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submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by schizoidman@lemmy.zip to c/europe@feddit.org

Mercedes-Benz management warned that it plans to close one of its plants in Germany and move production to Eastern Europe if employees do not agree to cost-cutting measures. Wirtschaftswoche reports this, citing company sources, with UNN reporting, citing Bild.

According to the publication, management is demanding that employees give up some benefits, including vacation pay and Christmas bonuses, as well as reconsider the 35-hour workweek. Management believes that current conditions are making German plants less competitive amid

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[-] huppakee@lemmy.world 3 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

No one wants the Mercedes expensive EVs…

https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/03/global-ev-sales-leaders-top-selling-brands-and-oems/

That graph doesn't say much about profits, but lists like this one did look very different 10-20 years ago. I'm no expert on the topic, but I have no reason to believe Europe couldn't have done what China did. It's not just because Chinese labour is cheaper that they sell so many cars. I don't know enough to blame it on the management but I do have a feeling they could have done better. Also not a single new European brand selling enough to get on this list. I don't know enough to blame it on politicians, but I also have a feeling they could have done better. I don't mind China "winning", but I sure am disappointed to see EU "losing" this market. Especially Germany is getting some serious hits.

Edit: uploaded the image because it didn't want to be embedded.

[-] Melchior@feddit.org 2 points 5 days ago

Mercedes is about where it is with cars in general.

What is more striking is how many German brands are still in the Top20 for EVs. In terms on none Chinese brands it is Tesla, Volvo(Chinese owned though) and Toyota. There are some massive brands like Ford fully missing on the EV list.

As for Mercedes it is 15 for EVs and 12 for car sales in general. It is not that bad of a position to be in.

[-] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

This show nothing, Mercedes was always a luxury brand, of course they aren't in the top of the list, they never where.

[-] huppakee@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

No didn't mean to imply that just because it isn't at the top of the list it's not selling good products or making money. My point is that the introduction of EVs changed the market and that European brands have not managed to come out on top.

[-] Buffalox@lemmy.world 1 points 6 days ago

European brands have not managed to come out on top.

Not true:
https://fdm.dk/nyheder/nyt-om-trafik-og-biler/elektrisk-bilsalg-elbiler-har-kurs-mod-90-procent

German brands alone are 13 out of 25. The only VW owned brand not on the list is Cupra/Seat, maybe because some of their models are made in China?

18 models are European, one brand that has been squeezed out is Hyundai, which used to be a very popular brand, and also Volvo which is made in Sweden and has always been among the favorites here, and they definitely are on top of the EV development with a lot of Chinese help.

With cars coming in from China, Japan and USA, European makers maintain 72% of the market here in Denmark. Where we have a 90% of new cars sold being EV.

this post was submitted on 08 Sep 2026
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