Did you know Mercedes-Benz and Tesla worked together closely back in 2009? In fact, the German automaker saved Tesla from bankruptcy by acquiring almost 10-percent stake in the company. Since then, both companies have grown apart and taken their own paths, but Mercedes-Benz is still open to working with Tesla in the future.
These Two Go A Long Way Back
According to a Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, Daimler’s CEO, Dieter Zetsche, did not rule out a future partnership with Tesla.
However, Daimler sold its stake in 2014 for a healthy gain of nearly $800 million. Zetsche said, "However, when Tesla shares went up sharply, we came to the conclusion that since we are not specialists in stock market games, only from building cars, it is better to withdraw. We got rid of the action, and I did not regret it for a moment." In 2016, Mercedes-Benz completely stopped working with Tesla. Just two years after the break-up, Tesla outsold Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. for the first time in the third quarter of 2018.
Friends With Benefits
Both were benefited from this, as Tesla got the financial backup, whereas Mercedes-Benz was able to venture into a field where it had limited technical know-how. At that time, the investment enabled both the automakers to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems, and in individual vehicle projects. This included the first generation of Mercedes-Benz's B-Class electric car.
Final Thoughts
Mercedes-Benz extending the olive branch is a clear indication that the automaker needs help. Recently, it announced that its ‘Smart’ sub-brand will be dissolved. Before this, the Germans even axed its U.S. energy subsidiary that built batteries for residential homes - another market that put Mecedes against Tesla.
Further reading
Read our full review on the 2018 Tesla Model 3.
Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Read our full review on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive.