In the first quarter the Mercedes-Benz Group sold 568,400 cars and vans (-6%). It recorded an increase in sales in the United States (+3%) and a solid performance in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom (+43%) and France (+35%), while sales in Asia were affected by changes model and supply chain limitations. Mercedes-Benz vans recorded a strong performance thanks to increased sales in China (+27%) and the United States (+15%).
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 a strong temporary impact on first quarter sales.
The decline in sales in China was mainly driven by the ongoing rise of the best-selling long-wheelbase E-Class model, which is expected to see sales acceleration in the coming quarters.
Demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles led to a 6% sales increase in the first three months, while Mercedes-Benz Cars’ global battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached 47,500 units (-8%) in first quarter, while the smart fortwo has reached the end of its life cycle (-30%). Overall, electric vehicles accounted for 10 percent of total Mercedes-Benz Cars sales in the first quarter and 19 percent when plug-in hybrid vehicles are included.