Mercedes launches mass production of electric motor for high-performance AMG brand 

BERLIN, June 9 (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz on Tuesday launched series production of a new light-weight electric motor for the next generation of its luxury AMG vehicles, taking a step closer towards resolving the challenge of electrifying high-performance cars.

Production of the technology, known as an axial flux motor, will take place at Mercedes' oldest plant in Berlin-Marienfelde, now serving as the competence centre for high-performance electric motors, the company said in a statement. The axial flux electric motor is to debut in the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupe.

"With the launch of mass production of the axial flux motor in Berlin-Marienfelde, we are turning a groundbreaking innovation for electric mobility into industrial reality," Mercedes production chief Michael Schiebe said.

Axial flux electric motors are flat, round devices - dubbed "pancakes" - that are lighter and more efficient than conventional cylindrical "radial flux" motors, or "sausages."

Batteries are heavy and electric motors can overheat if driven too hard, posing problems for carmakers seeking to electrify their highest-performance vehicles.

Mercedes brought in outside help in 2021 when it acquired Oxford-based electric motor company YASA.

(Reporting by Rachel More, Editing by Friederike Heine)