The ruling reflects tension as tech firms push automakers to pay royalties for technologies used in autonomous driving.

Mercedes cars built on the new platform will have a higher profit margin than current smaller models. The first cars on the architecture will be full electric, but it can also support internal-combustion powertrains.

Wolfgang Bremm von Kleinsorgen, head of Mercedes-Benz in Eastern and Central Europe, will speak at this year's Automotive News Europe Congress in Prague on July 13-14.

Lancia named country brand managers for key markets including Germany and France as the Stellantis brand announced the official start of its 10-year plan.