Mercedes-Benz Open to Supporting Europe’s Defense Industry, CEO Says

As Germany’s automotive sector faces mounting pressure, defense companies are increasingly looking to the industry’s factories, skilled workforce and industrial expertise.

The automaker is weighing a possible role in Europe’s defense sector. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Facebook)

Could Mercedes-Benz eventually move into defense manufacturing? According to CEO Ola Källenius, the possibility is not entirely off the table, according to a Euronews report by Sonja Issel.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Källenius said the company would be open to supporting Europe’s expanding defense efforts.

“The world has become more unpredictable, and I think it is quite clear that Europe needs to strengthen its defence capabilities,” he said.

“If we can play a positive role in that, we would be prepared to do so.”

Källenius did not outline any specific plans but stressed that any defense-related business would remain a small complementary activity relative to Mercedes-Benz’s core automotive operations.