Chinese Investor Li Urges Daimler to Share Technology

Li Shufu, who acquired nearly 10% of Daimler AG in February, says carmakers must learn to cooperate on technology or risk being “swallowed up” by those that do.

The Chinese internet tycoon says in a commentary in Sunday’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that the key to success will be companies that “bundle their shared strengths” and “forge proprietary digital platforms” for their brands.

Daimler has been guarded about Li’s intentions. Germany’s auto industry is edgy about what is sees as a potential threat to its sovereignty and jobs base. Li’s Geely Automobile Holding Co. owns Sweden’s Volvo Cars and England’s London Taxi. His 2-year-old Lynk & Co. brand plans to begin production in Belgium next year.