Mercedes-Benz March Sales Higher Than Ever Before

Mercedes-Benz delivered 198,921 cars to customers in March, more than ever before in one month

Mercedes-Benz increased its unit sales in March by 8.4% to 198,921 vehicles. More cars were handed over to customers than ever before in one month. The Stuttgart based company with the three-pointed star also achieved the best first quarter in its history with total sales of 483,487 units (+12.6%).

Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, exterior: brilliant blue, AMG Line; interior: crystal grey Fuel consumption (l/100 km) urban/ex urban/combined: 10.9/6.3/8.0 combined CO2 emissions: 181 g/km

Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, exterior: brilliant blue, AMG Line; interior: crystal grey Fuel consumption (l/100 km) urban/ex urban/combined: 10.9/6.3/8.0 combined CO2 emissions: 181 g/km

Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing & Sales: “Mercedes-Benz posted the strongest unit sales in the company’s history in March. And we remain on track. We have just presented two new vehicles without predecessors: the C-Class Cabriolet and the GLC Coupé.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market

Sales in Europe totalled 97,748 units in March (+9.8%), of which 28,316 vehicles were delivered to customers in Germany (+4.4%). In the first quarter, Mercedes-Benz achieved double-digit growth in Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and Portugal. Mercedes-Benz was the market leader among the premium manufacturers in Portugal in March.

In the Asia-Pacific region, 63,888 customers took delivery of their car with the three-pointed star in March. Unit sales thus increased by 17.9% compared with the prior-year month. In China, 38,133 units were sold in the third month of the year, an increase of 26.6%. New records were achieved for unit sales in March and in the first quarter in China, South Korea, Australia and Taiwan. In Japan, Australia and Taiwan, Mercedes-Benz maintained its market leadership among the premium manufacturers in March.

Mercedes-Benz sales in the NAFTA region totalled 32,856 units in March. In the USA, the Stuttgart based company with the three-pointed star handed over 28,164 vehicles to customers. In Canada and Mexico, Mercedes-Benz achieved new records for unit sales last month. Mercedes-Benz maintained its position as the market leased among the premium manufacturers in March.

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by model

Mercedes-Benz achieved growth in unit sales of 21.9% for its compact cars compared with the prior-year month: in March, 66,930 customers took delivery of their new A- or B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake or GLA, a new record. More than 150,000 compact cars were sold in the first quarter (+25.8%). At the New York International Auto Show, the CLA Facelift was presented for the first time.

Unit sales of C-Class Saloon and Estate surpassed 40,000 units in March. The C-Class segment is being strengthened with the new C-Class Cabriolet. It debuted at the Geneva Motor Show and is the new entry model into the cabriolet world of Mercedes-Benz.

Demand for the E-Class Saloon and Estate remained high shortly before the model change. In March, the E-Class Saloon and Estate were among the best-selling models of Mercedes-Benz. The new E-Class Saloon will be in the dealerships’ showrooms as of April 9.

The S-Class maintained its position as the world’s best-selling luxury saloon also in the first quarter of this year.

The SUVs continue to contribute to the growth of Mercedes-Benz. In March, 62,595 customers worldwide received their new SUV (+44.4%), more than ever before. Growth in March was particularly strong in China, the USA, Germany and Great Britain. The SUV family will be expanded with the new GLC Coupé, which recently had its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show.

smart

Unit sales of the smart fortwo and the smart forfour reached to a total of 16,114 cars in March, an increase of 34.5%. That was more of the city car than had ever been sold before in the month of March. Demand was especially strong in Italy and Great Britain; unit sales nearly doubled in both countries. The new smart convertible became available from dealerships on time for the start of spring.

Daimler Confirms Aston Martin Partnership Possibility

Daimler AG is in early talks with Aston Martin on supply and technical-cooperation agreements

Daimler AG spokeswoman, Silke Walters, confirmed that the German manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz luxury autos, is in early talks with Aston Martin on supply and technical-cooperation agreements. But, declining to go into specific details, Walters said that “while both sides know and respect each other very much, no decisions have been made”.  Discussions also involve Aston Martin owners Investindustrial Advisers SpA and Investment Dar Co., Walters said.

After years of talks between Daimler and Aston Martin, the deal is now being pushed as London-based Investindustrial, a European private-equity fund that acquired 37.5 percent holding in Aston Martin for $250 million, prefers Daimler as their partner for a supply deal.  This according to a person familiar with the discussions said. Even with Investindustrial’s preference towards Daimler, a final agreement isn’t imminent, the same person said, asking to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the talks.

Aston Martin is the only global luxury auto brand that does not belong to a larger manufacturing group, making it extremely difficult to match competitors’ lower costs for creating models. With its new backing by Investindustrial, Aston Martin laid out its plans to invest $777 million over the next four years in order to compete with Volkswagen AG’s Bentley and Fiat SpA’s Ferrari and Maserati. Via: Bloomberg

Daimler, Ford and Renault-Nissan Ink Fuel Cell Agreement

Daimler, Ford & Renault-Nissan sign agreement that will accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell EV technology

Daimler, Ford and Nissan have officially signed an agreement that will help accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicle technology.

The goal of the alliance is to jointly develop a common fuel cell electric vehicle system while reducing investment costs associated with the engineering of the technology. Each company will invest equally towards the project. The strategy to maximize design commonality, leverage volume and derive efficiencies through economies of scale will help to launch the world’s first affordable, mass-market FCEVs as early as 2017.

Together, Daimler, Ford and Nissan have more than 60 years of cumulative experience developing FCEVs. Their FCEVs have logged more than 10 million km in test drives around the world in customers’ hands and as part of demonstration projects in diverse conditions. The partners plan to develop a common fuel cell stack and fuel cell system that can be used by each company in the launch of highly differentiated, separately branded FCEVs, which produce no CO2 emissions while driving.

The collaboration sends a clear signal to suppliers, policymakers and the industry to encourage further development of hydrogen refueling stations and other infrastructure necessary to allow the vehicles to be mass-marketed.

Powered by electricity generated from hydrogen and oxygen, FCEVs emit only water while driving. FCEVs are considered complementary to today’s battery-electric vehicles and will help expand the range of zero-emission transportation options available to consumers.

“Fuel cell electric vehicles are the obvious next step to complement today’s battery electric vehicles as our industry embraces more sustainable transportation,” said Mitsuhiko Yamashita, Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., supervising Research and Development. “We look forward to a future where we can answer many customer needs by adding FCEVs on top of battery EVs within the zero-emission lineup.”

“We are convinced that fuel cell vehicles will play a central role for zero-emission mobility in the future. Thanks to the high commitment of all three partners we can put fuel cell e-mobility on a broader basis. This means with this cooperation we will make this technology available for many customers around the globe”, said Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

“Working together will significantly help speed this technology to market at a more affordable cost to our customers,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development, Ford Motor Company. “We will all benefit from this relationship as the resulting solution will be better than any one company working alone.”

