[2024 National Audit] Benz Korea CEO "No Intent to Deceive Electric Vehicle Customers"

Attendance at the Land Transport Committee Audit... Response to Controversial Past Interview: "It's Not a Reply That Only CATL Is Used"

Matthias Bechtle, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, denied allegations of providing inaccurate information about electric vehicle battery manufacturers on the 7th, stating, "There was absolutely no intention to deceive customers."

Bechtle appeared at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee’s audit of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport held at the Government Complex Sejong on the same day, responding to Rep. Lee So-young of the Democratic Party’s claim that Mercedes-Benz had previously identified CATL as the electric vehicle battery manufacturer in media interviews.

Matthias Beitl, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea Photo by Yonhap News

In 2022, Christoph Starzynski, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Electric Vehicle Development, stated in an interview with a domestic media outlet that the EQE model was equipped with battery cells supplied by CATL. However, among the eight Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle models, some trims of the EQE and EQS are equipped with battery cells from China’s Parasys. Currently, the Fair Trade Commission is investigating whether Mercedes-Benz Korea violated the Act on Labeling and Advertising.

Bechtle explained, "At a media roundtable, there was a question about whether CATL was also used in the EQE, and Vice President Starzynski answered 'yes.' However, I understand that this was not a statement that only CATL batteries are used in the EQE model."

Rep. Lee pointed out that the fire involving a Mercedes-Benz EQE electric vehicle in Incheon last August caused significant damage to residents and posed a major crisis to the domestic electric vehicle supply policy. Bechtle said, "I am very sorry about this incident," adding, "I extend my deepest condolences to all those affected."

When asked about compensation plans for electric vehicle owners, Bechtle maintained the position that the root cause of the fire must be proactively identified first. He stated, "The 4.5 billion won promised to support Cheongna residents is humanitarian aid, not compensation," and added, "The investigation is ongoing, and once the results are out and the situation becomes clear, we will take appropriate responsibility."

Rep. Son Myung-soo of the Democratic Party criticized Mercedes-Benz for designing a low minimum ground clearance to enhance ride comfort, making the undercarriage very vulnerable to impacts, yet demanding high repair costs. He cited an example where a 3mm deep undercarriage scratch on a recent EQE vehicle was charged approximately 70 million won for repairs. Bechtle responded, "I apologize for not being able to provide a proper answer due to technical characteristics," and stated, "Mercedes-Benz engineers prioritize the safety of passengers and drivers as well as product quality above all."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.