Mercedes-Benz expects lower returns on sales across its cars and vans division this year, it said on Thursday, flagging "exceptional" uncertainty caused by conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine and tensions between China and the U.S. Supply chain bottlenecks for critical components remained "a significant risk factor", while the potential for an "even more pronounced" slowdown in economic growth could also have an impact on automotive markets, the group said in a statement. Electrified vehicle sales, including hybrids, were expected to remain at approximately 19-21% of sales, Mercedes-Benz said, in line with reports across the industry of slower growth in EV demand.
The Prince of Wales has called for an end to the fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages as he warned that “too many have been killed” in Israel’s conflict.