Overview
- Handelsblatt reported a strategic reversal based on unnamed company insiders, a claim echoed by WELT and BILD.
- Mercedes-Benz has not issued an official confirmation or communicated any formal change in strategy.
- The reported pivot follows a 17% drop in adjusted operating profit to €2.1 billion in Q3, with weaker China sales and U.S. import tariffs cited as pressures.
- Der Tagesspiegel notes the company website no longer highlights a luxury stance, and reports point to a possible new entry model and extended A‑Class production through 2027, which remain unconfirmed.
- Coverage also describes a renewed focus on volume via more sales to rental fleets such as Sixt, characterized as part of the shift but not publicly announced.