Following the local launch of the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) CEO and President, Sagree Sardien revealed that the German marque is looking to launch up to 20 new models (including variants) in the country in 2023.

At a press conference with selected media, Sagree said that the upcoming models and variants will comprise MBM’s brand portfolio which will include Mercedes-AMG and electric (EQ) models.

“One of the things we have at the forefront is we have a plethora of models that will be launched during the course of this year,” she told the media. “You can expect up to 20 launches this year across our various brands, whether you look at electric, AMG, or Mercedes luxury segment.”

The Malaysian division of the three-pointed star is also ramping up its electrification efforts as Mercedes-Benz aims to go fully electric by the end of the decade. Sagree said that MBM is continuing with its effort in setting up more charging stations across its showrooms and dealers as well as a training apprenticeship to handle high voltage batteries and equipment.

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“We are still on target in our plan to follow (Mercedes-Benz’s) global direction which is transitioning our portfolio to all-electric by the end of the decade. And of course, by 2025 we still follow the pathway to have at least 50% of our electric vehicles in our portfolio,” she said.

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Sagree continued, “Our plan, of course, is to continue with our electrification readiness. That means we continue honouring the obligations that we have made on our charging infrastructure. We continue with the training efforts of our apprenticeship program that we’ve now brought in to handle the high voltage training.”

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While the introduction of new electric vehicles (EVs) is the main goal, MBM is not shifting its focus away from its core AMG models and other non-electrified models.

“We focus, at the end of the day, on our luxury top-end segment, especially in the additions and models that are coming in,” Sagree added. “That’s why I stressed the latter part of this year is also focused on AMG and luxury models.”