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Mercedes-Benz could enter defense production — CEO

According to Ola Kallenius, defense-related operations would account for only "a minor share" of the business compared with passenger cars and light commercial vehicles

NEW YORK, May 16. /TASS/. German automotive company Mercedes-Benz is willing to branch into defense production, CEO Ola Kallenius told The Wall Street Journal.

"The world has become a more unpredictable place, and I think it is absolutely clear that Europe needs to increase its defense profile. Should we be able to play a positive role in that, we would be willing to do so," he said.

Kallenius said any defense-related operations would account for only "a minor share" of the business compared with passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Earlier, Der Spiegel reported that German-French defense group KNDS is in talks with Mercedes-Benz regarding a potential purchase of the automaker’s plant in Ludwigsfelde, south of Berlin.

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