The ghost of Robodebt – Federal Court rules billions of dollars in welfare debts must be recalculated 
U.S. Stock Futures Steady as Wall Street Retreats on Oil Volatility and Fed Rate Outlook 
Asian Currencies Slide as Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict 
Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely 
China Holds Benchmark Loan Prime Rate Steady for Tenth Consecutive Month 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
Netflix Eyes South Korea for More Live Events as BTS Concert Livestream Approaches 
EA's $15B Debt Offering Draws $25B in Investor Demand Amid Credit Market Turmoil 
Xiaomi Shares Drop After SU7 Launch as Margin Concerns Weigh on Investors 
Japan's Parliament Backs Dovish BOJ Board Members, Raising Questions on Rate Hike Path 
Israel Defies Trump's Warning, Launches New Strikes on Iran Amid Growing Global Energy Crisis 
Locked up then locked out: how NZ’s bank rules make life for ex-prisoners even harder 
Elliott Investment Management Takes Activist Stake in Align Technology 
U.S.-Iran War Escalates: Marines Deploy, Strait of Hormuz Closure Drives Global Oil Crisis 
Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages 
FEMSA Cuts Jobs at Spin Fintech Unit, Refocuses Strategy on Oxxo Stores 
Mercedes-Benz is eyeing China as a key market for its upcoming 2025 electric vehicle (EV) campaign, as stated by CEO Ola Kaellenius. The focus will be on mastering electric propulsion and digitalization to meet the unique demands of Chinese consumers.
Under a new strategy outlined in 2021, all new vehicle platforms from 2025 onward will exclusively produce EVs. In light of this, Mercedes-Benz has been reviewing models based on the upcoming MB.EA platform to better cater to the needs of local customers. Specific focus areas include space and digital content.
While China remains the primary market for German automakers, local brands currently dominate with an 81% share of the Chinese EV market in 2022, as revealed by Counterpoint Research. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has a significant presence in China, with Beijing Automotive Group Co Ltd and Geely Chairman Li Shufu being the company's top two shareholders.
Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to derisk the German economy after Russia invaded Ukraine, Berlin aims to reduce its reliance on China's economy. Despite this, Mercedes-Benz recently announced plans for further investment in China, bolstering Sino-German cooperation. The move is a foundation for joint support in developing new energy vehicles (NEV) and fostering existing partnerships. Acknowledging China's status as the largest car market and the most vibrant NEV market globally, Mercedes-Benz remains committed to contributing to the growth of China's auto industry and strengthening the Sino-German economic partnership.
Additionally, the company is set to expand its research and development activities in China, particularly in car software development. By the end of 2023, the local team is expected to double in size compared to three years ago.
Through these initiatives, Mercedes-Benz solidifies its position in China, capitalizing on its potential as a burgeoning market for EVs while actively supporting Sino-German collaboration and innovation in the automotive industry.
Photo: Ildar Garifullin/Unsplash
