Klaus Maier, Mercedes-Benz head of sales, reported today in Stuttgart that every fifth Mercedes should have a Hybrid powertrain by the year 2015. He added that if the government doesn’t change the legal conditions, 20% is realistic. Many have dreamed that Mercedes will eliminate the use of fossil fuel in all their vehicles by 2015, but that of course was only wishful thinking, as they’ll need more time to adapt new technologies and bring it to the masses with an entirely new infrastructure (e.g. fueling stations)

According to Auto-Motor-und-Sport, Mercedes has outlined a strategy to start releasing a Hybrid model each yeah, starting in 2009 to achieve their 20% goal. A Hybrid-diesel is also in the works and will be available within years.

According to Klaus Maier, the combustion engine will continue being the main propulsion element for another 20 to 30 years. While smaller vehicles will continue being equipped with electric and hybrid engine, larger vehicles will continue to use fossil fuels with a mix of alternative propulsion technologies.