Engineering work on both the fuel cell stack and the fuel cell system will be done jointly by the three companies at several locations around the world. The partners are also studying the joint development of other FCEV components to generate even further synergies.

The unique collaboration across three continents and three companies will help define global specifications and component standards, an important prerequisite for achieving higher economies of scale.


How a fuel cell electric vehicle works

Like today’s battery-electric vehicles, FCEVs are more efficient than conventional cars and diversify energy sources beyond petroleum.

The electricity for an FCEV is produced on board the vehicle in the fuel cell stack where it is generated following an electro-chemical reaction between hydrogen – stored in a purpose-designed, high-pressure tank in the car – and oxygen from the air. The only by-products are water vapor and heat.

Stephen Cannon Named Mercedes-Benz USA President and CEO

Cannon will have overall responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Sprinter and smart brands in the United States

MBUSA announced  Thursday that the Daimler Board of Management appointed Stephen Cannon as Mercedes-Benz USA’s new president and CEO as of January 1, 2012. Cannon is replacing Ernst Lieb who held the position of President and CEO of MBUSA from September 2006 to October 2011. The announcement was made by Dr. Joachim Schmidt, executive vice president of sales & marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars in Stuttgart, Germany, and is also who Cannon will report to.

In his new role as head honcho at MBUSA, Stephen Cannon will have overall responsibility for the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, Sprinter and smart brands in the United States. He will lead MBUSA’s 1,700 plus employees and 356 dealers throughout the U.S.

Cannon’s most recent post was vice president of marketing for MBUSA with overall responsibility for marketing communications, market research and product management of the Mercedes-Benz and Maybach brands in the U.S.

Cannon began his automotive career in 1991 as executive assistant to the president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz of North America (predecessor to MBUSA). From there, Cannon moved to Stuttgart and joined a small team tasked with the development, manufacturing and launch of the M-Class, the first Mercedes-Benz SUV ever made in and for this market.

In the interim, before returning to Mercedes-Benz here in the U.S., Cannon served as director of marketing for debis Financial Services (later Daimler Financial Services) and then held key positions in retail and e-business consultancies. He also served as principal for The Richards Group, one of the largest independent full-service advertising agencies in the U.S. before joining MBUSA in his current position.

Cannon has a bachelor of science degree in economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point where he graduated with honors. He is a United States Army Airborne Ranger and served as 1st Lieutenant in West Germany during the fall of the Iron Curtain. Cannon and his family live in Connecticut.

Dieter Zetsche Keynote Speaker at 2012 International CES

The Consumer Electronics Association announced that Dieter Zetsche will deliver a keynote address at the 2012 International CES

Mercedes-Benz top boss and Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche will deliver the keynote address at the 2012 International CES. The 2012 show marks Mercedes-Benz’ first International CES keynote address.

Dieter Zetsche was named Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG in January 2006. He has held several executive positions since joining Daimler AG’s research division in 1976, including chief engineer of Mercedes-Benz, Brazil, president of Mercedes-Benz, Argentina and president of Freightliner, USA. In 2000, he became CEO and president of the Chrysler Group. Dr. Zetsche has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG since December 1998.

“Dieter Zetsche is an iconic and instrumental leader in the automotive sector, where innovative technology unveiled each year at CES is a vital component of today’s driving experience,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “We are thrilled to welcome the innovation leader Mercedes-Benz to the 2012 CES keynote program and look forward to hearing Dieter’s vision on the interplay between automotive innovation and the digital realm.”

Zetsche will speak at 11 a.m. PST Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

Daimler Chairman Dieter Zetsche to Deliver Keynote Address at 2012 International CES

Zetsche’s CES Keynote to Address the Future of Automobiles in the Digital Realm

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced today that Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, will deliver a keynote address at the 2012 International CES®. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, will be held January 10-13, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Zetsche’s keynote address is slated for 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater. The 2012 show marks Mercedes-Benz’ first International CES keynote address. All 2012 CES keynotes will take place in The Venetian and The Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

“Dieter Zetsche is an iconic and instrumental leader in the automotive sector, where innovative technology unveiled each year at CES is a vital component of today’s driving experience,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “We are thrilled to welcome the innovation leader Mercedes-Benz to the 2012 CES keynote program and look forward to hearing Dieter’s vision on the interplay between automotive innovation and the digital realm.”

Automotive technology will be a major focus at the 2012 CES. Electric vehicle technologies, products and services will be featured in the GoElectricDrive TechZone. In addition, the Location Based Services TechZone will return to the CES show floor as the premier location for providers of current location-based custom technologies in both portable and in-car navigation devices. The Safe Driver TechZone will also be featured at the 2012 CES, and will highlight products that assist in auto collision avoidance, land drift assistance, parking, speed monitoring, hands-free, text-to-voice, driver drowsiness detection and more.

Dieter Zetsche was named Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG in January 2006. He has held several executive positions since joining Daimler AG’s research division in 1976, including chief engineer of Mercedes-Benz, Brazil, president of Mercedes-Benz, Argentina and president of Freightliner, USA. In 2000, he became CEO and president of the Chrysler Group. Dr. Zetsche has been a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG since December 1998.

The relationship between the automotive and consumer technology markets continues to grow. In 2010, shipment revenues of total automotive technology surpassed $9 billion as factory-installed systems totaled more than $5.5 billion. This year, CEA estimates total automotive shipment revenues will exceed $9.3 billion, while shipment revenues of factory-installed systems will total more than $5.9 billion.

For more information and to register for the 2012 International CES, please visit www.CESweb.org.

Future of Maybach to Be Decided at the End of July

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche confirmed this month that Daimler has been in discussions with Aston Martin

Daimler, Mercedes-Benz’ parent company, decided to delay their decision regarding the future of their super luxury brand, Maybach. The decision of whether to turn Maybach into a subbrand of Mercedes-Benz will be delayed by about a month when the Daimler supervisory board is next scheduled to meet. Daimler originally said it would decide the fate of Maybach by July 1.

Folding Maybach into Mercedes-Benz is now under consideration. Under that scenario, Maybach would be a subbrand, like AMG, and the Maybach name would be used for Mercedes’ top-of-the-line versions of its S-Class, GL-Class and CL-Class vehicles with only minor design changes.

According to three company sources, Daimler is still considering a partnership with Aston Martin in which the British car maker would produce the second-generation Maybach. Aston Martin has so far created four concepts for Daimler based on the next-generation S-class architecture.

The Daimler source also said a third option of killing Maybach brand is also on the table.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche confirmed this month that Daimler has been in discussions with Aston Martin, with no other potential partners emerging as possibilities.

We will keep you up to date on Maybach’s future as reports roll in.

Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin Partner to Build Maybach and Lagondas

Daimler and Aston Martin have signed an engine and platform sharing agreement according to a recent report by Car and Driver

Daimler and Aston Martin have signed an engine and platform sharing agreement according to a recent report by Car and Driver. Rumors of this partnership have been alive since 2008, but if the report is correct, Aston Marting will build the redesigned Maybach in their Gaydon, England factory.

