China's March 15 consumer-rights season often strips away brand gloss. For Mercedes-Benz, the pressure is especially sensitive.

With the current SAIC-GM joint-venture agreement moving toward its June 2027 expiry, uncertainty over renewal has hung over one of China's most important auto partnerships. 

At the end of February, conflict in the Middle East escalated sharply, with the Strait of Hormuz reportedly closed to commercial shipping. 

After Chinese automakers released February sales, the market mood turned cautious. Many sales reports showed month-on-month declines. 

 Mapless assisted driving has become one of the most repeated phrases in China's auto industry.  

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China was described by German media as unusually well prepared and as one of the most high-profile business delegations since the Merkel era.