Daimler: new models boost car sales to record highs for 2013

Production & sales networks revamped to regain leadership in premium market

2013/11/26

Summary

Daimler Passenger Car：Retail Sales of Major Markets

Note：Values include sales of smart brand.

The unit sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler's passenger car division, from January to October 2013 marked a record high at 1.27 million units backed by strong sales in China and the launch of the all-new A-Class and other models. The company expects both unit sales and sales revenues in the full year 2013 to exceed those in 2012. Daimler aspires to recapture leadership in the premium segment markets by 2020 by adding new models in its flagship S-Class, and other lineups including GLA-Class SUV based on A-Class. As for production, Daimler is starting production of all-new models in China, Brazil, Hungary, and Finland among other markets.
LMC Automotive forecasts the light vehicle sales of Daimler Group in 2013 to increase by 5.0% to 1.73 million units and to 2.23 million units by 2016, which is 35.2% growth compared to the sales volume of 2012. China and the United States are the regions expected to contribute the most; increasing 91.1% to 444,000 units and 29.7% to 396,000 units respectively. LMC Automotive comments “although the growth of luxury car sales [in China] decelerated in 2012, an increasing wealth and consumption trade-up has provided market potential in the long run. Meanwhile, further localization action and the continuous introduction of smaller luxury cars will also serve as key drivers.”
Related Reports:
  * Daimler: numerous advanced driving assist systems on Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Nov. 2013)
  * IAA Frankfurt Auto Show 2013:
      Daimler showcases a PHV of S-Class, a coupe, and an autonomous driving vehicle (Oct. 2013)
  * Daimler: PHV versions planned with the next S-class and C-class models (May 2013)

Mercedes-Benz Cars' targets and outlook for 2013

Outlook for 2013

Outlook for full-year 2013	* Car sales are expected to outnumber results in the previous year to a new record (1.42 million units sold in 2012).
	* EBIT of approximately 4 billion euros expected in car sales (approximately 4.39 billion euros in 2012).
	* Sales revenues will outnumber results in the previous year due to growth of North American markets and emerging countries, and strong sales of new models (61.66 billion euros in 2012).

Mercedes-Benz Cars' targets and business initiative

Targets	* Global Mercedes-Benz Cars sales of 1.5 million units in 2014 and 1.6 million units in 2015 (the smart excluded).
	* To sell 300,000 units in China in 2015.
	* To recapture global top sales in premium markets by 2020.
Business initiative	* To strengthen production, sales and marketing network. Strengthen business in China in particular by strengthening sales network and establishing local production and research functions.
	* To collaborate with the Renault-Nissan Alliance and other manufacturers to share components for cost reduction and joint development.
	* Capital and cost reduction: Plans: Capital expenditure ratio up to7%, R&D ratio up tp6%　(2012 results: Capital expenditure ratio 5.7%, R&D ratio 6.6%)
	* Return on Sales (RoS): 10% on average targeted (7.1% in 2012).
Model mix	* To launch at least 12 new models by 2015 (announced in September 2013). * To introduce 20 new or face-lifted models in China by 2015 (announced in August 2013).
Development and production structures	* To reduce overall costs and offset increase in raw material costs under the "Fit for Leadership" slogan; by consolidating global production structure, improving efficiency of platform, powertrain and parts production. * To realize 40% of cost reduction through material cost cut, 20% by production cost cut, and 40% by fixed cost cut(R&D, etc.). * EUR 2 billion cost improvement from 2012 to the end of 2014.
Development and production structures	* To modularize vehicle components for product cost reduction. * To consolidate all platforms by 2015 by combining the MFA platform for front-wheel drive(FWD) systems and the MRA platform for Rear-Wheel Drive(RWD) systems ; eventually to roll out 30 variations. * To reflect the module strategy on all Mercedes-Benz Cars by 2018.
Clean technologies	* To reduce average CO2 emissions of Mercedes-Benz Cars for Europe to 125g/km by 2016 (from 140g/km in 2012). Mid-term plan aims for efficiency improvement through the development of diesel and petrol engine fuel efficiency and emissions technologies. The introduction of Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel-Cell Vehicle(FCV) is also planned to achieve the zero emissions.