The report also states that the new Maybach models will be built atop the Mercedes-Benz S-Class platform that is set to be previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year.

As for what Aston Martin will be getting out of this partnership, technology in the way of platforms, drivetrain and other equipment. This technology will be used on the new Lagonda lineup, including a sedan built alongside the Maybach line as well as a GL-based crossover. The real question that remains is whether the partnership will extend enough to provide Aston Martin with a new platform to replace the VH architecture on which its entire lineup is now based.

Until we see a signed agreement, we won’t be confirming anything. Chances are however that the Frankfurt Motor Show in September will shed more light on the subject.

Daimler Looking To Fill 10,000 New Jobs Worldwide

Daimler invests in talent for the future with recruitment of 600 trainees and more than 200 students

Daimler plans to recruit more than 10,000 people worldwide in 2011, 4,000 of those jobs in Germany alone. 6,700 skilled workers and approximately 700 graduates will be recruited directly all over the world. The Group is also focusing on gaining talent for the future: As well as taking on approximately 1,900 apprentices, Daimler is also offering positions for 600 trainees in its CAReer trainee program and for more than 200 students at the ‘Duale Hochschule’. Most of those positions will be offered in Germany.

“As the inventor of the automobile, we intend to be at the forefront of shaping the transformation of our industry. That’s why we are making enormous investment not only in research and development, but also in the recruitment and training of the best young talent and skilled workers. We can only deliver top performance with the help of a first-class workforce. Our human resources policy stands on two pillars: the continuous encouragement and support of young talent along with the recruitment of highly qualified skilled workers and graduates with work experience,” stated Wilfried Porth, Daimler’s Board of Management Member for Human Resources and Labor Relations Director.

“With a presence in nearly 200 countries, hardly any other German company is as international as Daimler. We are growing in many regions of the world and want to compete for the best personnel everywhere,” Porth continued.

The direct new recruitment of 6,700 skilled workers will take place worldwide, partially for the new or expanded plants in Hungary, India and Mexico. In the United States, 1,300 new employees will be recruited for the plants of Daimler Trucks North America.

In Germany, Daimler plans to take over approximately 1,900 apprentices when they have passed their final examinations.

In addition, approximately 700 engineers and informatics experts will be taken on in 2011 – for example in the Group’s departments for alternative drive systems, lightweight construction, driver assistance systems and worldwide IT management. More than half of this recruitment will be in Germany. Daimler is mainly seeking mechanical, electrical and informatics engineers for these positions.

Approximately 600 young people will be taken into the Group-wide trainee program, CAReer, thereof 500 in Germany. More than 65 percent of the recruitment for CAReer is in technical areas. During the program, university graduates and career starters with some work experience pass through a total of three national and international project deployments in various parts of the company.

Against the backdrop of ongoing technological changes in the automotive industry, recruitment for the engineering courses at the ‘Duale Hochschule’ has increased continuously in recent years. In 2011, probably more than 200 of those students will start work at Daimler. Daimler has been involved with great success in these university courses combining academic education with practical training since 1972, and was one of the founders of the so called Stuttgart Model, which was the predecessor of the former ‘Berufsakademie’ and today’s ‘Duale Hochschule’.

In addition to the new permanent jobs, approximately 1,800 apprentices will start their job training at Daimler in 2011. Daimler provides 37 percent of the apprenticeships of the German automobile manufacturers and trains young people in 21 technical and 13 commercial occupations. Daimler can look back on a tradition of more than 100 years in the field of occupational training.

As of December 31, 2010, the Daimler Group employed 260,100 people worldwide, thereof 164,000 in Germany. This was 3,700 more worldwide and 1,500 more in Germany than a year before. With regard to the overall workforce development in the year 2011, Daimler assumes that the number of employees worldwide will increase slightly.

More information for job applicants and details of specific positions vacant can be accessed at www.career.daimler.com.

Infinity “Etheria” Coupe with Mercedes Engine Hits the Web

Power for the "Etheria" will come from the Mercedes-Benz 202-horsepower, 1.8-liter CGI turbocharged four-cylinder engine

Back in April, we brought you official word that Daimler AG and Renault/Nissan Alliance formed a strategic cooperation and we are now seeing the fruits of that partnership. Though official details are slim of the all new Infiniti vehicle are slim. So slim, Infiniti doesn’t even specifically give the car a name, however, the images were named “Etheria,” leading us to believe that is what the concept could be called. The press release simply gave the teaser images, along with a quote from Infiniti senior vice president Andy Palmer.

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G line,” said Palmer in the release. “Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.”

Fortunately, MotorTrend got the scoop early from a source familiar with the project, claiming that the concept will be Nissan-Renault’s first major project with their new partner and Mercedes-Benz parent company, Daimler. The small car will take the form of a two-door coupe and will be a B- to C-segment car based on the same chassis as the next-gen Renault Megane and Nissan Tiida. Power will come from the Mercedes-Benz 202-horsepower, 1.8-liter CGI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The final result will be the smallest car that Infiniti has ever produced.

AMG Engines Expected to Power Infiniti’s Performance Line

Nissan's Luxury Line, Infiniti, is considering all options for their Performance Line, including AMG Engines

Back in April, we brought you news of a partnership between Nissan and Daimler and now we have news that certain Infiniti models may carry “Powered by AMG” badges. Nissan’s Luxury Line, Infiniti, is considering all options for their Performance Line, dubbed Infiniti Hot Models by British Magazine Autocar.  Options include styling add-ons to full-blown Performance Hot Models with AMG Engines built on the main production line.

According to Autocar sources, one of the engines under consideration is the new 3.5 liter turbocharged V6 being developed by Mercedes-Benz tuned to around the 400 bhp (406 PS / 298 kW) mark. It would replace the 3.7 liter in the Infiniti G series.

Another would be the 6.3 liter V8 from AMG to power the IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) variant of the M series sedan – a rival to the BMW M5. The price of such an M IPL would be around £60,000 (€70,524/$94,624) in the U.K., making the model competitive with cars like the Jaguar XFR but still below the Mercedes E63 AMG which features the same AMG engine.

Germersheim Global Logistics Center Celebrates Its 20th anniversary

From its inception, the Global Logistics Center in Germersheim was Europe's largest and most modern distribution center for car parts

One of the crucial success factors for any After-Sales Service is the comprehensive and prompt supply of replacement parts. At Daimler AG, this is achieved by a high-performance logistics system. The Global Logistics Center (GLC) in Germersheim in the Southern Palatinate is the hub that ensures this parts supply. The central depot was taken into operation 20 years ago, on July 16th, 1990. Since then, Daimler AG’s GLC, located on a peninsula in the Altrhein River with an area of 1.8 million square meters, has been serving 1,400 customers worldwide with parts and accessories for Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles and passenger cars. From its inception, it was Europe’s largest and most modern distribution center for car parts.

