The tri-pointed star manufacturer has come out with a statement that it plans to design a one-size-fits all unitized architecture for its future cars, as well as drop manual transmissions completely from the lineup.
The company has some relevant experience in the latter aspect: the last stick-shift Mercedes – the SLK Roadster shown in the video here – left the assembly lines in the United States back in 2015.
According to Markus Schaefer, Head of Research, the company will be working on a flexible modular platform that would enable it to produce cars of various sizes and layouts more efficiently, cutting R&D costs and other expenses. The profits thus gained will be largely redirected towards electric car R&D.