Daimler Trucks posts record revenues in 2012

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Daimler Trucks substantially increased its sales and revenues in 2012 while also generating good earnings. One of the factors that will help strengthen Daimler Trucks this year is the Daimler Trucks #1 initiative, which is expected to generate positive effects amounting to €1.6 billion until the end of 2014. Due to the expected course of market development, this growth will probably occur mainly in the second half of the year.

In 2012 the truck markets were affected by positive as well as negative developments. After many truck markets had posted strong sales increases in the first half of the year, all core markets saw demand increase more slowly or even decline in the third and fourth quarters. In Europe, the sovereign debt crisis and the associated economic downturn led to a marked decline in purchases. Economic constraints also limited demand in the NAFTA region to the procurement of essential replacement vehicles. Although reconstruction activities caused an upswing in Japan following the earthquake, this development slowed considerably in the course of the year. In Brazil, meanwhile, weak economic growth and the introduction of a tougher emissions standard led to a significant drop in unit sales since the beginning of 2012.

Strong growth in North America and Asia

In spite of these difficulties, Daimler Trucks succeeded in further increasing revenues and unit sales, with growth occurring in particular in Asia and the NAFTA region. Revenues rose by 9% worldwide, to €31.4 billion (2011: €28.8 billion). The division sold 462,000 vehicles, or 9% more than in 2011. Sales in the NAFTA region rose by 18% to around 135,000 units (114,000), and in Asia by 21% to 164,000 vehicles (135,000). In Western Europe, Daimler Trucks’ sales declined by 6% to 58,000 units (61,400). The result in Latin America was particularly impacted by the steep contraction of the Brazilian truck market. As a consequence, sales in the region as a whole dropped by around 25% to 46,200 vehicles (61,900).

“We’ve done relatively well in a difficult situation,” says Andreas Renschler, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses. “We substantially increased sales and revenues despite volatile markets, thus demonstrating once again that we are properly positioned. That’s because our global presence enables us to offset the effects of weak markets more effectively.” The division’s EBIT amounted to €1.7 billion, which was around 9% lower than in the prior year, due to lower sales in Brazil and Western Europe as well as scheduled expenses for the current product offensive.

Although some of the markets presented difficult conditions, Daimler Trucks’ innovative range of cutting-edge products met with a good customer response and enabled it, as the global market leader, to increase its share of core markets. In spite of the sovereign debt crisis, the division continued to boost its leading position in Europe (EU 29) to 22.6% (2011: 21.7%) and increased its share of the German market by an even greater percentage to 39.2% (37.5%). In North America, the division strengthened its domination of the market for medium and heavy duty trucks (Class 6-8), which it has held for many years. “In 2012 we countered the headwinds with a fantastic product range that enabled us to remain among the top three manufacturers in all of the core markets and, in some cases, to even improve our position,” says Renschler.

In the development and expansion of its product range, Daimler Trucks proceeds as globally as possible and as locally as necessary. Through the rollout of global platforms and modules, Daimler Trucks can exploit the advantages of its worldwide presence extremely well and offer an optimal product lineup for each customer and market. One example of this is the heavy-duty truck platform on which the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Antos, and Arocs trucks are based. Daimler Trucks is rigorously implementing its shared parts and module strategy, for example in the new models it has launched over the past two years. As a result of the recently presented new Atego, Daimler Trucks also became the first manufacturer in the sector to complete the launch of a full range of Euro VI-compliant trucks. What’s more, this was achieved eight months before the new emissions standard goes into effect on January 1, 2014.

Daimler Trucks #1 excellence initiative launched

To safeguard its leading position as a global truck manufacturer and also achieve top profitability values, the division launched the Daimler Trucks #1 (DT#1) initiative in mid-2012. The initiative is part of the Global Excellence Strategy, which has guided the division’s actions since 2005. DT#1 consists of a range of programs that are tailored to the needs of the various business units (Trucks EU/LA, Trucks NAFTA, Trucks Asia, and Global Powertrain), as well as cross-business approaches. All of these measures aim to generate total improvements of €1.6 billion for Daimler Trucks by the end of 2014. Although some of these improvements will be achieved through higher sales and earnings, the reduction of fixed, material, production, and quality-related costs will also play an important role.

One element of the DT#1 initiative is the development of an integrated business model for Asia. “The aim is to exploit as much growth and synergy potential as possible in procurement, production, sales, and the product range,” says Renschler. Among other things, the division plans to produce robust Fuso brand trucks in Chennai, India, and export them – for example to markets in Asia and Africa.