Andreas Moch, Head of the Global Logistics Center: “Pooling the global replacement parts supply for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles in one location was the right step, taken at the right time. Today, we are the largest central depot for car parts in the automotive sector, and we are well prepared to meet any challenges the future may have in store for us. Thanks to our flexible and highly motivated employees, and thanks to our modern logistics systems, we are fully able to meet the demands of our customers.”

Today, the central depot is also responsible for the supply of spare parts for other brands, including Maybach, smart, Mitsubishi FUSO, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge. Since the plant began operations in 1990, the GLC was expanded in several stages, and the storage area has since doubled in size. Together with its branch locations in Wörth, Ettlingen, Offenbach an der Queich and Hatten in France, the GLC has more than a million square meters of storage area, which makes it the largest central car parts depot in the automotive industry worldwide.

Committed employees and a global service network

Germersheim is supplier to the Group’s distributors in Europe and overseas. Overall, the GLC provides more than 1,400 customers in all countries with parts and accessories. From wheel nuts for the smart to a complete bodyshell of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren sports car, the GLC keeps all parts on store – more than 520,000 different parts are available at all times. Another 500,000 parts can be procured upon customer request. Around 2,900 qualified employees work in the GLC. Equipped with mobile communications systems, high-performing materials handling equipment, driverless transport systems and automated order picking systems, they dispatch more than 50,000 order form items per workday. The goods are forwarded by truck, ship or plane. On average, 325 truckloads with a total weight of approximately 1,500 tons leave the GLC each day. Since it began operations in 1990, the GLC has shipped more than 240 million part items all over the world. “Our logistics systems allow us to provide the customers of our premium models with the corresponding premium service”, said the Head of the GLC, Andreas Moch. “These immense flows of goods can be handled because of our sophisticated processes and global network.”

Excellent energy efficiency

Sustainability is firmly entrenched in the day-to-day processes at the Global Logistics Center: Its energy and water consumption, as well as its emissions, are constantly being improved. The energy consumption of the storage area was reduced by more than half in the past twenty years with more efficient facilities and systems being installed. Already in designing the central depot, in the early 1980s, the architects paid attention to ensure that the environment would be subjected to as little strain as possible by the construction and operation of the facility. Approximately EUR 1.8 million were invested into planting the island with trees and shrubs.

24/7 supply with replacement parts

In order to keep replacement part availability worldwide for prompt shipment, and to put vehicles back on the road as quickly as possible, the GLC provides its spare parts services on a 24/7 basis. On-call staff ensures that in emergencies, a large share of the product range can be ordered and delivered even on weekends or public holidays.

Replacement parts are available many years after end of production

Besides ensuring that the current model series have spare parts available, the GLC also keeps the classic products of the company in its sights: replacement parts will be kept available long after the production for a model series has ended, depending on the requirements of the market and demand for the parts.

Facts and figures

  • Approximately 2,900 employees
  • 1,400 customers in all countries
  • Around 1 million square meters of effective storage area
  • Around 520,000 parts kept in store
  • 50,000 order form items shipped per workday
  • 325 trucks per day; outgoing goods have a shipping weight totaling 1,500 tons

Chronicle of the Global Logistics Center

10/1981: Design of a central depot for replacement parts for Daimler-Benz AG passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

01/1983: Daimler-Benz AG purchases the 180 hectare site on the “Insel Grün” island from the municipality of Germersheim. At the time, this is the largest single industrial area in the Federal Republic of Germany.

06/1984: First ground breaking ceremony and start of earth moving work.

04/1986: Official start of construction for what was then the largest construction site in Europe; in the course of the project, 1,000 construction workers poured up to 1,000 m³ of concrete per day.

July 16th, 1990: The central depot in Germersheim is taken into operation.

1994 – 1996: First extension of the Global Logistics Center by 47,000 m².

11/2000: First ground breaking ceremony for the next extension of the GLC by an additional 295,000 m² of storage area and areas housing mechanical facilities.

12/2001: The GLC accessories storage in Offenbach an der Queich is taken into operation.

12/2001: Construction of the branch warehouse in Hatten/France is commenced.

11/2002: The branch warehouse in Hatten/France is taken into operation.

06/2005: The newly constructed service center with an employee health center is inaugurated.

07/2009: The warranty inspection center (GBZ) by which the Offenbach branch was expanded is taken into operation.

03/2010: Decision to construct a day nursery on the plant site for employees. Construction is set to commence in autumn of 2010.

Daimler AG Increases Stake in Russian Manufacturer Kamaz

Russian Technologies, Daimler AG, and the EBRD each have increased equity stakes in the Russian heavy-truck manufacturer Kamaz

Russian Technologies, Daimler AG, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Troika Dialog, and Kamaz yesterday jointly announced the successful signing of a deal under which Russian Technologies, Daimler AG, and the EBRD each have increased equity stakes in the Russian heavy-truck manufacturer Kamaz. On February 11, 2010, the strategic partners had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) governing the increase of the equity stakes. Its implementation has now led to a further strengthening of the strategic partnership.

Under the terms of the deal, Russian state corporation Russian Technologies acquired a 12.12% stake in Kamaz. Russian Technologies’ share in Kamaz following the deal has increased to 49.9%.

Separately, Daimler AG, acting as a strategic partner, has acquired a 1% stake in Kamaz. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in close partnership with Daimler AG, has acquired a stake in Kamaz as a part of the long-term strategic plan agreed with the company’s main shareholders and management.

Sergey Chemezov, General Director at Russian Technologies, said: “This is a landmark deal for Russia’s auto industry: despite current market volatility, the signatories to the strategic partnership signed in December 2008 have agreed to increase their participation in Kamaz, bringing greater amounts of foreign expertise and investment to Russia’s auto industry and providing a timely example of the ongoing internationalization of Russia’s economy.”

Commenting the deal, Andreas Renschler, Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses said: “This deal increasing Daimler’s stake in Kamaz indicates a broadening of our companies’ partnership, greater technological cooperation and a long-term commitment to collaboration. The Russian market remains one of the most promising strategic areas for Daimler and one where we anticipate significant growth over time.”

Alain Pilloux, the EBRD’s Managing Director for Industry, Commerce and Agribusiness, said: “This is an historic chance to show the investment community how one of the Russian industrial giants can partner with a strategic investor to modernise its products, compete internationally, save energy and promote environmental sustainability.”

Sergey Kogogin, General Director of Kamaz, added: “We readily welcome increased stakes of strategic shareholders like Russian Technologies and Daimler together with the EBRD. This kind of gradual, step-by-step attainment of a greater share in the company signals a sincere interest in long-term partnership, a commitment to increased transfer of technology, as well as the desire to develop business and pursue a broader range of joint projects. All of which bodes very well for the future evolution of our business.”

Ruben Vardanian, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Troika Dialog, said: “It’s very gratifying that Russian Technologies, Daimler and EBRD have evolved into such reliable, long-term partners for Kamaz. This deal is the logical progression of the strategic partnership agreed in December 2008, and the fact that the group of strategic partners has agreed to increase its participation demonstrates their strong belief in the Russian auto industry and its future prospects. Troika has been honoured to advise on each stage of this landmark process, and to remain as one of Kamaz’s shareholders in a broader shareholder structure following today’s transactions.”

