Daimler Exec Loses Parking Space and Mind in Racial Rant
Daimler AG had to fire a top-level executive after he reportedly announced that all Chinese people were bastards and then pepper-sprayed one into submission. The incident, which took place on Sunday, began as an ugly dispute over a parking space before evolving into a small-scale race war.
The Shanghai Daily reports that Rainer Gaertner, president and CEO of Daimler Trucks and Buses Ltd., and a Chinese driver were vying for the same parking space in an upscale Beijing suburb. The exchange became heated after Gaertner exited his Mercedes-Benz and the two men began arguing.
Deciding to toss all composure out of the window, Gartner allegedly exclaimed, “I am in China one year already. The first thing I learned here is that all you Chinese are bastards.”
The minor brouhaha turned into a melee as concerned residents and pedestrians came to defend the Chinese driver and Gaertner began pepper spraying them. One person was alleged to have suffered spray-related injuries from parking space scuffle.
China’s Global Times quoted Kang Zuoru, a friend of the injured person, as stating, “These kinds of foreigners take money from the Chinese people with one hand while also abusing them. They must hate China from the bottom of their hearts.”
Weibo, one of China’s most popular social media sites, exploded with news of the fracas while outraged readers began demanding that Gaertner be deported right away. Many users also posted comments saying they would avoid buying Daimler-produced cars.
In response, Daimler’s Chinese unit stated the dispute itself was a private issue but added that it had “immediately” relieved the manager of his position within the company.
“The nature of the dispute and in particular the manner in which it was conducted, irrespective of any comments alleged to have been made, is adjudged to be not only of concern to the public but viewed by us as detrimental to the standing of our company, unbecoming of a manager of our brand and prejudicial to our good name,” Daimler Greater China said in an statement.
“Such an incident reflects in no way the values of Daimler AG and we sincerely apologize for the concerns raised by this matter and the views that people have felt obliged to express following the reports of this regrettable matter.”
Rainer Gaertner has not yet been reached for comment.
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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A couple of things jumped out at me. First, all those internet warriors that say they will not, NEVER, EVER buy a MB, are most likely not able to afford a QQ if they tried. Second, I am surprised that the guy hasn't claimed that "some of my best friends are Chinese", or even better, "my wife is Chinese", therefore implying he can not possibly be racist.
Not to excuse this sort of behaviour, because its unexcusable. But this is very often the kind reaction Hong Kong and overseas Chinese have with the mainlanders. There is often just an incredible undercurrent of tension, very often not so hidden. There are just some things that we take for granted that aren't 'there" has part of the mainland social fabric owing to where culture and history has taken it. Its easy to get lulled into a sense of familiarity working as an expat in Shanghai and Beijing, but you better send your most patient and open-minded if it requires long term direct relations with the locals.... true for any posting really.