Mercedes-Benz's finance chief, Harald Wilhelm, stated on Thursday that the company does not plan to export vehicles produced in China to markets in Europe or the United States. The comment underscores the automaker's present approach to production and market allocation while leaving open how those plans could evolve in the future.
Wilhelm said Mercedes-Benz is prepared to raise its pricing competitiveness in markets where doing so becomes necessary. He linked that ability to recent efficiency measures the company has put in place, saying those measures provide flexibility for adjusting prices as conditions require.
The CFO also addressed the company’s margin outlook. He expressed confidence that Mercedes-Benz sees a viable path to achieving margin parity between internal combustion engine, or ICE, vehicles and electric vehicles, or EVs, toward the end of the decade. That goal was framed as a forward-looking target rather than an immediate outcome.
Wilhelm’s remarks focused on three distinct points: the current absence of plans to ship China-made cars to Europe and the U.S.; a readiness to compete on price when necessary, supported by efficiency improvements; and a belief in the possibility of narrowing margin differences between ICE and EV models by the decade’s close. His statements did not include additional operational specifics or a timetable for any potential changes to manufacturing or export strategies.
The comments provide a concise update on Mercedes-Benz’s stance regarding its China production footprint, pricing posture and medium-term margin objectives. They reflect the company’s present intentions and its view of internal measures to preserve strategic flexibility in pricing and profitability as it transitions across powertrain technologies.
Summary of key points:
- Mercedes-Benz has no plans to export China-produced vehicles to Europe or the U.S., according to CFO Harald Wilhelm.
- The company is willing to increase pricing competitiveness where required, citing efficiency measures that give pricing flexibility.
- Wilhelm said Mercedes-Benz sees a path to margin parity between ICE and EV models toward the end of the decade.