Daimler AG and BYD Company Limited To Develop Electric Vehicle for China

Daimler is a leader in sustainable mobility and in developing automotive architectures for zero-emissions driving

BYD Company Limited and Daimler AG today signed a contract creating a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” that will develop an electric vehicle for China.

BYD and Daimler will invest RMB 600 million to use as registered capital for the Joint venture. The new generation of electric vehicles developed by the joint venture will capitalize on Daimler’s know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety as well as BYD’s excellence in battery technology and e-drive systems. The vehicle will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD.

Mr. Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited: “Together with Daimler we are making excellent progress identifying opportunities to utilize the strengths of both companies to create a new brand of electric cars for China. This is a unique and exciting initiative and together we are pushing hard to bring this new electric vehicle to market as soon as possible.”

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: “Our new joint venture is well positioned to make the most of the vast potential of electric mobility in China. We are fortunate to have excellent joint venture partners in China and the establishment of this research and technology center with BYD adds another dimension to our growing presence in this important market.”

Chairman Wang and Dr. Zetsche signed the joint venture contract today in Beijing. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on March 1. Engineers, designers and other executives from both companies established working teams after the signing of the MOU to begin working on the vehicle concept. The business license for the new joint venture is subject to relevant government approval.

Daimler is a leader in sustainable mobility and in developing automotive architectures for zero-emissions driving. The company recently launched the smart fortwo electric drive and this year will introduce two Mercedes-Benz electric cars: the B-Class F-CELL with fuel cell technology as well as the battery electric A-Class E-CELL.

BYD is China’s leading manufacturer in developing advanced battery technology, a field it has invested in since 1995. The company has enjoyed rapid growth for five years after entering the automotive sector in 2003. It is the fastest growing Chinese automotive manufacturer. BYD introduced its F3DM dual-mode hybrid electric vehicle to the world in December 2008 and started direct sales to individual customers in March 2010. The company recently launched the e6, a pure electric vehicle and established itself as the first manufacturer in China to commercialize taxi business with its e6.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche Confirms Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales Expectations

Mercedes-Benz Cars expected to achieve its targeted return on sales of 10 percent in the second half of 2012

Daimler AG sees further growth opportunities for Mercedes-Benz Cars in terms of unit sales, revenue and earnings in the coming years. Daimler has set itself the goal of delivering sustainable profits from operating activities at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Meeting with investors and analysts in Beijing, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, stated: “From today’s perspective, assuming there is no further downturn of the world economy, we expect Mercedes-Benz Cars to achieve its targeted return on sales of 10 percent in the second half of 2012 and to maintain it as of full-year 2013.”

The Chairman of the Board of Management sees the positive business development of Mercedes-Benz Cars in recent months as the result of the sustainable progress made with the “Gofor10” efficiency program, the strong product portfolio and the good momentum of the brand with the three-pointed star. Another factor is that Daimler did its strategic homework during the financial and economic crisis, laying the foundations for future success.

These efforts will also be reflected by the results of the second quarter of 2010. Zetsche: “From today’s perspective, we expect Mercedes-Benz Cars’ EBIT in the second quarter of this year to be higher than in the first quarter.” The division’s EBIT for the first quarter of 2010 amounted to €806 million.

In April 2010, Mercedes-Benz Cars already sold 12 percent more vehicles than in the same month of last year, and further substantial growth is also indicated for May and June. There are additional significant advantages in the second quarter from better pricing, a better product mix and the optimized cost structure. Return on sales in the second quarter could therefore also be higher than the first quarter’s seven percent. Mercedes-Benz Cars’ second-quarter production output of well over 300,000 vehicles will be close to the volumes achieved before the start of the financial and economic crisis.

According to Zetsche, the half-year results cannot be annualized for full-year 2010 because in the second half of this year, Mercedes-Benz Cars will spend more on CO2-related research and development and will have higher capital expenditure for new vehicle models, with a corresponding impact on earnings. “Nonetheless, I can say that Mercedes-Benz Cars’ EBIT for the year 2010 will be at the upper end of our forecast of €2.5 billion to €3 billion,” stated Zetsche in Beijing.

Zetsche believes China is increasingly becoming the center of gravity of the automotive industry. “China is becoming more and more important also for Daimler. This year, China has already become Mercedes-Benz Cars’ third-largest sales market after Germany and the United States.” The division anticipates sales of more than 100,000 vehicles in China this year (2009: 67,000). China is already the biggest market worldwide for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and R-Class model series.

Due to the increasing importance of the Chinese market, Daimler has now for the first time organized a company event for investors and analysts in Beijing.

Daimler Ranks Fifth Among the World’s Most Reputable Companies

Daimler / Mercedes-Benz Rank Fifth Out of 600 of the World's Most Prominent Companies According to Reputation Institute

Google and Sony share the top spot in a study of the world’s most reputable companies conducted by Reputation Institute. Disney, BMW, and Daimler round out the top five in a consumer survey that measured the reputations of 600 of the world’s most prominent companies. The study provides a first ever assessment of the global reputation landscape—the companies that are most liked, trusted, and respected by the general public across 24 countries. Data collection was powered by Survey Sampling International.

The study was conducted in two parts. In January 2010, Reputation Institute measured the reputations of the world’s 600 largest companies in their home countries. The highest rated companies in each of 32 countries were then selected as candidates for a second study that also rated the world’s most visible and valuable corporate brands provided they had above average home country reputations. The outcome of the second study was a final roster of 28 global companies that are well regarded at home but that have also successfully exported their reputations around the world.

The World’s Most Reputable Companies

Rank Company (Home Country) Global Reputation Pulse

1 Google (US) 78.62

2 Sony (Japan) 78.47

3 The Walt Disney Company (US) 77.97

4 BMW (Germany) 77.77

5 Daimler/Mercedes-Benz (Germany) 76.83

6 Apple (US) 76.29

7 Nokia (Finland) 76.00

8 IKEA (Sweden) 75.60

9 Volkswagen (Germany) 75.55

10 Intel (US) 75.39

11 Microsoft (US) 74.47

12 Johnson & Johnson (US) 74.12

13 Panasonic (Japan) 73.67

14 Singapore Airlines (Singapore) 73.54

15 Philips Electronics (The Netherlands) 73.31

16 L’Oreal (France) 73.17

17 IBM (US) 73.03

18 Hewlett-Packard (US) 72.67

19 Barilla (Italy) 72.45

20 Nestlé (Switzerland) 72.37

21 Ferrero (Italy) 72.36

22 Samsung Electronics (Korea) 71.62

23 FedEx (US) 70.84

24 Honda Motor (Japan) 70.82

25 The Coca-Cola Company (US) 70.40

26 Carlsberg (Denmark) 70.31

27 Procter & Gamble (US) 70.21

28 UPS (US) 70.07

“Technology has a powerful grip on the global rankings,” says Dr. Charles Fombrun, Chairman of Reputation Institute. “Companies like Google, Sony, Apple, Nokia, Intel, and Microsoft have earned our trust and respect because they are all-pervasive solution-providers that affect our daily lives. Disney’s global mind-share as an entertainment provider is remarkable, as is the admiration with which consumers hold auto-makers BMW and Daimler/Mercedes-Benz. They are power-houses of reputation-building around the world.”

