Mercedes-Benz reintroduces voluntary severance, flags China slowdown

Mercedes-Benz announced plans to reintroduce voluntary severance packages for indirect business areas, citing a 'further deteriorated' economic situation versus 2025, particularly in China. This signals deepening cost pressures at the automaker amid weak Chinese demand, likely reflecting broader European auto sector headwinds. The move is a corporate cost-cutting measure with implications for German industrial sentiment and supply chain outlook.