By Steven Symes 
A new report out of a German auto publication sheds light on the fact almost nobody is buying the new electric Mercedes G-Wagon. We’re not surprised, but boy a lot of automotive journalists are. After all, they’re big fans of electrification and they can’t comprehend that a lot of people aren’t.
Cargo ship loaded with EVs and other cars burns out of control in the Pacific Ocean.
That report from Handelsblatt includes quotes from dealers saying the Mercedes G580 is a flop. After all, it’s hardly selling compared to the gas-guzzling versions of the G-Wagon. But we’ve seen some EV-leaning car sites spin this news so it’s not so damning and we’re also not shocked about that.
Almost the entirety of the automotive industry tried beating consumers into submission, using all of its tools to get consumers on the EV bandwagon. Yet that effort ultimately has failed as all-electric cars make up just a small sliver of overall sales.
In fact, as the industry pushes harder to get people to adopt electric powertrains, many consumers are strengthening their resolve to never try out the technology.
Why? There are several reasons, but one is that people are tired of being manipulated and forced into things instead of being given a choice. After all, nobody forced consumers a hundred years ago to ditch their horse or motorcycle and buy a Model T. Yet many did so gleefully.
Why? Because the technology was compelling. Nobody had to be made to buy cars back in the day. There were no government mandates or even tax incentives. People bought automobiles because they became practical and affordable enough to be compelling.
The automobile industry has failed to make its case with EVs. I’m not saying it never will, but far too many in the industry have taken on an authoritative attitude. After all, they firmly believe they’re saving the world by strongarming consumers into battery-electrics.
And that right there is the problem.
If you don’t understand why that’s an issue, it’s time to learn some humility and go ask people you know aren’t onboard with the EV push why. Then listen. Don’t argue, don’t rationalize, don’t roll your eyes.
Then ask more people why.
Consumers are speaking loud and clear, but will automakers not listen and continue to faceplant? And will automotive journalists who are scared they won’t get their paid vacations for product reveals and test drives, not to mention press pool cars from automakers, avoid telling the uncomfortable truth? Or are they also thoroughly convinced they’re saving the planet as part of some Superman complex?
This is how groupthink works. Punishing anyone for cutting against an industry-wide push so there’s virtually no dissent is how an entire industry can be plunged into disarray, flirting with utter ruination.
Images via Mercedes-Benz