Geographical Highlights

Reputation Institute examined how these companies were perceived across five regions: Asia, Central Europe, Central & South America, North America, and Northern Europe.

Top rated Sony and Google were consistently strong around the world, with Sony scoring among the top five in all regions and Google in four of the five regions. Google did not make it into Asia’s top five.

The rankings within regions are:

• Asia: 1) The Walt Disney Company, 2) Daimler/Mercedes Benz, 3) BMW, 4) Sony, and 5) Singapore Airlines.

• Central Europe: 1) Sony, 2) BMW, 3) Google, 4) Volkswagen, and 5) Daimler/Mercedes-Benz.

• Central & South America: 1) Nestlé, 2) Sony, 3) Google, 4) BMW, and 5) Johnson & Johnson.

• North America: 1) Johnson & Johnson, 2) Google, 3) Nestlé, 4) The Walt Disney Company, and 5) Sony.

• Northern Europe: 1) Google, 2) IKEA, 3) Sony, 4) The Walt Disney Company, and 5) Singapore Airlines.

Reputation, Can You Take it With You?

Most companies can expect to be more liked, trusted, admired and respected in their home countries than around the world. Of the 54 companies measured in the study, only five had a better reputation globally than they enjoy in their home markets: Apple, Ford, Google, Nestlé, and Sony.

According to Kasper Nielsen, Managing Partner of Reputation Institute, “companies often ask us whether we think they can export their home-grown reputations to other countries. Based on this study, the answer is a qualified yes. Some have done it, but most have not fared as well abroad as they could. It clearly suggests that the same communication strategies used in one country will not always succeed in another. In our reputation analyses, we find that what matters most to consumers can vary widely from one country or region to another. But universally it pays off to build reputation. If you improve reputation by 5 points you improve recommendations by 6%. So companies must identify what people are expecting from them so they can identify areas to focus on in order to earn the support of consumers.”

About the Global Reputation Pulse Study

The multinational companies whose reputations were measured across countries include:

Apple (AAPL), AT&T (T), Barilla, BP (BP), BMW (BYMTF, BAMXF, BMW), Carlsberg (CABHF, CABJF), Carrefour (CRERF), Daimler/Mercedes-Benz (DAI), Dell (DELL), FedEx (FDX), Ferrero, Fiat (FIATY), Ford Motor (F), General Electric (GE), Google (GOOG), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), Hitachi (HIT, HTHIF), Honda Motor (HMC, HNDAF), HSBC Holdings (HBC, HBCYF), Hyundai (HYMLF), IBM (IBM), IKEA, Inditex / Zara (0HAB), ING Group (ING, INGVF), Intel (INTC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Kraft Foods (KFT), Lenovo (LNVGF, LNVGY), LG (LGLD), L’Oreal (LOL), Marks & Spencer Group (MAKSF, MAKSY), McDonald’s (MDNDF), Microsoft (MSFT), Nestlé (NSRGY, NSRGF), Nissan Motor (NSANF, NSANY), Nokia (NOK), Panasonic (PC, PCRFF), Pepsico (PEP), Petrobras (PZE, PEFGF),Peugeot (PEUGF), Philips Electronics (PHG), Procter & Gamble (PG), Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A, RDS), Samsung Electronics (SSNLF), Singapore Airlines (S55:SGX), Sony (SNE), The Coca-Cola Company (KO), The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Toyota Motor (TM, TOYOF), Unilever (ULVR), UPS (UPS), Vodafone (VOD), and Volkswagen (VLKAF).

In May 2010, consumers were invited to rate these 54 finalists in each of 24 countries: Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Each respondent rated a maximum of five randomly assigned companies with which they were familiar, using Reputation Institute’s standardized measure of corporate reputation—the Reputation Pulse. A Reputation Pulse score is a measure of corporate reputation calculated by averaging the degree of trust, esteem, admiration, and good feeling people have for a company.

Reputation Pulse scores range from a low of 0 to a high of 100, and scores that differ by more than +/-0.5 are significantly different at the 95% confidence level. Scores are normalized to enable cross-country compilations and comparisons.

Over 181,000 reputation ratings were obtained in this study, and each company received an average of 3,360 ratings across the 24 countries. A total of 28 companies earned global scores above 70 and therefore membership on Reputation Institute’s list of the world’s most reputable companies. They are among a very select set of global companies that have succeeded in building strong positive relationships with a wide range of consumers around the world.

For more detail about the Global Reputation Pulse 2010 study, interested readers can download a top line report by going to www.ReputationInstitute.com.

Daimler Taking Its Shares Off the New York Stock Exchange

Daimler informed the NYSE today of its intention to discontinue the listing of its shares as well as the 8.50% notes due 2031

The Supervisory Board and Board of Management of Daimler AG (stock – exchange symbol “ DAI ” ) have decided to apply for the discontinuation of the listing of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Bodo Uebber, CFO of Daimler AG, said: “Daimler continues to place great importance on having an international shareholder base. The trading center for our shares, however, clearly is Frankfurt – and that is also the case for our international investors. Furthermore, this step will enhance our overall efficiency. The American sales market and our activities in North America remain as important as ever for Daimler.”

Daimler informed the NYSE by letter today of its intention to discontinue the listing of its shares as well as the 8.50% notes due January 18, 2031 of Daimler Finance North America LLC and the related Daimler guarantee. Daimler will submit a request for delisting also to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After the delisting has become effective, Daimler will also apply to the SEC for deregistration of all its securities registered with the SEC and termination of its reporting obligations under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The main reason for discontinuing the NYSE listing and registration with the SEC is a significant change in the behavior of international investors, who now primarily trade in Daimler shares in Germany and through electronic trading platforms. Daimler’s trading volumes in the United States on the contrary have been consistently low and , over a twelve month period, amounted to an average of well below 5% of the worldwide trading volume .

Another objective is to reduce the complexity of financial reporting as well as administrative expenses and fees. The delisting is also the final step in Daimler’s efforts to reduce its number of stock-exchange listings.

Daimler AG will apply for delisting and deregistration in the near future. Independently of the delisting and deregistration, Daimler will maintain a high degree of transparency in its financial reporting and will continue to fulfill the requirements of international investors. “We remain in direct, close and open dialogue with our American investors, and our investor relations team and I will continue to be present on a regular basis in the U.S.,” stated Mr. Uebber.

Daimler has a strong presence in North America and will continue to work to further strengthen its market share and business operations there. In 2009, the region accounted for 25 percent of the Daimler Group’s worldwide revenue and almost every tenth Daimler employee worked in North America.

