In the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, Mercedes-Benz Group experienced a slight decline in sales, with 568,400 cars and vans sold globally, marking a 6 percent decrease from the same period in 2023.
This dip was primarily attributed to changes in models and supply-chain limitations affecting Mercedes-Benz Cars, which recorded 463,000 units sold, reflecting an 8 percent decrease from Q1 2023. However, Mercedes-Benz Vans showed a significant increase in sales, reaching 105,400 units, a notable 7 percent rise from the previous year.
While Mercedes-Benz Cars saw declines in sales, there were notable increases in specific regions, including the United States (+3%), UK (+43%), and France (+35%). These positive trends were partially offset by challenges in Asia due to model changes and supply-chain constraints.
In terms of vehicle types, there was a growing demand for plug-in hybrid vehicles, resulting in a 6 percent increase in sales. However, sales of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) experienced an 8 percent decline, reaching 47,500 units. Despite this, BEVs still accounted for 10 percent of total Mercedes-Benz car sales in Q1, with an additional 9 percent contributed by plug-in hybrids.
Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, expressed optimism for the remainder of 2024, highlighting upcoming product launches, particularly in the Top-End segment. This suggests a proactive approach to addressing market challenges and maintaining customer engagement through innovative offerings.
In contrast to the performance of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mercedes-Benz Vans demonstrated robust growth in Q1 2024, driven by increased sales in China (+27%) and the United States (+15%). The US market emerged as the second-largest sales market for Mercedes-Benz Vans, with 16,100 units sold, trailing only behind Germany.
Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans Sales & Marketing, lauded the strong performance of Mercedes-Benz Vans in Q1 2024, emphasizing the brand’s solid product lineup and its ability to achieve record-breaking sales figures. This positive outcome underscores the brand’s resilience and adaptability in navigating market dynamics.