Mercedes-Benz Boss Values Prohibition Rules For Sales Of Emission Vehicles Starting In 2035 In The European Union Are Too Dangerous

Mercedes-Benz logo. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Media)

JAKARTA CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, voiced strong criticism of the European Union's plan to ban the sale of CO2 emissions-producing vehicles starting in 2035

In an interview with Germany's daily business, Handelsblatt, continued by Reuters, today, Kaellenius said it was necessary to see the reality at this time, he also warned that without change, the European automotive industry would be tantamount to suicide.

"We need to check the reality of the field. Otherwise, we will go at full speed towards the wall," said Kaellenius, who also serves as head of the European automotive lobby, ACEA. He added that the European car market could "collapse" if this ban was actually implemented.

This ban, which was initiated to achieve European green ambitions, is scheduled to be reviewed in the second half of 2025. However, some critics argue that this policy could undermine European automakers who are currently facing tough challenges, such as sluggish demand, intense competition from Chinese manufacturers and disappointing electric car sales.

Kaellenius argues that this ban will not be effective as consumers will flock to buy gasoline or diesel cars before the ban takes effect. Instead, he proposed affordable tax and electricity price incentives at charging stations to encourage the adoption of electric cars.

"Of course we have to decarbonize, but it must be done in a technologically neutral way. We must not ignore our economy," said Kaellenius.