Outlook: World market for medium and heavy-duty trucks expected to grow slightly

Daimler Trucks once again expects its business to get only limited support from economic developments this year. The prospects are particularly dim in the industrialized countries, which suffer from risks ranging from the euro crisis to the federal debt dispute in the U.S. This year the global economy will once again be primarily driven by the emerging markets, which are expected to contribute around three fourths of the world’s economic growth of 2.5 or, at best, 3 percent. The demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks is therefore expected to increase in 2013. It currently seems that the worst is probably over for the truck sector in the emerging markets, and in Brazil and India in particular, and demand is expected to stabilize in the triad later this year.

Daimler Trucks expects the market for medium and heavy-duty trucks (Class 6 to 8) to contract by 5 to 10% in the NAFTA region. In Europe, the demand for medium and heavy-duty trucks is forecast to decline by up to 5%, while the Japanese market is expected to remain at roughly last year’s level.

The market will probably improve considerably in Brazil. Following difficult developments in 2012, the country’s overall economic prospects have now improved substantially and the government will continue to offer favorable financing terms for commercial vehicles. As a result, Brazil’s truck market might increase by up to 10%.

“The year 2013 will be challenging on the whole and business has been rather sluggish in the first few months. However, in the second half of the year the markets should gather momentum”, says Renschler. In view of these market developments and the full availability of Euro VI-compliant Mercedes-Benz medium and heavy-duty trucks in Europe, Renschler expects Daimler Trucks to increase its sales, market share, and profits in 2013.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Record-breaking, high performance year for Mercedes-Benz UK

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• Mercedes-Benz is the fastest growing premium brand in the UK
• Record market share achieved by Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in 2012
• 4.5 per cent market share by the end of the year – strongest result ever
• Mercedes-Benz UK has seen 10 per cent year-on-year growth
• AMG the fastest growing performance brand in the UK
• AMG records its best-ever year in the UK with 2,236 cars registered - a rise of 119.6 per cent
• Total registrations of 91,006 cars in 2012 – C-Class ninth best-selling car in overall UK market with 37,261 examples registered
• December registrations of 5,187 cars
• B-Class, C-Class range, SLK-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and S-Class all recorded significant rises in registrations
• smart fortwo posts 11.3 per cent rise in registrations in 2012
• Commercial Vehicles finishes year in strong position with Actros achieving 2,201 registrations
• Sprinter and Vito each continue to outperform market with 7.8 per cent and 15.1 per cent rises in registrations in 2012 – ahead of introduction of new Citan small van

Mercedes-Benz has recorded its best-ever new car registrations market share in the UK, according to year-end figures released today by the SMMT.

The company’s record-breaking 4.5 per cent market share was posted in 2012 with the C-Class Coupé, the SLK-Class, E-Class Cabriolet, CLS-Class Coupé and the S-Class each leading their respective market segments.

For the second year in a row Mercedes-Benz has seen double-digit growth.

While the record year was led by spectacular performances from core models within the Mercedes-Benz range – including the C-Class, which finished the year as the ninth overall best-selling car in 2012 - the AMG performance division of Mercedes-Benz also set new records. AMG posted its best ever year in the UK with registrations rising by 119.6 per cent, making it the fastest growing performance brand in the UK.

The S-Class finished 2012 as the Number One luxury car in the UK – capturing a substantial 30.5 per cent share of its segment.

Strong sales of the smart fortwo led to a rise of 11.3 per cent for the year with a total of 5,616 cars registered in 2012.

In total, Mercedes-Benz UK registered 91,006 cars in 2012, a rise of 12.1 per cent – making it one of the most successful years ever recorded outperforming the overall new car market, which increased by 5.3 per cent.

The positive news continues for Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles. The new Actros truck achieved 2,201 registrations in its first year on sale. Likewise, van registrations saw a significant rise – Sprinter and Vito each continue to outperform market with 7.8 per cent and 15.1 per cent gains in registrations in 2012.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK commented: “This is an excellent result – 2012 saw us post record market share results. I would like to express my appreciation to the sales and customer service teams at our passenger car retailers and CV dealers across the country whose tireless efforts serving and supporting our customers have made this possible.

“In a sophisticated and demanding market we’ve done a great job in not only defending our market position but also increasing it. Everyone within my team at Mercedes-Benz in the UK will be working hard to make sure this is sustained – that in 2013 we meet and exceed the expectations of our car, van and truck customers and build on the momentum achieved in 2012.”

RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR MERCEDES-BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES

Positive momentum – and new records - were reported in other parts of the Mercedes-Benz UK business as 2012 drew to a close with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services leading the way.

New customer loans to both private and business for Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle Dealer partners continued to break records in 2012 ending with Mercedes-Benz Financial Services achieving a portfolio growth of 24 per cent.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services continued to be ranked joint Number One in the Sewells 2012 Dealer Satisfaction Survey. The is reflected by six out of 10 Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars and four out of 10 Mercedes-Benz Vans, Trucks and Canter in the UK being financed by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Year-on-year lending for Commercial Vehicles grew by 37 per cent in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Insurance continues to outperform the industry average with eight out of 10 Mercedes-Benz Motor Insurance customers renewing their annual policies with Mercedes-Benz. In addition, 21 per cent more new motor insurance policies were taken up in 2012 than 2011.

2012 AND BEYOND: MERCEDES-BENZ APPRENTICE ACADEMY

In 2012, 159 apprentices joined the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Programme – selected from a total of 11,500 applications. The Programme, now in its 18th year, provides investment and is dedicated to inspire and equip the next generation of young engineering technicians and advisors with the skills required to work with and on modern vehicles.

Those joining in 2012 started on a three-year programme – at the end of which they will aim to achieve Level Three nationally-recognised VCQ and VRQ qualifications.

Since the course began, 1,164 apprentices have graduated from The Apprentice Academy with 60 per cent remaining at Mercedes-Benz 10 years on.

The Programme is supported by a £2.1 million investment in a new facility in which to house The Apprentice Academy.

A recent Ofsted inspection awarded the Programme a Grade One Outstanding for the ‘Outcomes for Learners’.

MERCEDES-BENZ CUSTOMER SERVICE GROUP: EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Customer Satisfaction scores for commercial vehicles – rated by customers - improved by 10 per cent in 2012 – part of the commitment by Mercedes-Benz to deliver the best possible levels of care for its customers.

Service 24 hour programme for commercial vehicles continues to set benchmarks with attendance times below 60-minutes and over 80 per cent of call-outs being fixed at the roadside.

Parts Sales for commercial vehicles exceeded 2011 levels with Canter parts growing by almost 17 per cent.

Parts sales for passenger cars grew by 2.6 per cent while Mercedes-Benz Accessories sales grew by 19 per cent – making the UK the second highest performing market outside of Germany.

Likewise, it’s been a busy and successful year for Mercedes-Benz Service Contracts. In May the milestone of 100,000 live contracts across car, van and truck was passed, and the year has seen a further 10 per cent rise in new additions.

A total of 11 per cent of all new cars, a quarter of all new vans and more than 41 per cent of all new trucks are sold with a Service Care plan or Service Contract.

Overall across new, used and in-service vehicles, Mercedes-Benz sold over 40,000 Car Service Care plans, almost 9,000 Van Contracts and more than 4,250 Truck Contracts.

GAINS IN NEW AND USED CAR SALES: MERCEDES-BENZ RETAIL GROUP

Along with a record market share for 2012 and strong registrations, the Mercedes-Benz Retail Group enjoyed an encouraging year.

More new Mercedes-Benz cars were sold to retail customers through the 18 franchise sales sites than in 2011 - up by 18 per cent.

A total of 10,770 sales of new Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were achieved by the MBRG Fleet Sales Division – an incredible gain of 38 per cent over 2011.

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD: SIX YEARS YOUNG AND GROWING FAST

In its sixth year, Mercedes-Benz World continued to thrive.

New driving experiences were added – including the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series. The Under 16s Programme also continued to be popular with over 108,000 children having taken part – covering over a million miles in the process – since 2007.

Mercedes-Benz World hosted the international launch of the CLS Shooting Brake in 2012 as well as becoming the permanent home to two new interactive exhibitions – Driven and smart World.

The new Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience Centre, aimed at young drivers, also opened at Silverstone - housed in state-of-the-art facilities and expanding the driving experiences on offer under 16s.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK commented: “I’m looking forward to 2013 a great deal – we have the exciting new A-Class arriving now, as well as exciting new cars in the new CLA, the new-generation E-Class and, of course, a new S-Class. We’re entering new segments – a new small van, the Citan, is now in showrooms – all appealing to new customers who we look forward to welcoming. On the larger side, Antos heralds the next step in the story of our new truck range. With the strongest family of vehicles we’ve ever had and competitive new finance and service contract offers to make a Mercedes-Benz ownership more enjoyable, more convenient and more affordable to run than ever before, we enter the New Year with optimism – and more, importantly, the right tools for the job!”

