Mercedes-Benz cuts its 2026 profit outlook, saying tough conditions in China are weighing on performance. Euronews reports the company now expects 2026 core profit to remain flat at €5.8 billion, after previously forecasting 15% growth. Other outlets also describe the decision as a response to weak demand in China and higher costs.
Quartz adds more detail on the company’s profitability measures, saying Mercedes lowers its cars-unit return on sales outlook to 2% to 3% from 3% to 5%. The Punch frames the move around a combination of China market pressure, higher material costs, and falling sales. Free Malaysia Today situates the update in a wider industry context, noting that Germany’s major automakers are also lowering annual outlooks due to heightened competition in China.
Across the coverage, outlets generally agree that the forecast cut is linked to China’s car-sales downturn and cost pressures, while the specific financial metric emphasized varies by source.
