https://www.infoeuropefx.com/mercedes-may-extend-the-factory-network-in-china/  China is forcing auto co.'s to buy batteries in China so producing your own is a way to comply.  https://cleantechnica.com/2016/12/12/daimler-considering-ev-battery-production-china-means-boosting-sales/  If they were to manufacture their own batteries it would make sense to partner with Litarion. "Building a battery factory in China is among the options in the room".