Stuttgart (Germany) - Mercedes-Benz Group sold 568,400 (-6%) cars and vans in the first quarter. Mercedes-Benz Cars saw sales rise in the United States (+3%), and a solid performance in Europe, particularly in the UK (+43%) and France (+35%) while sales in Asia were influenced by model changes and supply-chain constraints. Mercedes-Benz Vans delivered a strong performance thanks to rising sales in China (+27%) and United States (+15%).

* Mercedes-Benz G500 (combined energy consumption: 12.3-10.9 l/100 km | combined CO2 emissions: 281-248 g/km | CO2 class: G)

* Mercedes-Benz Cars: Q1 sales reached 463,000 units; good start in the U.S.; solid performance in Europe; model changeover in Asia; strong sales of plug-in hybrids

* Supply chain bottlenecks constrained Q1 sales of passenger cars

* Mercedes-Benz Vans: strong first quarter sales reached 105,400 units

Mercedes-Benz Cars

'Our customers can look forward to an exciting year 2024 with a series of fantastic new product launches in 2024, particularly in the Top-End segment.

One of the highlights is just around the corner with the long-awaited world premiere of the all-new electric G at Auto China in Beijing in two weeks.'

Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Marketing & Sales

Mercedes-Benz Cars sales reached 463,000 units (-8%) in the first quarter, with solid results in all regions except Asia where model change effects and supply chain bottlenecks had a strong temporary impact on Q1 sales. The sales decline in China was mainly driven by the ongoing ramp-up of its top-selling E-Class long-wheelbase model which is expected to see sales accelerate in the upcoming quarters.

Demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles resulted in a 6% sales rise in the first three months, while global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars reached 47,500 units (-8%) in the first quarter, as the smart fortwo[1] reached the end of its lifecycle (-30%). Overall, electric vehicles accounted for 10% of total Q1 Mercedes-Benz Cars sales and 19% including plug-in-hybrids.

The availability of Top-End products was constrained during the quarter, mainly by the model changeovers of the G-Class and Mercedes-AMG derivatives of the E-Class and GLC as well as supply-chain bottlenecks. In 2024, Mercedes-Benz will present twelve Top-End vehicles, including eight Mercedes-AMG models and the world premiere of the electric G. The EQS sedan will receive an extensive update with extended range to more than 800 km, executive rear seats, and the upright star on the front hood. The S-Class remains the undisputed leader in its segment in all key regions.

Q1 sales in the Core segment increased by 8%, driven by strong growth of the GLC as parts availability for the model increased. The availability of parts is expected to further improve in the upcoming months.

In China, the ramp-up of the locally produced long-wheelbase E-Class is on track, while sales for the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class remain strong (+13%) and Mercedes-Benz continues to be first choice among customers in the segment priced over 1 million RMB.

In Germany, Mercedes-Benz remains market leader in the premium segment in Q1. However, consumer demand for BEVs slowed following the abrupt end of a tax incentive.

In the U.S. market, sales went up 3% driven by an improved availability of the GLC.

Mercedes-Benz Cars continues transforming the car buying experience for its customers. As the 11th country, Mercedes-Benz Thailand implemented the direct sales model in February 2024.

Sales overview: See details at:

https://media.mercedes-benz.com/article/a7d67570-f069-4a7c-a5ee-7e42a0fdfd2c

*Private vans: mid-size vans include V-Class and EQV, small vans include T-Class and EQT 200 (energy consumption combined: 20.7 - 19.3 kWh/100 km | CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO2 class: A)-1.

-1The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The ranges given refer to the German market. The fuel consumption, energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a car depend not only on the car's efficient use of the fuel or energy source, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors.

*Commercial vans: large vans include (e)Sprinter, mid size vans include (e)Vito, small vans include (e)Citan

** Europe: European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway

*** North America: USA, Canada and Mexico

All figures rounded. Preliminary figures subject to change pending final reports.

[1] smart EQ fortwo: energy consumption combined: 16.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO2 class: A

The stated values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement procedure. The ranges given refer to the German market. The fuel consumption, energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a car depend not only on the car's efficient use of the fuel or energy source, but also on driving style and other non-technical factors.

(C) 2024 Electronic News Publishing, source ENP Newswire