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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Mercedes-Benz posts new sales record in 2012

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Following record sales in the previous year, Mercedes-Benz Cars has once again posted an annual record in 2012 as well as the highest December sales to date. Over the past twelve months, 1,423,835 customers chose a vehicle of the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach. The previous year's sales volumes were thus exceeded by 4.5% or 60,901 units. Also Mercedes-Benz achieved a new sales record in 2012. From January through December, a total of 1,320,097 vehicles of the core brand were sold.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “We are very pleased with our sales for the full year 2012. Despite the difficult market environment in the southern European countries and numerous model change-overs, we managed to exceed the previous year's sales record. Our new models in particular were received extremely well by our customers. From the B-Class, more vehicles were sold in 2012 than ever before in a single year, the A-Class got off to a sensational start and our new SUVs are also enjoying lasting popularity.”

Product initiative will be continued

The company expects the positive trend to continue in the next year. Dr. Zetsche adds: “With our product initiative in the premium segment, we will consistently pursue our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy in 2013. With the new S-Class, the new E-Class but also the new CLA, we will present our customers a complete series of fascinating product highlights. In addition, our new A-Class will also be available in many additional markets. All of this will continue to provide us with momentum in the upcoming months.”

Record sales in all NAFTA countries

As in the past two years, Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. once again posted double-digit growth in sales in 2012 (+11.8%). With 274,134 vehicles sold, the company secured a new sales record. In addition, the U.S. replaced Germany as the brand's biggest market. Mercedes-Benz also posted new sales records for the full year 2012 in Mexico and Canada, the other countries of the NAFTA region. At 30,106 units, sales in Canada were 5.3% higher than the previous year's record. In Mexico, the 2011 sales high was even topped by 21.5%.

China, Russia and Middle East region with new sales records; Japan with high growth rates
Despite limited availability of the GLK due to the production break at BBAC lasting several weeks during the first half of the year and the successive introduction of the new B-Class beginning only in August, Mercedes-Benz posted a new sales record in China (incl. Hong Kong) (196,211 u., +1.5%) also in 2012. The company also posted a sales record in South Korea and Australia, where sales increased by 6.5% respectively 5.4% for the full year. In Russia, Mercedes-Benz achieved the best year of sales since market entrance with a double-digit growth in 2012.

In the Middle East region, customer response was also excellent in the full year 2012. Sales here grew by 16.8%, posting a new sales record.

Sales in Japan have demonstrated very dynamic growth in the past twelve months. No other importer of premium vehicles delivered more vehicles to customers than Mercedes-Benz. With 40,488 units sold, the previous year's level was exceeded by 24.9%.

Mercedes-Benz with highest number of new vehicle registrations in Germany for the past 20 years; sales up in Western Europe

Mercedes-Benz has now been the premium brand with the highest number of new vehicle registrations in Germany for the past 20 years. At 261,084 units, sales in the domestic market last year were on the high level of the previous year (-0.4%) despite the model change of the high volume A-Class model. In Western Europe (without Germany), 2012 was characterized by the difficult market environment in Southern Europe. Still Mercedes-Benz was able to top the sales volumes of the previous year (293,713 u.; +1.5%) due to the favourable customer response to the new models and CO2 optimized engines. Customer demand in the UK (+10.5%), Switzerland (+21.1%) and France (+5.8%) showed a particularly positive trend. In the southern European markets of Italy, Spain and Portugal, the brand with the star performed significantly better than the respective total markets, thus gaining additional market shares.

New compacts received extremely well by customers – record sales for the new B-Class

The new B-Class celebrated a resounding success in its first full year of availability. Never before more vehicles have been sold than in 2012 (145,649 u.). The previous record set in 2006 was thus outdone by 11.4%. Compared to the previous year, growth was actually 51.2%. With the increased availability of the new A-Class, sales of the young compacts continue to gain momentum. Since its sales release, over 90,000 orders have already been recorded for the vehicle.

