In an effort to meet forthcoming legislation in both the U.S. and Europe that will require automakers to reduce their vehicles' emissions and improve fuel efficiency, Mercedes has anounced they will be introducing turbocharged engines across their entire fleet by 2010.  According to Thomas Weber, head of technology and research as well as development for the Mercedes Car Group:  "All our vehicles will have turbocharged engines in series production by the end of 2010 at the latest."

The move is the first step by Daimler to improve efficiency across its entire fleet, as turbochargers will allow the company to utilize smaller, lighter engines without a loss in performance.  Weber went on to emphasize, however, the importance of modular technogies heading into the future, noting that the hybrid models (such as the hybrid S-Class set to debut next year) and fuel-cell and/or electric-powered vehicles (such as the electric smart fortwo set to debut in 2010) are the next steps in helping the company achieve its long-term goal of emission-free driving.

For more info on Mercedes-Benz' application of turbochargers in the coming years, you can find more info at Automotive News [via Automobile].

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