Mercedes-Benz reported an 8% year-on-year decline in third-quarter car sales as weak demand in China continued to weigh on the German luxury automaker.
The company delivered 407,200 cars between July and September, according to its latest sales update.
U.S. and European Sales Show Growth
Despite the overall decline, Mercedes-Benz recorded stronger sales in several major markets.
Car sales in the United States increased by 6% compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, European sales rose by 5%, providing some support to the company’s global performance.
Mercedes-Benz Sales in China Drop 31%
China remained the biggest challenge for Mercedes-Benz during the quarter.
Sales in the country fell sharply by 31% year-on-year to 86,800 vehicles. The decline reflects difficult market conditions in one of the company’s most important luxury car markets.
Top-End Vehicle Sales Decline
Mercedes-Benz also reported weaker performance in its Top-End segment.
Quarterly sales in the category fell 21% to 53,900 vehicles. The company attributed the decline to softer market conditions in China as well as ongoing model changeovers.
Electric Vehicle Sales Jump 52%
However, Mercedes-Benz recorded strong growth in battery-electric vehicle sales.
Group sales of fully electric cars and vans surged 52% to 78,100 units during the quarter. The increase highlights growing demand for the company’s electric vehicle lineup despite weakness in its broader car business.
