron SUV and Mercedes-Benz EQC, we were less than impressed. Hell, even the Porsche Taycan's range has been an utter let down.

So far the only full electric vehicle that's turned our head has been the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which looks to be a viable competitor for the Tesla Model Y.

It seems we're not alone.

That's because while the Mercedes-Benz EQC has been released in the German market, no one seems to be buying them. We know this because a German-based publication, Welt, actually called up the government agency responsible for registrations since Mercedes-Benz was not being forthcoming with sales data.

Only 55 EQC vehicles were registered in 2019.

Perhaps it's a slow start? But then the writer at Welt piles on noting that there's been a heavy marketing push for the EQC. Yet, they're no where to be found.

So, uh, what do YOU make of this, Spies? Is the EQC already a FLOP?

 

...German publication Welt noted that the veteran car manufacturer is hesitant to reveal information about the EQC’s sales, but data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) revealed that there were only 19 units of the SUV that were sold in November 2019. Since the vehicle was released in the country, registrations for the vehicle have only numbered 55. It’s a painful pill to swallow, but it seems that Mercedes-Benz’s tagline for the EQC campaign, “Enjoy Electric,” is far from convincing local consumers.

Welt aptly puts it: “The car is not only widely advertised, but has also been delivered for a few months. And at the last major e-car premiere that Germany experienced this year, numerous Tesla Model 3s drove through the area after just a few weeks. So where are the electric models from Stuttgart?..."

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PUGPROUD - 1/4/2020 7:55:13 AM

+2 Boost

In addition with a growing but small market for EV's being first and new has a substantial advantage over late comers. Tesla has captured the early adopters and established its brand making it harder for those that follow unless they have a true point of difference...greater range, lower price, better quality, etc. It will be interesting over the next five years when the market is flooded with new models whether EV sales respond or manufacturers suffer deep cuts in profits.

dumpsty - 1/6/2020 11:30:04 AM

+1 Boost

A few historical caveats relating to EV demand:

"...in the US, drivers pulled into almost any general or hardware store, or even blacksmith shops in order to fill up their tanks - before "filling stations" existed. The increase in automobile ownership - that the middle class could afford - resulted in an increased demand for filling stations...."

1. before filling stations, drivers purchased fuel from existing retail shops. Typical fuel stations can service 6-15 vehicles at one time. Where the typical avg time to re-fuel is maybe 5-15 min.
2. demand for autos increased WHEN they became more obtainable by the middle class. When the allure of an EV - that can outrun a Porsche or Lambo - starts to fade we'll get smaller batteries with longer ranges for operation. Maybe we'll get EV's having reasonable performance comparable to the typical Accord or Camry. & reduced pricing that reflects that. This will take some time.

jeffgall - 1/4/2020 8:47:59 AM

+2 Boost

There are quite a few articles out there that explain why the mainstream OEMs are not getting thr range of Telsa. Simply put, Telsa engineering is cutting corners to squeeze out range, where as Merc and Audi have built robust systems in the cars, like cooling and heating systems, to ensure proper operability and reduce risks associated with fire, etc.. They are also not cutting corners in build quality. These things increase weight, but lead to a solid car purchasers of these brands expect. For some reason Tesla owners turn a blind eye to these things, but as more main stream buyers come into the fold, they will not give a pass on these things.

cidflekken - 1/6/2020 4:33:38 PM

+1 Boost

So, what is the size of the German market for EVs?

johanjfl - 1/8/2020 8:56:48 AM

+1 Boost

In spite of all the Tesla bashers on this site, it is clear that Tesla is a huge success internationally, especially in the USA and Europe. Well done Elon Musk, you cracked this.