Sources: Daimler Corporate Presentation July/August 2013, Q3 2013 Presentation, Operation Cars 2012.

Model mix: Roll-out of all-new S-Class and A-Class-based vehicles

Daimler is planning active roll-out of new models including the A-Class and the A-Class-based GLA-Class and CLA-Class. The S-Class, the company's flagship model featuring various cutting-edge technologies, was launched in July. The S-Class received orders for approximately 30,000 units in three months of release. Daimler is expecting a full-year profit increase for 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Cars

S-Class S 500 Plug-in Hybrid
(at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013)

All-new S-Class: Sixth-generation flagship launched

All-new S-Class	The new S-Class, the sixth-generation flagship model fully-redesigned for the first time in 8 years, was launched in July 2013. The new S-Class lineup includes the petrol-fueled S 500, the diesel-fueled S 350 BlueTEC, and two hybrid models including the petrol-engine based S 400 HYBRID and the diesel-engine based S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID.
	The new S-Class is fitted with the Stereo Multi Purpose Camera (SMPC) and other newly-developed advanced systems addressing enhanced safety and comfort. The stereo camera, mounted near the rear-view mirror behind the windshield, can simultaneously provide a three-dimensional view of the area up to 50 meters ahead and detect the situation ahead for a range up to 500 meters. The three-dimensional visual data from the SMPC are used to detect distances to vehicles, pedestrians and objects. These data are analyzed, combined with data sent from other radar sensors, to activate safety systems when necessary. The safety features include the BAS PLUS collision avoidance assist system, and the DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist for lane departure prevention and adaptive vehicle control to keep necessary distance from another vehicle ahead at low speeds. Another feature, the Traffic Sign Assist, alerts the driver audibly and visually on the display, based on the traffic sign information detected by the SMPC.
	The newly-developed Beltbag adds to the overall safety. It nearly triples the seatbelt width of the rear-seat occupants in an event of a frontal collision. The expanded seatbelt will disperse the load acting on a contact point, ease the collision impact and reduce the risk of injury.
	Launches are planned for the S-Class AMG in May 2014, the Coupe in the fall of 2014 (the ongoing CL-Class two-door coupe will be discontinued), the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid within 2014, the LWB S 550 Hybrid and the four-door Convertible in the first half of 2015, and the LWB S-Class Ultraluxury Sedan with a 3165mm wheelbase in 2015.

GLA-Class
(at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013)

A/B-Class

Launch	Model	Description
Sep. 2012	All-new A-Class	A premium compact model with 4417mm overall length built on the MFA platform shared with the B-Class. Powered by 1.6- to 2.2-liter petrol or diesel engine. The ECO start/stop system is used on all engines. Standard safety features include the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist System that provides brake control assist to avoid collision or mitigate impact. The Pre-Safe System provides visual and audible warning when it predicts a rear-end collision.
Apr. 2013	CLA-Class	The CLA-Class inherits the design of the CLS-Class four-door coupe. It derives from the new A-Class and has an overall length of 4630mm.
2014	GLA-Class	An SUV with an overall length of 4417mm and based on the new A-Class platform. It was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show held in September 2013. The company started to take orders at the end of November for deliveries starting in 2014.
The first half of 2014	B-Class Electric Drive	An EV, based on Tesla Motors' EV technology. It delivers maximum output of 130kW/174hp and maximum torque of 340Nm/250lb-ft. Powered by 28kWh lithium-ion battery stowed under the floor.

C-/E-Class

Launch	Model	Description
2014	All-new C-Class sedan	The new C-Class sedan uses a new structure that reduces the vehicle weight by 70kg from the previous model. To be unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show. The convertible, plug-in hybrid and diesel versions are reportedly to be added.
2015	All-new E-Class	To be launched in 2015. The convertible and the coupe versions are to be introduced in 2016.