C-Class segment continues to grow

After posting double-digit growth in the previous year, Mercedes-Benz again posted a significant increase in sales in the C-Class segment (413,193 u.) with 3.0% in the 2012 reporting year. The C-Class coupe performed particularly well over the past twelve months. With 48,145 buyers in 2012, plus 77.3% chose the sporty two-door model compared to the previous year. The SLK was once again popular from January through December. With 31,809 new cars delivered, the roadster's sales volume increased by 18.9%. Both the C-Class coupe and the SLK were also the highest selling vehicles in their respective segments in 2012.

CLS with strong sales performance in the E-Class segment

In the year before the market launch of the new E-Class, 225,521 vehicles of the sedan and the estate were sold (previous year: 244,341 u.). In total, 310,408 new vehicles of the E-Class segment were sold (previous year: 338,386 u.). The CLS was the top performing model in the E-Class segment in 2012 and was also the front runner in its competitive segment. In October, an entirely new vehicle concept celebrated its premiere with the CLS Shooting Brake, once again highlighting the leading role of Mercedes-Benz in the field of design. Overall, 36,825 units (+13.2%) of the four-door coupe were sold.

S-Class again best-selling luxury sedan in the world

Even in the year before its model change-over, the S-Class sedan was once again the most sought-after vehicle in its segment with 65,128 units sold (previous year: 68,969 u.). In the S-Class segment, the new SL was also particularly popular with customers over the past twelve months. In total, sales of the sporty roadster more than tripled.

In the last year of its availability, the Maybach was very popular with the customers. Overall, 234 luxury models were delivered to new owners, 12.0% more than in the previous year.

A success story continues – Mercedes-Benz SUVs post another record year

After the SUVs from Mercedes-Benz had already stormed from one sales record to the next in 2011, the previous year's record sales volume was topped again by 16.6% (289,960 u.) in 2012. Thus, one in five Mercedes-Benz cars sold last year was an SUV. Mainly responsible for this trend was the new M-Class, which increased its sales by almost one third (115,608 u.; +29.8%) and the facelifted GLK (109,813 u.; +17.0%). From January to December, the M-Class was even the highest selling vehicle in its competitive class. In 2012, the facelifted G-Class was also popular. With a 35.8% increase in sales, more G-Class vehicles were sold than ever before in a single calendar year.

Mercedes-Benz AMG posts new sales record

As in the past years, the sales volume of Mercedes-Benz AMG also developed favourably in 2012. With over 24,500 units sold, over 30% more customers opted for a performance vehicle than in the previous year. In the scope of the AMG Performance 50 growth strategy, AMG plans to increase sales to approximately 30,000 vehicles by 2017, thus continuing to hold the top position in this refined and exclusive segment.

smart fortwo again surpasses 100,000 milestone

Last year, 103,738 customers chose a new smart fortwo. With this, the previous year's outstanding sales volumes were not only met but exceeded by 1.7%. Dr. Zetsche: “The smart fortwo has once again managed to exceed our expectations, surpassing the milestone of 100,000 vehicles sold despite the difficult market environment in Southern Europe.” Over the last twelve months, the micro compact car performed particularly well primarily in the U.S. (+92.2%), China (incl. Hong Kong) (+43.8%) and Canada (+29.0%).

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

Credits: Daimler AG

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Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-ever U.S. Volume with Sales of 305,072 Vehicles

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Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest year on record with 305,072 vehicles sold in 2012, representing a 15.4% increase over the 264,460 vehicles sold during the same period in 2011. The Mercedes-Benz model line alone also recorded a record year with sales of 274,134 for the year, up 11.8%. Smart and Sprinter model lines both achieved their highest volumes under the MBUSA umbrella with smart sales increasing 92.2% to 10,009 while a record month for Sprinter took the brand to 20,929 for 2012, an increase of 26.3%.

"A strong product offensive backed our retail network's commitment to providing a world-class ownership experience put the wind at our back and enabled us to outperform the market and take the brand to new heights in the U.S.," said Steve Cannon, president & CEO of MBUSA. "We're going to ride that momentum into 2013 with new products across the entire model line from entry point to flagship."

For December, the Mercedes-Benz product line alone posted sales of 28,145 vehicles (up 9.5% from 25,701 in December 2011) bringing MBUSA sales to a best-ever 31,372, up 12.0% from the 28,006 vehicles sold in December 2011.

Strong sales were recorded across the model line. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – recorded its highest year on record with sales of 81,697, up 17.9% over its year-to-date volume in 2011. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 65,171, and the M-Class, MBUSA's top-selling SUV, rounded out the top three with sales of 38,101.

