Daimler’s CEO Dieter Zetsche wants Turkey’s “tiger economy” in EU

Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Tue, 07/05/2011 – 05:24

Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars advocated for Turkey’s EU accession and questioned why the Europeans “are not taking a tiger economy,” which now is at the door and wants to join EU.

Zetsche, who was born in Turkey’s largest city Istanbul, spoke to German-language Bild am Sonntag saying he cannot understand the obstacles that prevent this strong economy, full of young work-force, to join the European Union. His interview was published on Sunday.

Daimler’s chairman built a case for Turkey’s EU accession by pointing to his company’s well-performing facilities in the country. “We have exemplary production facilities in Turkey. The country is offering an opportunity for very high growth. Rather than introducing new obstacles before it, we should open the EU’s door wide open for Turkey so that it does not give up on us one day,” he said.

In general, Daimler AG is in attack mode in Asia. Building a joint venture with its Chinese partner Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd, Daimler is now able to build a combined 80,000 C-Class and E-Class Mercedes sedans annually. Daimler and its Chinese partner last week signed a framework agreement investing 2.88 billion dollars to produce new models and engines locally in China. The company will also establish a R&D center in the country

Dieter Zetsche told China Daily that as early as 2020, at least one in five premium compact cars is expected to be sold in China.

Image source: Dieter Zetsche – Wikipedia

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