Reiner Hoeps (Who was already president of the brand in Spain between 2016 and 2017) contributed From 2023 to brand growth in this territoryconservation Leadership position Signing a star within a luxurious segment in these two countries. Similarly has Hoeps After improving business development And the consolidation of the network of sellers.
We have had this week An opportunity to chat with himPerhaps in one of the most convulsive moments in recent years for the automotive sector New tariffs introduced by the US And the unexpected changes made from this government one day and others.
How is Mercedes-Benz from this controversial tariff policy? To what extent can a company affect in Europe?
Our brand shows that tariff policy is useless, knowing that those who defend them have other strategies that we do not share. They only create losers on all sides. I have no doubt that it will have an inflation effect for consumers and there will be many companies that have serious problems. As an industry we will surely suffer. Looking at the coming months, it will all depend on the decisions that are made and that they are changing every day as proven.
Donald Trump has just confirmed that these taxes are now freezing for 90 days. What read?
These decisions are the only thing they get to create even more uncertainty. Who can now dare to transfer the production of some models in the US if they change their opinion again tomorrow. In Mercedes-Benz, this irrelevant leads us to being very flexible and agile in deciding, simulating every day and trusting that different things do not say every 24 hours every 24 hours. Anyway, there is an opportunity in every crisis and it is still for Mercedes-Benz. “
How is the sale of Mercedes-Benz in the US?
The truth is so good. The test is more than 20% in March compared to last year. So far, the cars we sold were already in the US, so they have not been subject to new tariffs. We have to wait for what happens in April or until they have 90 days free time. It would not be serious to say a number with a lot of determination, although we have our calculations and could be spoken in the event of a fall that could be about 5% of sales. “
And in the Spanish market?
“Despite the uncertainty, our little world in Spain is quite fine. We are proud that we are number one in the premium segment, where we managed to enroll between January and March, a total of 11,844 units that include a 10.8%increase.
The Chinese industry is in all car forums, can it become so competitive that it changes the order that prevails inside the car?
“They do well and are aware of when they will be competitive in the production of combustion models and have directly embarked on the next chapter, in electric cars. They have surprisingly accelerated during the pandemic and many actors in this industry have underestimated them. Good, although there are many flaws of quality, security or behavior.
How do you appreciate the return of the Moves III plan?
“Very positive in terms of promoting future electric car customers. In collaboration with Anfac, we continue to fight so that AIDs were not used at the time of purchase that has not been used in this reboot. Anyway, it is not time to criticize but to build. I find the moves good and that cannot be this help.”
They have just introduced a new generation of CL, a model that we believe is crucial for the brand, how much it contributes. What does this Berlin expect?
“I have no doubt that this will be a reference in terms of electric mobility up to 800 kilometers of autonomy for electric versions. For me, zero emission car makes sense if it can travel with great distances and CL shows that it is possible without neglect until October or November, and a serious amount of new generation will appear from next year.”
By the way, all rumors show that a successful class in five doors will disappear from reach, or will they focus their presence on this accessible segment only on CL and in the future GLA?
“At this time time is no first decision on this model. It is true to bes continuity or not evaluated almost day day for have been a version that was definitive and its launch to relaunch the image of our Brand to the Brander profile. Helped us a Lot, But a Company Like Mercedes-Benz Has to Be Profitable and Class A is True to Has Been Very Successful, But Only in the European Continent that is Our Goal.
What new models have in the portfolio for the coming months?
As I said before, the CLA is one of the keys in 2025. Logically, Mercedes-Benz works on other projects, and for September we will have a new electric GLC. It will be important in the same way as the AMG-EA platform, which will lead to two new electric cars in AMG space, which is the biggest expression of sports management within the brand. I am sure they will surprise their rivals by combining the best of the two worlds, benefits and no show. We want to show that in AMG we will have electric cars with all the usual emotions that these models emit. “