SUV

Launch	Model	Description
Nov. 2012	All-new GL-Class	A large-size cross-over SUV, the GL 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, is powered by a 190kW (258hp) diesel engine and has an EU combined fuel efficiency of 7.4-liter/100km (13.5km/liter). The GL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by a V8 petrol engine with 11.3-liter/100km (8.8km/liter) fuel efficiency.
2015	MLC-Class	An SUV coupe based on the ML-Class SUV. It is slated for launch in the first half of 2015. It is most likely to be produced at the Tuscaloosa plant in the U.S. and to rival the BMW X6.
2016	All-new GLK-Class	An all-new compact SUV is slated for launch in 2016. A coupe version is reportedly under development.

smart


fourjoy (at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013)

Launch	Model	Descriptiosn
2015	All-new fortwo	The all-new smart fortwo is a two-seater small hatchback slated for market launch in 2015. The length is to be extended by 3 inches from the existing model to 109 inches resulting in a longer bonnet. The smart/Twingo are being developed jointly with Renault under a common design concept. The model will be powered by a new 0.9-liter 3-cylinder engine. A turbocharged version will be made available. The new fortwo will be produced at the Hambach plant in France where the current model is produced.
2016- 2017	forfour	The forfour, a rear-wheel drive four-seater based on the platform developed for the new fortwo, is reportedly slated for market launch in 2016 or 2017. It will be powered by an all-new 3-cylinder engine. The fourjoy concept car, prepared as a design preview of the forfour, was exhibited at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The forfour will measure 3494mm long, 1978mm wide and 1494mm high.

Chinese market: Introducing local production models and strengthening local sales network

Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 210,000 units in 2012 in China, making the country the third largest market behind Germany and the U.S. The division sold 188,000 units from January to October 2013, an increase of 7.8% year-over-year (y/y).. Daimler will develop its local production network and strengthen sales network to expand the sales in China to 300,000 units by 2015. The company plans to launch 20 new or redesigned models by 2015.

Investment in BAIC	In November 2013, Daimler announced acquisition of 12% stake in BAIC Motor Co., Ltd., the passenger car unit of Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC). Daimler will receive two seats on the Board of Directors of BAIC Motor. The new agreement enables BAIC to produce vehicles carrying its original brand name but based on the platform provided by Mercedes-Benz.
GLA-Class to be produced at Beijing Benz plant in China	In September 2013, it was reported that Daimler was to start local production of the all-new compact SUV, GLA-Class, in the Beijing Benz plant in China. The GLA-Class produced locally in China will be powered by the engines manufactured by Beijing Benz.
Beijing Benz's engine plant starts production	In May 2013, trial production of the M274, a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine, and the M276, a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine, started at the new engine plant located in Yizhuang Economic and Technical Development Zone. Daimler's first passenger car engine plant outside Germany has initial production capacity of 250,000 units a year. The company plans to complete the second phase of construction work by 2015 and double the capacity. Production of the M274 and M276 engines will start in 2013. Production of the M270, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engines, will start in 2014. The engines will be used on the models produced by Beijing Benz and Fujian Benz.
Strengthening sales network	In June 2013, Daimler announced plans to open 75 new Mercedes Benz dealers in China before the end of 2013. Including those in 36 new cities, there will be over 300 dealers in China. To strengthen its service in China, Daimler has established Sales Management China Unit in its Stuttgart headquarters to support and manage the passenger car sales activities and conduct staff training in China.
First DENZA-branded EV slated for launch in 2013	In July 2013, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd., a joint-venture company established by Daimler and BYD, announced it would exhibit a production model of the first EV carrying the DENZA brand at the Guangzhou Motor Show in November 2013. According to the plan, the brand-new EV will reach market in the middle of 2014. DENZA was announced in March 2012 as the brand of new energy vehicles for the Chinese market. The first EV model will be powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries developed by BYD.
Strengthening the smart sales in China	In April 2013, Daimler was granted permission to sell ＥＶｓin China. The company plans to sell the smart fortwo electric drive, a two-seater smart EV, in China ｂｙthe end of 2013.
Strengthening the smart sales in China	Daimler intends to increase the number of the smart sales outlets to 100 in 75 cities before the end of 2013 (from 88 in 68 cities as of August 2013).

