Team size:8

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Navigating legal challenges during instability or crises is a responsibility I take seriously. As General Counsel, my role is to ensure our legal strategies address immediate concerns and align with broader business objectives for resilience and long-term success. Proactive risk management is crucial in uncertain times. We continuously monitor the legal and regulatory landscape to identify and mitigate potential risks early. Our compliance and legal strategy promotes a culture of integrity across the organization, ensuring every employee understands their role in upholding legal and ethical standards. Strong cross-functional collaboration is key. The legal team works closely with other departments to integrate legal strategies with the company’s overall business strategy, ensuring a unified response to crises. Our focus during crises is on maintaining business continuity while safeguarding our reputation and legal standing. This involves advising on critical decisions, securing necessary approvals, and ensuring all actions are legally sound and strategically aligned with our long-term goals. Integrity is at the heart of everything we do at Mercedes-Benz. During instability, we ensure our actions reflect our commitment to ethical conduct and legal compliance, adhering to our Integrity Code and ensuring our business partners do the same. This commitment helps us navigate crises confidently and maintain stakeholder trust.In conclusion, managing legal aspects during instability at Mercedes-Benz involves proactive risk management, cross-functional collaboration, maintaining business continuity, upholding integrity, and ensuring strategic alignment. As General Counsel, I lead our legal team with these principles, ensuring we are prepared to face any challenges.

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?

Court Cases Overview

Supreme Court of Appeal Matter: On-the-Road Fees

One of the most prominent cases we handled was the Supreme Court of Appeal matter concerning on-the-road fees. This case revolved around the legality and fairness of additional fees charged by automotive dealers at the point of sale. The court’s decision was highly anticipated as it had significant implications for consumer rights and the automotive industry’s pricing practices. The ruling will ultimately will clarify the extent to which dealers could impose such fees.

Legal Topics in Relation to EV Vehicles in South Africa

The legal landscape for electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa is evolving rapidly. The South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition recently published a comprehensive Electric Vehicles White Paper which we significantly contributed and advised on. This document outlines the country’s strategy for transitioning to EVs, addressing manufacturing, sales, and usage policies. It highlights the need for the automotive industry to pivot towards EV production to remain competitive globally34.

AI and Data Protection in Automotive R&D

The integration of AI and data protection in automotive research and development (R&D) is becoming increasingly critical. AI technologies are transforming the automotive industry by enhancing vehicle design, improving safety features, and optimizing manufacturing processes. However, this also raises significant data protection concerns. Ensuring that AI systems comply with data protection regulations is essential to safeguard consumer privacy and maintain trust. The future of automotive R&D will likely see a greater emphasis on ethical AI deployment and robust data protection measures56.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

To foster a corporate culture that supports ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and compliance, the general counsel at Mercedes-Benz AG can take several strategic actions. First, leadership must demonstrate a strong commitment to ESG values, integrating them into the company’s mission and daily operations. This commitment should be visible at all levels, starting from the Board, and the General Counsel is key in executing this objective.

Embedding integrity and ethical behaviour into the corporate culture is crucial. This means not only complying with internal and external rules but also aligning actions with principles such as fairness, responsibility, and transparency. Comprehensive training programs and regular communication about the importance of ESG principles help reinforce these values among employees. Integrating ESG principles into all business processes ensures that sustainability and ethical behavior are part of every aspect of the business, from procurement to production to sales. Robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms, including regular audits and assessments, are essential to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community, helps understand their expectations and incorporate their feedback into the company’s ESG strategies. Maintaining transparency through detailed reporting on sustainability efforts builds trust and demonstrates the company’s commitment to these principles. By taking these steps, the general counsel can help create a culture that thrives on ESG principles and compliance.