cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/46045941

“We need a reality check. Otherwise we are heading at full speed against a wall,” Mercedes chief executive Ola Kaellenius told the Handelsblatt business daily of the 2035 goal, adding that Europe’s car market could “collapse” if it goes ahead.

  • GenosseFlosse@feddit.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    11
    ·
    4 days ago

    The European car market won’t collapse, people will just switch to Chinese EVs who are cheaper to buy and run and have better options. I think this CEO just overestimates the value and brand appeal of his company. Especially young people associate Mercedes with an old people car.

    • BigShammy80@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      10
      ·
      4 days ago

      Because only old people have the money to buy them… german car’s are WAY too expensive.

      I buy an asian car with all extras for the price of a german base model, with nothing extra.

    • Goldholz @lemmy.blahaj.zone
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      10
      arrow-down
      4
      ·
      4 days ago

      chinese evs run and have better options

      Suuureeee. One look at chinese social media shows the opposite. Them suddenly bursting into flames, uncontrolled self driving, you being able to be locked inside them and, like Huawei, it survaling you 24/7. Yeaaah no i’ll gladly pass

      Especially young people associate Mercedes with an old people car.

      As a young person, first time i heared this.

    • arc99@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      4 days ago

      I think most people associate Mercedes with “expensive” and their electric offerings are even more so. And they’re not particularly good EVs either cited for problems with reliability. I think that’s the real issue for the brand. The value proposition isn’t there, not even for people looking for a luxury car.