Mercedes-Benz has once again criticized the European Union (EU) plans to put an end to models equipped with combustion engines starting in 2035.
The ban, which advocates say is crucial for Europe’s green ambitions, will be reviewed in the second half of 2025, with critics making it clear that the decision will harm the automotive industry that is already struggling with weak demand for electric models, as well as with Chinese competition.
“We need a reality check. Otherwise, we are heading full speed towards a wall”, said Mercedes CEO Ola Kaellenius to the German business newspaper “Handelsblatt” regarding the 2035 target, adding that the European automotive market could “collapse” if the measure goes ahead.
Kaellenius argued that consumers would simply adopt a behavior of buying vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines before the ban.
The CEO of Mercedes, who currently presides over the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), also called for the adoption of tax incentives and low energy prices for electric vehicle charging stations, to encourage the shift towards electric mobility.
“It is clear that we need to decarbonize, but this needs to be done in a technologically neutral way. We cannot lose sight of our economy”, said Kaellenius.
