Daimler's Mercedes-Benz Vans has announced full year 2017 records for unit sales, revenue and EBIT after delivering 401,000 vehicles (up 12% year on year on 2016's 359,100).
The division has booked unit sales growth for five consecutive years and record rises for four.
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Revenue last year rose 3% to a record EUR13.2bn euros with EBIT of EUR1,181m up from EUR1,170m in 2016.
Despite high investment in expansion and renewal of the product line, plus new services, the 9% return on sales was on target (2016: 9.1%).
Unit chief Volker Mornhinweg said: "The foundation of this success is our 'Mercedes-Benz Vans goes global' strategy. With it, we are securing our sustainable growth as well as systematically utilising new business potential. We made significant investments in 2017 and will do the same also in 2018."
Investments of EUR2bn for 2017 and 2018 include the Nissan Navara-based and Spain-built X-Class pickup, the redesigned Sprinter large van and various complete system products associated with the vehicle lines.
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By GlobalData"We successfully entered the global growth segment of mid-size pickups with the market launch of our new X-Class in late 2017. Our next market launch will be of the new Sprinter in June. Our new flagship also marks a turning point, because the new Sprinter is our first fully connected total-system solution. With it, we are for the first time putting adVANce – our strategic future initiative – on the road. So Mercedes-Benz Vans is changing from a pure vehicle manufacturer into a provider of complete transport and mobility solutions for our customers," added Mornhinweg.
"Significant growth" planned for 2018
The two new models – X-Class and Sprinter will drive unit sales and revenue growth this year. But, due to continuing, high advance expenditure for the Sprinter model change, the production ramp-up of additional new models and negative exchange rate effects, Vans expects a slight decrease in earnings.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is consolidating its strong position in the growing market of camper vans. In Europe, around 111,000 vehicles were registered in this segment in 2017, growth of 15% year on year. In Germany alone, 41,000 campers were newly registered, an increase of 16%.
To meet this need, the redesigned Sprinter will come with front wheel drive for the first time.
"The design of this variant yields an improved possible payload, opening up additional scope for bodybuilders. A lower floor makes getting in and out of the living and sleeping area of camper vans considerably more convenient," the automaker said.
A 'tractor head' variant, in which the powertrain, fuel tank and all other major components are located in front of or under the cab, gives camper bodybuilders "completely free rein to design the rear vehicle section".
"With the new Sprinter, we are naturally also keeping a close eye on our core business: The new tractor head version of our best seller opens up additional sales potential in the growth market of camper vans. I am therefore especially pleased that our longstanding partner Hymer will be the biggest customer for the new Sprinter," added Mornhinweg.
Mercedes-Benz Vans and Hymer have already agreed the supply of "a four-digit number of vehicles" as the tractor head variant this year. From 2019, annual unit sales of the tractor head version are also expected to be "in a high four-digit number". The first vehicles will be delivered to Hymer in coming weeks.
Digitised mobile home
Mercedes said future camper vans can become a completely connected smart homes on wheels. The foundation for this intelligent connection of the basic vehicle and the camper body is a new interface module which allows all camper functions to be controlled from one place – optionally via the infotainment system in the vehicle or via smartphone.