Strengthening production network: Central and Eastern Europe, Brazil, and other markets

Daimler plans to strengthen its production bases in Hungary, South Africa, Brazil, Central and Eastern Europe and other regions outside of Europe. Daimler will build high-quality plants outside of Germany to construct flexible production network among production bases.

Producing new models in Hungary and Finland

Hungary: Producing CLA-Class, an all-new four-door coupe	In January 2013, Daimler announced start of production of the CLA-Class at the Kecskemet plant in Hungary. Shipment to dealers started in April. The plant has been producing the new B-Class since March 2012.
Finland: Contract production of the A-Class	In September 2013, Daimler announced start of contract production of the all-new A-Class at Valmet Automotive's Uusikaupunki plant in Finland. The contract calls for over 100,000 units of the A-Class cars between 2013 and 2016 (A-Class has been produced at the Rastatt in Germany since July 2012 and at the Kecskemet plant in Hungary since January 2013).
Romania: Production of the new-generation AT	In April 2013, Daimler invested 300 million euros for constructing a new plant in Sebes in Romania. Production of the DCT will start in 2014. The new plant will also assemble the new-generation automatic transmissions that will reach markets in 2016. The transmission production capacity at the chief plant in Stuttgart has reached limits and the new plant will be located near the existing plant in Cugir in Romania.

Other markets: New plants, production increase and local production

Brazil: New plant to start production in 2016	In October 2013, Daimler announced plans to build a new plant in Iracemapolis near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Production of the C-Class and GLA-Class at the new plant will start in 2016 with an annual quantity of 20,000 units. Daimler is investing approximately 170 million euros for the initial stage.
South Africa: Investing in East London plant to increase production of the C-Class	In October 2013, it was reported that Daimler would invest ZAR 3 billion (about USD 302 million) to increase production of the C-Class cars in South Africa. The company plans to introduce new production engineering technologies at the East London plant and start a three-shift operation to expand annual production to 100,000 units (compared to 60,000 units today).
Mexico: Joint production at Nissan plant	In September 2013, it was reported that joint production of small premium models would start at Nissan's Aguascalientes plant in Mexico. The platform and some of the body parts will be shared with Nissan's Infiniti Q30 (to be launched in 2015) to produce the GLA- or CLA-Class.
India: Local production of GL-, A-, and B-Class cars	In August 2013, Mercedes-Benz India announced start of local assembly of the GL-Class SUV at the Chakan plant. The company has plans to start assembly of the A- and B-Class at the Chakan plant in 2014. It is investing INR 2.5 billion to double annual capacity to 20,000 units by 2014. In July 2013, the plant started assembly production of the E-Class (with current production capacity of 10,000 units).
Malaysia: Investing in Pekan assembly plant	In June 2013, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd would make additional investment of MYR 100 million in the next five years to add new models to production at the assembly plant located in Pekan in Pahang state. The plant is currently producing the S-Class, E-Class and C-Class (MYR 250 million has been invested since 2014).
Thailand: Strengthening production and sales	In February 2013, it was reported that Mercedes-Benz Thailand would invest THB 1.2 billion in the Samutprakarn plant owned by Thonburi Assembly Co., a contract manufacturer. The company will invest THB 200 million to increase the annual contract quantity from 16,000 to 18,000 or 19,000 units. The remaining THB 1 billion will be spent to add five sales and service outlets in Thailand.

Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales and business performances:

