Mercedes-Benz plans to sell 1.6 million units in 2015

Company will focus on U.S. and emerging markets to become top luxury brand

2013/02/07

Summary
Mercedes-Benz Cars' business plan "Mercedes-Benz 2020"
Production structure to increase capacity for compact cars and SUVs
Mercedes-Benz Cars' model plans
Business activities in China to enhance sales and production system
Business activities in the U.S. exceed sales volume in Germany in 2012
Introduction of premium compacts and SUVs to market in India
Worldwide sales volume marks record high for two consecutive years
Sales volume by region shows decrease for Western Europe; North America and Asia covers for the loss
Mercedes-Benz Cars' performances and estimate for 2012

Summary

Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler's passenger car division, sold a record-high quantity of 1.42 million units in 2012, up 4.5% from the previous year. Despite the economic recession in Southern Europe and several model changes, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche sees the growth was brought by the booming sales of the A-Class and SUV models. However, Mercedes-Benz Cars' expected EBIT for 2012 does not reach last year's 5.2 billion Euros due to losses in the European market and increased competitive tension in the Chinese market (from announcement made in September 2012).

In its mid-term plan "Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy" announced in February 2012, the automaker declared that it will sell 1.6 million vehicles worldwide by 2015 (excluding the smart-brand) and become number one selling company in the premium segment by 2020.

In order to attain this goal, the OEM will expand its core Mercedes-Benz brand portfolio, enhance sales in both developed and emerging markets, develop green technologies, strengthen partnerships with other companies like Renault-Nissan Alliance, review its manufacturing network and structure, and achieve cost reductions.

With decreased sales volumes in Europe, Mercedes-Benz Cars will focus on the U.S and emerging markets where demand for high-end vehicles is expected. Daimler will strengthen its business in China to surpass the worldwide sales of BMW and Audi, a Volkswagen (VW) subsidiary, as the gap was caused by delayed entry into the Chinese market.

Related Reports:
Equipment on new European models (1) (Oct. 2012)
Beijing Motor Show 2012 (4) (Jul. 2012)

Retail sales of Mercedes Benz Cars in major markets

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