Conditions in China have deteriorated more than Mercedes could have imagined, according to Källenius. Headwinds have intensified in the second half of 2026, especially in the luxury segment.
At an analyst conference, he promised a review of product development, sales strategy, supply chains and technology in China. A new China strategy will be presented next year.
Mercedes-Benz revenue fell 4.5 percent to 30.7 billion euros in the third quarter, while operating profit fell 15 percent, according to an interim report released after the company lowered its forecast for 2026.
Car sales in China fell 31 percent in the third quarter.
