Daimler CEO predicts strong 2021, even better 2022

Ola Kallenius, the first non-German CEO of Daimler and its Mercedes-Benz brand, has been tested by a range of unforeseen challenges, from the coronavirus pandemic to the global semiconductor shortage, during his first two years in charge. The native of Sweden has also presided over the launch of Mercedes’ first electric vehicle in the luxury class, the EQS, and is pushing the automaker farther into the digital realm with plans to digitalize the entire sales and distribution network, all while aiming to lower the company’s break-even point, trim fixed costs and broaden Daimler’s lineup and customer base. He discussed these topics and more in an interview with Automotive News Europe Associate Publisher & Editor Luca Ciferri and Correspondent Nathan Eddy.