Mercedes-Benz CEO says EU engine ban fails to accelerate EV shift

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius said May 13, 2026, that current European Union rules, including the planned 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine cars, have not produced the intended shift toward electric vehicles. Kallenius said the 2035 emissions legislation adopted in 2020 has “flaws” and urged policymakers to take a pragmatic approach rather than ignore market forces. He said the auto industry remains highly competitive, with Chinese automakers increasing pressure in the European market.