Ola Källenius questions the end of combustion engines from 2035: “Maybe there was a bit too much optimism”. “Our product range is fundamentally based on customer requirements and will always be at the cutting edge of technology,” says the Mercedes boss.

The EU’s plan is to first take stock in 2026 and then see what is feasible and what is not, says the Swede. But on the same line, you can use combustion engines, plug-in hybrids and electric cars.