Mercedes-Benz

A proposed US bill (Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026) could bar the import, production and sale of cars if a manufacturer has more than 15 percent Chinese ownership. Mercedes-Benz, with just under 20 percent Chinese investors — including BAIC (9.98%) and Tenaciou3/Geely (around 9.69%) — is under particular pressure. A US sales ban would hit Mercedes hard: about 163,000 vehicles were sold there in the first half of 2026. The German government and companies are monitoring the process and trying to obtain possible exemptions or solutions, but the legislative outcome remains uncertain. » Mere på deutschlandfunk.de

Mercedes showed employees figures in works meetings comparing German wages and annual working hours with foreign sites, highlighting substantial cost differences (e.g., up to ~82% lower hourly wages in Romania). The executive board and the chief legal officer made clear that without agreement on wage and structural measures, investments in Eastern Europe and the closure of a German site would be considered. At the same time, management cites shrinking margins in China and rising competition from Chinese production as drivers of the productivity drive. Mercedes emphasizes seeking solutions with the works council, but demands higher productivity in Germany and is examining shifting products and administrative functions abroad. » Mere på wiwo.de

Mercedes says it may invest in Eastern Europe and close a German site if the works council rejects wage cuts. Which site would be affected has not yet been named. The threat is fueling tensions between management and the employee representatives. » Mere på wiwo.de