For December, sales at the high-end increased as well, with combined sales of S-, CL- and SL-Class vehicles increasing 18.9% percent to 17,416 (when compared to the 14,650 vehicles sold in 2011).

Separately, sales of Sprinter Vans increased by 39.9% for the month with sales of 2,231 compared to the 1,595 vehicles sold in December 2011.

Sales of the smart fortwo totaled 996 vehicles in December, up 40.3% for the month (compared to the 710 vehicles sold in December 2011).

Sales of the high-performance AMG models were 6,658 for the year a 27.5% increase of the 5,220 vehicles sold over the same period last year.

Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were up 7.4% for the year at 15,416 compared to the 14,358 diesels sold in 2011.

Additionally, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,949 vehicles in December; an increase of 13.7% when compared to December 2011 (sales of 6,112 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 80,380 vehicles, an increase of 7.8% over the comparable period (with sales of 74,571 vehicles).

Mercedes-Benz December 2012 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

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Daimler Financial Services heads for record year - contract volume will double by 2020

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Daimler Financial Services once again expects to achieve
record business results in 2012. In the first ten months of the year,
Daimler’s financial services subsidiary posted all-time highs for new
business and contract volume, and its operating profit (EBIT) rose
above €1 billion for the first time in the first three quarters. EBIT
therefore surpassed even last year’s all-time high, and the company
expects it to rise to around €1.3 billion for the year as a whole. “We
are on course to set a new record, and we want to achieve strong
growth even when the overall economy is weak,” said Board of
Management Chairman Klaus Entenmann in Stuttgart on Monday.
On average, Daimler Financial Services finances or leases four out of
ten Daimler vehicles worldwide. During the first ten months of the
year, the company’s new business (i.e. the value of all of the leasing
and financing contracts concluded in 2012 to date) rose to the
record value of €30.9 billion (+15 percent). Contract volume, which
is the value of all of the leasing and financing contracts managed by
the company, also set a new record, amounting to €77.5 billion (+18
percent) during the same period. In addition, Daimler Financial
Services brokered more insurance policies than ever before. In fact,
the number of new contracts increased by 14 percent to more than
860,000. Thanks to close collaboration with major insurance
partners, Mercedes customers can benefit from customized
insurance solutions which ensure that damaged automobiles are
repaired in authorized workshops by experts using genuine spare
parts.

As part of its DFS 2020 strategy, Daimler Financial Services plans to
continue to grow profitably in the coming years. „Until the end of the
decade, we want to nearly double our worldwide contract volume
compared to 2011“, said Entenmann. Important growth drivers
include the expansion of the company’s business in Asia, the
Daimler Group’s product offensives and the increase in the range of
innovative mobility services. The company expects to post especially
strong growth in the Asia-Pacific region, where its new business rose
by 23 percent to €4.4 billion in the first ten months of 2012,
compared to the same period last year. In August, the company
became the first premium automobile manufacturer to offer leasing
products in China. In addition, the company successfully launched
its financing business in India for Daimler’s new locally produced
truck brand, BharatBenz. In November 2012, the company also
kicked off its financing business in Malaysia, which is an important
southeast Asian market with more than 28 million inhabitants.

Daimler Financial Services is also set to grow in Europe and the
Americas. In both regions, the company concluded substantially
more new leasing and financing contracts through October than in
past years. New business amounted to €14.9 billion (+ 13 percent)
in Europe and to €11.6 billion (+17 percent) in the Americas. “We
want to grow in our traditional core markets in the wake of Daimler’s
current product offensives,” said Entenmann. With its new compact
models, Daimler particularly wants to reach young customers, who are
especially open to financing and leasing offers. For the new
Mercedes-Benz A-Class, for example, the company is offering target
group-appropriate all-in-one packages that include financing,
insurance and service.

Daimler Financial Services sees additional growth opportunities in
the area of innovative mobility services. Its subsidiary car2go GmbH
is now represented in 15 cities in Europe and North America. In
addition, it has a total of over 220,000 customers, which is almost
four times more than at the beginning of 2012. “We want to enable
even more people to use car2go, which is why we plan to be
represented in more than 50 cities by the middle of the decade,”
said Entenmann. A car2go vehicle is rented about every four-and-a-half
seconds on average in the cities in which the service is
provided. Over the long term, Daimler Financial Services also plans
to offer additional innovative mobility services. “We want to expand
from a automotive financial services company to a provider of
mobility services,” said Entenmann. “Ultimately, our imagination is
not limited to car2go.”
Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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