Mercedes-Benz slipped to third place within the U.S. luxurious gross sales race final 12 months as rivals Lexus and BMW outsold it amid the pandemic.

In 2021, the model will once more face competitors from conventional rivals whereas additionally contending with Tesla Inc.

As a result of Tesla solely releases international deliveries and doesn’t present mannequin gross sales by nation, it is unclear the place it stands within the U.S. luxurious race. However Jeff Swickard, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Seller Board and CEO of Swickard Auto Group, is aware of Tesla continues to realize in reputation as electrical automobiles acquire extra traction. His group has 19 shops in Alaska, California, Georgia, Oregon and Washington, and 4 of them are Mercedes dealerships.

“We won’t ignore the truth that Tesla’s made vital strides within the U.S. and globally promoting electrical vehicles and that urge for food exists,” he informed Automotive Information. “Tesla is a risk, and I believe it is a viable competitor.”

Mercedes doesn’t plan to let Tesla gobble up share. By 2030, it expects plug-in hybrids and absolutely electrical fashions will account for greater than half of its international gross sales. Within the U.S., Mercedes has launched an EQ subbrand, with the primary mannequin, the EQS sedan, anticipated this 12 months.

It additionally plans to get into the business van area, with the eSprinter van coming as early as mid-2023.

Swickard mentioned Mercedes is in place to compete with Tesla because it brings out its personal EV fashions due to its years of expertise and manufacturing know-how.

“When you take a look at the match and end of a Mercedes-Benz and evaluate that to a Tesla, I believe you will understand the generations of engineering and all the pieces that goes right into a Mercedes-Benz is so superior,” he mentioned.