Mercedes-Benz CEO: "I am not worried about Chinese cars entering Europe!"
On October 6, South Korean media Asia Economic published an article stating that Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive Officer Ola Källenius did not express concern over the large-scale entry of Chinese automakers into the European automotive market.
Recently, Källenius said at the global media conference "IAA Mobility 2025" held in Munich, Germany, "It is the instinct of entrepreneurs to sell products to customers around the world. From this perspective, the entry of Chinese companies into Europe is not particularly worrying."
Källenius explained, "In 1886, the founders of Mercedes, Daimler and Karl Benz, invented the first car, and it took only about 10 years to enter the US market. Why has China become the largest market for Mercedes? Because we saw an opportunity and entered this market."
He continued, "Just like us, Japanese companies entered the European market, then Korean companies, and now Chinese companies. This is a natural flow of business and entrepreneurial thinking."
However, Källenius emphasized, "For the market economy to function properly, a fair competitive environment must be established. We cannot be naive about the global trade environment. Due to different policies in various countries, debates about whether competition is fair and whether companies receive support must continue."
Källenius stated that in the context of intensifying Sino-US competition, Mercedes-Benz's pursuit of cooperation with Chinese enterprises "is not a threat." He added, "Just as the United States has tech giants like Google and Apple, China also has its own counterparts. Through cooperation with these companies, Mercedes-Benz has fully adapted to China's digital ecosystem. We have Chinese partners in China, and other partners in other global markets, so we are responding flexibly."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845233055901699/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.