Mercedes boss Ola Källenius will use his additional position as chairman of the Swedish Automobile Manufacturers Association to save the combustion engine.
Mercedes boss Ola Källenius, who has just taken over as chairman of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), wants the EU to drop its strict emissions requirements. Källenius believes that the current requirements are unrealistic and are harming the European car industry.
The automotive industry is a key part of Europe's economy, and many fear that current emissions requirements could lead to an industrial collapse. Källenius, known for his determination, has therefore made a number of demands to EU politicians.
One of the most important demands is an adaptation of the emission requirements to the current situation. Källenius believes that the current requirements were set for the pandemic and the war in Ukraine and are therefore no longer realistic.
– First, we need a realistic way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the European automotive industry – a way that is market-driven, not toll-driven, says Källenius in his program statement .
Källenius also wants new rules that will allow car manufacturers in Europe to compete with China. He believes that the EU should support research and development in electric cars so that European manufacturers can keep up with Chinese developments.
– Secondly, the EU needs a legislative framework that strengthens the competitiveness of European industries, says Källenius.
The Mercedes boss warns that trade wars with China and the US could harm all parties. He instead wants to find a constructive solution that promotes free trade and cooperation.
Born in Sweden, Källenius has worked in Germany for many years and holds German citizenship. He sees himself as a European and wants to promote both the automotive industry and Europe.
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– I was born and raised in Sweden, have lived in Germany, the USA and the UK for more than 30 years, have obtained German citizenship and am European at heart, says Källenius.
"That's why it's important to me that we together promote both the automotive industry and Europe."
The Mercedes boss's demands for the EU are clear: Adapt emissions requirements to reality, support research and development in electric cars, and find a constructive solution to the trade conflicts with China and the US.
