Mercedes-Benz has reported robust sales in a challenging market environment, with Mercedes-Benz Cars achieving 496,700 units sold in Q2, marking a 7% increase from Q1. This growth was driven by improved product availability, particularly in China and the U.S., and sales are anticipated to rise further in the second half of 2024. Mercedes-Benz Vans maintained solid performance with 103,400 units sold in Q2, similar to Q1, despite market challenges and model transitions.
The Mercedes-Benz Group’s total sales for the second quarter reached 600,100 cars and vans, bolstered by enhanced product availability in key markets but still below the previous year’s level due to model transitions and a focus on value-oriented sales in a tough economic climate. Expectations are high for Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars sales to increase in the latter half of the year. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Vans continued to show resilience despite a challenging market and model transitions.
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Mercedes-Benz Cars, in its push towards electrification, offers a wide range of high-tech combustion, battery electric, and hybrid vehicles. Plug-in hybrids have seen a significant rise in popularity, with a 27% increase in sales in Q2. Notably, one-third of Top-End segment vehicle orders included at least one customization option from the MANUFAKTUR program in the first six months.
Sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Q2 rose by 7% compared to Q1, reaching 496,700 units. The initial half of the year faced challenges from model transitions and availability issues. However, with the full availability of the E-Class, GLC, and the introduction of new models like the Mercedes-AMG, new G-Class, and electric G-Class, sales are projected to grow in the second half of the year.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales hit 45,800 units in Q2. Despite a slower pace of EV adoption in key markets due to a focus on healthy growth amidst heavy discounting, demand for plug-in hybrids increased by 27% year-over-year.
Top-End sales in Q2 grew by 6% from Q1, though they remained below last year’s levels, mainly due to model transitions and a subdued market in Asia. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to lead its segment globally. The company anticipates significant growth in Top-End sales in the second half of the year with the launch of new models, including the electric G-Class, several Mercedes-AMG models, the E-Class, CLE derivatives, and the updated EQS.
Core segment sales climbed by 8% in Q2 from the previous quarter, driven primarily by the E-Class and GLC, the latter remaining the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model. European sales totaled 157,500 units, with strong demand for BEVs and plug-in hybrids, particularly in Germany, where one-third of customers opted for an xEV in the first half of the year.
In China, sales reached 172,600 units in Q2, a 2% increase from Q1, buoyed by the new locally produced E-Class, which saw a 41% rise in sales. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class also experienced a strong 16% sales increase in the first half of the year.
The U.S. market saw a significant 27% increase in sales in Q2, totaling 84,700 units, driven by improved availability of the GLC, new E-Class, and CLE models, as well as higher demand for plug-in hybrids.
Overall, Mercedes-Benz Cars achieved 496,700 units sold in Q2, a 7% increase from Q1, though BEV sales were down 4% compared to Q1 and 25% year-over-year.
Mercedes-Benz Vans, despite a challenging environment and model transitions, maintained stable sales with 103,400 units in Q2. The first half of 2024 saw strong performance despite declines in certain markets, including recreational vehicles and service sectors in Germany and the U.S. The division’s sales of commercial vans reached 86,200 units, with private vans selling 17,200 units. Sales of electric vans (eVans) surged by 75% compared to Q1, driven by the new electric van portfolio and the eSprinter ramp-up, marking a 3% increase year-over-year.
Mercedes-Benz Vans’ Q2 sales overview indicates a slight decline from Q1, with notable performance in commercial large vans (52,400 units) and midsize vans (26,800 units), while private vans saw a strong performance with 17,200 units sold.
Regionally, Europe accounted for 70,400 units in Q2, with Germany making up 24,700 units. Asia recorded 10,400 units, with China contributing 9,100 units. North America saw 13,200 units sold, and the rest of the world accounted for 9,500 units.
Overall, Mercedes-Benz Vans’ sales for the first half of 2024 were strong, with ongoing model changes and the introduction of new electric models like the eSprinter driving growth.
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