DaimlerChrysler Mercedes Car Group sales fell 4% in April from a year earlier, dragged down by an aging product line.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Reuters said the 102,800 units sold last month meant the luxury unit of Daimler suffered a 4.1% sales decrease to 376,800 units in the first four months of the year compared with January to April 2003.


Optimistic Daimler said new products would ensure a pick-up in sales, the report added.


“The successful model launches of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the new SLK and the smart forfour will provide an important stimulus for vehicle sales in the second half that will overcompensate for the decrease in the first six months,” the company statement cited by Reuters said.


While sales of its smart brand compact and mini cars gained 9.6% to 11,300 units in April, its key Mercedes-Benz luxury brand saw a decline of 5.4% to 91,500 vehicles, the report added.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Western Europe, excluding Germany was the region that performed the worst for Mercedes – sales tumbled 8.9% to 34,900 units, Reuters said, noting that the group said it saw positive signs of delivery growth in Germany and the United States.


Due to the launch of Smart’s third model line, the forfour compact, at the end of April, the group is forecasting a considerable rise in unit sales for the brand, the news agency added.