Daimler reserves the right to submit the aforementioned applications at a later date or to not to submit them at all or to change its plans in other ways. Daimler and Daimler Finance North America LLC have not arranged for the listing of the aforementioned securities on another U.S. securities exchange or for the quotation of such securities in a quotation medium in the United States.

Daimler AG und Uzavtosanoat JSC Sign Joint Bus Agreement

Joint venture will assemble and sell coaches, intercity and city buses, and midibuses for the Uzbek market and for export

Daimler AG and Uzavtosanoat JSC today signed an agreement for the establishment of a bus joint venture. The ceremony was held in Tashkent. The joint venture will assemble and sell coaches, intercity buses, city buses, and midibuses for the Uzbek market and for export to neighboring countries. The contract’s closing is scheduled for the third quarter of 2010.

“I’m delighted that we have taken another important step today in our efforts towards opening up growth markets,” said Andreas Renschler, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses. “We have been selling Mercedes-Benz buses to customers in Uzbekistan, and in particular in Tashkent, since 1994. Today we have created the basis for also producing a wide range of buses in the country and for serving the neighboring growth markets with locally manufactured products.”

Gairat Niyazov, Deputy Chairman of Board of Uzavtosanoat JSC: “As a result of a very intensive negotiation process, and thanks to the full support of the Government of Uzbekistan and constructive approach of Daimler, we were able to successfully complete our negotiations and attract into the automotive industry of Uzbekistan another very important strategic partner. As a result, a production of modern, high quality high capacity buses will be created in Uzbekistan. Along with producing new models of buses, we, jointly with our partners, will work on localization of components and parts production in Uzbekistan, which will further facilitate the development of the industry in general.”

Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses, said: “Local production will significantly improve the market opportunities for Daimler Buses in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. With Uzavtosanoat, we know that we have a strong, professional and reliable partner that knows the Central Asian markets inside out and has considerable experience in production and sales.”

The Daimler subsidiary Mercedes-Benz Buses Central Asia GmbH will own a majority stake (51 percent) in the new joint venture. The remaining 49 percent of the new firm will be owned by the automotive holding company Uzavtosanoat. The new company will have $8 million of equity capital.

Uzavtosanoat will provide the factory buildings. Daimler Buses will deliver the Mercedes-Benz chassis, while the bodies will be built in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz’ long-standing body-building partner, Manufacturing Commercial Vehicles (MCV).

The production capacities being created allow a minimum of 600 buses annually under full-scale production, with the possibility to gradually increase the volumes. The first batch of vehicles is to be delivered as early as September. The products manufactured in Uzbekistan will include luxury coaches as well as intercity buses and low-entry city buses and midibuses, which will be sold under the “Mercedes-Benz” brand. All buses fulfill the Euro 3 emission standard which has been effective in Uzbekistan since January 2010.

It is envisaged that the Joint Venture will use advanced production technologies and will also localize automotive parts and components. The parties of the joint venture will also assist the JV in establishing its sales and after-sales network. In order to support export, it is planned to use the existing dealer networks of both Uzavtosanoat and Daimler in neighboring countries.

To date, Daimler Buses has sold around 1,000 buses to customers in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. All the city buses over eight tons GVW sold over the past years were Mercedes-Benz Conecto vehicles, giving the star brand a 100-percent share of the market for city buses longer than 12 meters.

Tashkenthas a very well-organized local public transportation system, which operates Central Asia’s largest and most modern bus fleet on an extensive network of roads. The city’s existing fleet of Mercedes-Benz 0405 city buses is gradually being replaced with Mercedes-Benz Conecto vehicles. Tashkent is also the only city in Central Asia to operate a subway (metro).

Daimler Signs Carbon Fiber Deal with Toray for Mercedes-Benz Models

Daimler and Toray Industries are teaming up to bring carbon fiber to Mercedes models, starting with the 2013 SL-Class

Daimler AG and Toray Industries announced yesterday they’ll be teaming up to jointly develop carbon fiber composite materials, starting with the next-generation Mercedes SL-Class in 2012.  When effectuated, the collaboration will mark the first time carbon fiber has been extensively implemented in mass-produced auto bodies, and it will hopefully help the SL regain its original meaning of “sport light”.

As Japan’s largest synthetic fiber maker, Toray currently holds (by their estimate) a 34 percent market share of carbon fiber products.  The company has a molding technology that cuts the time it takes to make carbon fiber composites to under five minutes, and through the new partnership with Daimler, seeks to improve the molding process further to scale down costs.  While details of the collaboration are still being finalized, A Toray spokesman said that through joint research and development, the two companies will work out whether to expand the use of carbon fiber to other auto parts or models, and that at present, the two companies haven’t decided what form any R&D operations, joint ventures or other arrangements they’ll undertake together.  A monetary value of the deal is still pending as well.

We’ll keep you posted as new details of the Daimler and Toray deal materialize; in the meantime, you can find more details at WSJ.com.

Tesla Motors CEO Discusses Plans for Mercedes A-Class EV

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk speaks briefly about supplying electric drivetrain technology for the Mercedes A-Class EV

Earlier this week, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk was in Detroit to accept the “2010 Automotive Executive of the Year Innovator Award”.  At the event, Musk laid out a timeline for his company, noting that Tesla will be supplying electric drivetrain technology for the Mercedes A-Class EV in the coming years.  The news isn’t surprising, considering Daimler purchased an 8 percent stake in Tesla last year (and already collaborates with Daimler on the smart ev); the real question is how long it will be before the A-Class EV will make it to the U.S.  We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new; in the meantime, Wired has more details of Musk’s timeline covering Tesla’s other production targets.

Daimler Anticipates Improvement in Earnings of 4 Billion Euros in 2010

Mercedes-Benz Cars anticipates Earnings before interest and taxes of €2.5 billion to €3 billion in full-year 2010

Daimler AG (stock-exchange symbol DAI) has reported first-quarter EBIT of €1,190 million, as previously disclosed on April 19, 2010 (Q1 2009: minus €1,426 million). “This very good result for the first quarter shows that we did our homework in the crisis and are now firmly on track for success once again,” stated Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

The very positive earnings development is reflected by ongoing upward trends in nearly all divisions. Mercedes-Benz Cars in particular posted significantly positive earnings for the first quarter of 2010, due to increased unit sales in the E-Class and S-Class segments.

The positive development of EBIT led to net profit for the Group of €612 million, representing a considerable improvement over the prior-year result (Q1 2009: net loss of €1,286 million). Earnings per share amounted to €0.65 (Q1 2009: loss per share of €1.40).

Total unit sales up by 21% in the first quarter

In the first quarter of 2010, Daimler sold 402,700 cars and commercial vehicles worldwide, which was 21% more than in the same period of last year.

The Daimler Group’s first-quarter revenue increased significantly from €18.7 billion to €21.2 billion; adjusted for exchange-rate effects, revenue grew by 15%.

The free cash flow from the industrial business was positive and increased compared to the prior-year quarter from minus €1.1 billion to plus €0.3 billion.

