Mercedes-Benz reported a slowdown in sales: what is the reason?

Automaker Mercedes-Benz has once again reported a slowdown in sales. First-quarter figures show a year-on-year decline of 7%, driven by a 21% drop in van sales, UNN reports citing Nordot.

Details

Data released on Monday showed that 529,200 fewer cars and vans were sold between January and March this year compared to the same period in 2024.

These figures do not reflect the increase in US import duties, as they were announced last week and are unlikely to appear until the second quarter.

The passenger car division recorded a decrease of 4%. 446,300 vehicles were sold. According to company representatives, the decline was mainly due to model changes in the entry-level segment, especially in Germany.

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Van sales, which totaled 82,900 in the first quarter, showed a double-digit decline of 21%, mainly due to exceptionally good sales in the first quarter of 2024.

The company recorded a 14% drop in sales of all-electric passenger cars to 40,700 units. In the first quarter, all-electric vehicles accounted for about 9% of total sales.

These figures come against the backdrop of a 4% drop in sales last year to just under 2.4 million vehicles and amid uncertainty following higher-than-expected import tariffs announced by the United States.

In its domestic market, Mercedes sold 10% fewer cars in the first quarter due to the discontinuation of the Smart electric car and the delayed launch of the CLA, a luxury subcompact model that was considered the company's main hope. It is expected to be launched this summer.

Addition

Mercedes-Benz may remove its entry-level models from the US market due to President Trump's tariffs.