Mercedes-Benz global sales drop 5 percent, but EVs grow 90 percent

    China lapped up the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class with close to 900 units being sold each month.

    Published On Jan 16, 2022 08:00:00 AM

    12,909 Views

    Mercedes Benz S-Class front quarter

    Mercedes' sales in 2021 were largely affected by the semiconductor crisis.

    Listen to this Article

    Mercedes-Benz suffered a five percent drop in global sales in 2021, as it was heavily impacted by the semiconductor supply chain bottlenecks, which gripped the automotive industry.

    The German firm sold 20,93,496 vehicles between January and December 2021 – 70,691 units down on pandemic-hit 2020 – and was hit particularly badly in the fourth quarter, when sales dropped by 24.7 percent.

    Sales of plug-in vehicles climbed significantly, though, with 2,27,458 sold, representing a growth of 69.3 percent. Of these, nearly 99,301 were pure-electric – a 90.3 percent uptick. 

    Maybach, AMG and G-Class post record sales

    The firm’s luxury, performance and off-road sub-brands also recorded positive results. “In a challenging year, Maybach, AMG and G-Class vehicles posted new records,” said Britta Seeger, Mercedes-Benz board member for marketing and sales. 

    Some 15,730 Maybach models were sold, mostly in China, where almost 900 units of its ultra-luxurious take on the S-Class were delivered each month.

    Meanwhile, global sales of AMG models soared by 16.7 percent to 1,45,979 units, while the ultra-rugged G-Class SUV found 41,174 homes worldwide.

    Demand for EVs increases

    Orders for the EQS electric limousine reached 16,370 since its launch in August last year, Mercedes-Benz said. As its electric and electrified car line-up continues to grow, the firm anticipates it will record a continuing decline in emissions across its line-up. 

    Mercedes-Benz says demand was high in the fourth quarter of 2021, despite the semiconductor supply bottlenecks, and insists customers will have their orders fulfilled. 

    “Mercedes-Benz is making every effort to ensure that surging customer orders can be fulfilled as soon as possible,” said Seeger. “The date when a customer placed an order is taken into consideration when scarce chips are allocated for vehicle production. The semiconductor supply situation remains volatile and the shortage is expected to impact the upcoming quarters in terms of production and sales.”

    Mercedes-Benz also achieved a 2.6 percent rise in commercial vehicle sales, with 3,34,210 units sold, credited to an increase in demand in the first half of the year. Around 9,000 electric vans were sold for commercial use – double the figure of 2020.

    Mercedes-Benz sales in India

    Mercedes-Benz’s Indian arm trumped other luxury carmakers to claim the market leader position with sales of 11,242 cars in 2021. This, however, was a 42.5 percent jump over a low base of 2020, when it sold 7,893 units.

    What are your thoughts on Mercedes-Benz's global sales acheivements for 2021? Let us know in the comments below. 

    Also See:

    Mercedes Benz cements market leader position with 11,242 cars sold in 2021

    Mercedes Benz EQS India launch in 2022, will be locally assembled

    Mercedes-Benz Cars

    Copyright (c) Autocar UK. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    Which brand showed the best India-bound two-wheelers at EICMA 2024?

    Hero (Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250, Karizma XMR 250, Vida Z)

     

    39.09%

    Royal Enfield (Classic 650 Twin, Bear 650, Flying Flea C6)

     

    28.63%

    KTM (390 Adventure R, 390 SMC R, 390 Enduro R)

     

    18.85%

    Aprilia (Tuono 457, Tuareg Rally)

     

    13.43%

    Total Votes : 1013
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe