Unlike some carmakers, Daimler is currently not in need of additional funds, and therefore will not apply for state aid, despite having to halt production at its major plants in Europe recently.
“Daimler currently has no need for state aid. Generally speaking, the industry had a very good order intake before the crisis,” said company CEO Ola Kallenius in an interview with Handelsblatt.
When asked whether his company would help suppliers that may be struggling, Kallenius said: “We are in permanent discussions with our suppliers and consult them. Until now there has not been a case where liquidity was an issue.”
Read Also: Mercedes Looking To Simplify Model Range, Will Cut Certain Platforms And Engines
Meanwhile, the German carmaker has already reopened its factory in China, where demand for new cars is said to be bouncing back.
“The vast majority of our dealerships have reopened, the customers are returning,” added the CEO. “Every day more people come to the car dealerships. Demand is picking up, which makes us optimistic.”
Despite the turnover in China, Daimler has halted most Mercedes-Benz production in Europe and the US, as supply chains cannot be maintained, reports Autonews.
Speaking of Mercedes, the carmaker’s R&D boss, Markus Schafer, recently said that his company might drastically reduce its model range, as well as platforms and powertrain options in a bid to optimize profits.
However, that initiative comes as a result of the brand’s focus on electric vehicles, and not because of the ongoing pandemic and its global financial ramifications.
