Daimler has booked first quarter net profit up 20% year on year after unit sales rose 9% to 502,100 vehicles and group revenue reached EUR27.0bn.

EBIT of EUR2,130m was slightly higher than Q1 2011’s EUR2,031m). Net profit increased by 20% to EUR1,416m (Q1 2011: EUR1,180m) and earnings per share rose to EUR1.25 from EUR0.99 in the first quarter of 2011.

Cue chairman Dieter Zetsche: “We are on schedule to meet our targets for this year as well as our medium-term targets.”

Mercedes-Benz Cars EBIT slipped to  EUR1,252m from EUR1,288m and return on sales was down to 8.4% from 9.3%.

Daimler Trucks revenue rose 18% to EUR7.4bn but EBIT was EUR383m versus EUR413m and return on sales was 5.2% (6.6%) with Daimler citing product development costs and “a difficult market environment in Latin America”.

Daimler expects higher unit sales in 2012 but EBIT targets across its individual divisions are expected to be mostly flat or slightly below 2011 results.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Auto Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now