At the end of the first quarter of 2010, Daimler employed 254,779 people worldwide (Q1 2009: 263,819). Of that total, 161,449 people were employed in Germany (Q1 2009: 164,983).

Details of the divisions in the first quarter

Mercedes-Benz Cars achieved a very positive business development in the first quarter of 2010. Due in particular to strong growth in the E-Class and S-Class segments, unit sales increased compared to the first quarter of last year by 20% to 277,100 vehicles (Q1 2009: 231,200). This year, therefore, the car division has continued its positive development of the fourth quarter of 2009. First-quarter revenue rose by 28% to €11.6 billion.

The division’s EBIT amounted to €806 million (Q1 2009: minus €1,123 million). The main factors contributing to this distinct earnings improvement were the significant increase in unit sales, especially in the full-size and luxury segments, the related improvement in the product mix and improved pricing. The division increased its unit sales above all in the United States and China. Currency translation had a negative impact on earnings, but was partially offset by efficiency gains and cost reductions.

Daimler Trucks sold 70,600 vehicles in the first quarter of 2010 (Q1 2009: 65,400). Lower unit sales in Germany, the Middle East and Japan were more than offset by higher volumes in Latin America (+79%) and Southeast Asia (+48%). Revenue of €4.9 billion was close to the level of the prior-year period.

The division’s EBIT of €130 million was positive again (Q1 2009: minus €142 million). This earnings improvement is primarily due to the good business development in Latin America. Other positive effects resulted from the measures taken to reduce costs, especially from the repositioning of the subsidiaries Daimler Trucks North America and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation. Implementing these programs impacted EBIT by minus €17 million in the first quarter of this year (Q1 2009: minus €45 million).

Mercedes-Benz Vans increased its unit sales to 46,700 vehicles following a slight market recovery (Q1 2009: 28,800). Revenue of €1.7 billion was also higher than in the prior-year quarter (€1.3 billion).

The division achieved EBIT of €64 million (Q1 2009: minus €91 million). The positive development of earnings was mainly the result of higher unit sales compared to the prior-year quarter, especially in Western Europe. Charges from currency effects were largely offset by efficiency improvements and cost savings.

Daimler Buses significantly increased its worldwide unit sales to 8,400 buses and bus chassis (Q1 2009: 6,800). Revenue of €1,011 million was higher than in the first quarter of last year (€904 million).

The division posted EBIT of €41 million; as expected, this was lower than the high level of earnings in the prior-year quarter (€65 million). The development in earnings is primarily due to lower unit sales in Western Europe, which could not be fully offset by the positive business development in Latin America.

Daimler Financial Services’ worldwide contract volume amounted to €59.9 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2010, representing a year-on-year decrease of 3%. Compared with the end of the year 2009, contract volume increased by 3%; adjusted for exchange-rate effects, the portfolio decreased by 1% compared to year-end. New business increased compared to the first quarter of last year by 6% to

€6.2 billion; adjusted for exchange-rate effects, there was an increase of 5%.

The division achieved EBIT of €119 million (Q1 2009: minus €167 million). The improvement in earnings was mainly caused by lower provisions for risks and higher interest margins. On the other hand, charges were recognized in particular from the valuation of non-automotive assets held for sale, which are subject to leasing agreements (minus €46 million).

The reconciliation of the divisions’ EBIT to Group EBIT primarily reflects Daimler’s proportionate share in the results of its equity-method investment in EADS, as well as further gains or losses at corporate level.

In the first quarter of 2010, Daimler’s proportionate share of the net result of EADS amounted to a loss of €269 million (Q1 2009: gain of €83 million). The substantial deterioration is primarily the result of additional provisions recognized by EADS in its 2009 consolidated financial statements relating to the A400M military transport aircraft. On the other hand, the sale of the 5.3% equity interest in Tata Motors led to a pre-tax gain of €265 million, which is reflected in the reconciliation to Group EBIT.

Outlook

Based on the divisions’ planning, Daimler expects total unit sales to increase significantly in 2010 (2009: 1.6 million vehicles).

Following a distinct decline in 2009, Daimler assumes that Group revenue will increase again in 2010, but will remain significantly below the level of 2008. All automotive divisions should contribute to this year’s growth.

Daimler expects to achieve Group EBIT from the ongoing business of more than €4 billion in 2010. The key factors for this expectation are the ongoing market revival, the improving economic environment and the market success of the Group’s products.

The division’s expectations for EBIT from the ongoing business in full-year 2010 are as follows:

  • Mercedes-Benz Cars anticipates EBIT of €2.5 billion to €3 billion.
  • Daimler Trucks expects EBIT of €500 million to €700 million.
  • Mercedes-Benz Vans assumes it will achieve EBIT in the region of €250 million.
  • Daimler Buses anticipates full-year EBIT of €180 million.
  • Daimler Financial Services expects to post EBIT of more than €500 million.

Mercedes-Benz Cars will profit this year from the full availability of the new E-Class models. Following the very successful market launches in 2009 of the E-Class sedan, coupe and station wagon, the new E-Class convertible was launched in the first quarter of 2010. Unit sales will also be boosted by the new super sports car Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and as of autumn 2010 by the new generations of the

R-Class and the CL-Class. Furthermore, the division is continually launching additional fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly versions of existing models. Starting in the third quarter of 2010, new and particularly efficient six- and eight-cylinder gasoline engines will become available. The already extensive portfolio of BlueEFFICIENCY models will be expanded to 85 model versions by the end of 2010. For the smart brand, Daimler anticipates an increase in demand following the launch of a new generation of the smart fortwo in the third quarter of 2010.

On the basis of an attractive and competitive range of vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Cars assumes it will be able to strengthen its market position in 2010 even with a continuation of difficult conditions, and that it will grow at about double the rate of the global car market. From today’s perspective, global demand for cars should increase this year by between 3 and 4 percent.

The division’s EBIT should be facilitated on the one hand by higher volumes and on the other hand by improved profit margins. The projected EBIT range is primarily dependent on market developments, exchange-rate volatilities and the macroeconomic situation. The division will continue to invest substantial amounts in the development and production of new drive technologies and innovative safety systems in order to improve its competitive position in this difficult market environment.

Daimler Trucks anticipates a recovery of unit sales this year, starting from the low level of 2009. The division expects growth impetus initially from some of the Latin American markets and – starting from a very low level – also from the NAFTA region. In Europe, however, a slight revival of demand is anticipated in the second half of 2010 at the earliest.

Against the backdrop of rising customer demand in the van sector and the stabilizing market situation, Mercedes-Benz Vans expects a significant increase in unit sales compared to the prior year.

Daimler Buses assumes that it will increase its unit sales in 2010, mainly due to strong demand in Latin American markets.

Daimler Financial Services anticipates stable development of its worldwide contract volume in the automotive business. The division assumes that credit-risk costs will decrease in full-year 2010 and that further efficiency improvements will be achieved.

As a result of the upturn in demand, Daimler assumes that the size of its worldwide workforce will remain constant or increase slightly this year compared to the end of 2009.