Unit sales: Strong sales of new compact cars in the U.S., China and Japan

Mercedes-Benz Cars registered record unit sales from January through October 2013 at 1.27 million units, an increase of 9.4%y/y. In regional comparison, the North American market grew 12.1%y/y. Unit sales in the U.S. increased 12.8% to 253,000 units topping results in Germany. Sales are also strong in the Asia-Pacific region with 13.4% increase to 329,000 units. This includes China with 7.8% increase to 188,000 units and Japan with 30.8% increase to 44,000 units.
Among Western European markets, the U.K. marked 18.8% increase y/y to 95,000 units. Italy marked 6.6% increase to 38,000 units followed by Spain with 10.2% increase to 20,000 units. These brisk sales results helped to make up for sales in Germany. As a result, Mercedes-Benz Cars' unit sales in Western Europe from January through October 2013 rose to 607,000 units with 5.7% increase over prior year. This marked the first increase y/yin Mercedes-Benz Cars' unit sales in Western Europe that was shrinking in recent years. The company announced in October that its share likewise increased in nearly all markets.
In segment comparison, the A- and B-Class unit sales marked a significant increase of 68.8% y/y to 304,000 units after the market launch of the all-new A-Class and CLA-Class. High demand for SUV is continuing and unit sales of the ML/R/GLK/GL/G-Class increased 16.1% y/y to 264,000 units with the GLK-/M-Class playing a key role. In contrast, unit sales of the C-/CLK-/SLK-Class declined 11.4% y/y to 305,000 units. The S-/CL-/SL-Class/SLS/Maybach premium models declined 18.7% y/y to 55,000 units.

Mercedes-Benz Cars: sales volume by region (including smart)

(unit)

	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2011- 2012 Change ratio	Jan.-Oct.
	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2011- 2012 Change ratio	2012	2013	Change ratio
Western Europe	741,000	645,800	638,512	629,694	624,450	(0.8%)	574,083	606,870	5.7%
(thereof) Germany	332,900	298,000	293,445	291,261	288,961	(0.8%)	238,209	235,693	(1.1%)
North America	280,000	237,400	258,494	288,475	325,522	12.8%	257,886	289,037	12.1%
(thereof) the U.S.	249,700	205,200	222,375	250,439	284,014	13.4%	223,905	252,575	12.8%
Asia and Pacific	147,500	168,300	270,520	333,880	335,619	0.5%	289,960	328,848	13.4%
(thereof) China	42,700	71,900	151,945	204,385	212,060	3.8%	173,956	187,590	7.8%
(thereof) Japan	37,000	28,600	31,337	33,623	40,488	20.4%	33,392	43,663	30.8%
Other regions	88,100	77,800	97,702	110,885	138,218	24.6%	40,590	46,753	15.2%
Global sales volume	1,256,600	1,129,300	1,265,228	1,362,934	1,423,809	4.5%	1,162,519	1,271,508	9.4%

Source: Daimler Annual Report、Interim Report for respective year、IR Release November 6, 2013
Note: 1.	Sales volume in China include the volume in Hong Kong.
2.	A figure in brackets ( ) indicates a loss.

Mercedes-Benz Cars: sales volume by class

(unit)

	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2011- 2012 Change ratio	Jan.-Oct.
	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2011- 2012 Change ratio	2012	2013	Change ratio
A /B-Class	253,800	219,300	222,373	194,158	226,477	16.6%	179,821	303,599	68.8%
C/CLK/SLK-Class	439,700	344,600	343,470	401,340	413,193	3.0%	344,036	304,968	(11.4%)
E/CLS-Class	177,000	211,100	323,151	338,386	310,408	(8.3%)	255,463	261,408	2.3%
S/CL/SL-Class/ SLS/Maybach	90,600	65,800	78,244	78,480	80,059	2.0%	67,744	55,054	(18.7%)
ML/R/GLK/GL/ G-Class	160,600	171,500	200,462	248,574	289,960	16.6%	227,494	264,030	16.1%
smart	134,800	117,000	97,528	101,996	103,738	1.7%	87,961	82,449	(6.3%)
Mercedes-Benz Cars	1,256,600	1,129,300	1,265,228	1,362,934	1,423,835	4.5%	1,162,519	1,271,508	9.4%

Source: Daimler Annual Report、Interim Report for respective year、IR Release November 6, 2013
Note: A figure in brackets ( ) indicates a loss

Mercedes-Benz Cars' business performances

Daimler Group's passenger car division, Mercedes-Benz Cars, registered revenue of EUR 46.96 billion from January through September 2013, an increase of 3.1% y/y. However, the EBIT declined 23.7% y/y to EUR 2.7 billion while return on sales declined 2.0 percentage points to 5.8%. According to Daimler, these declines resulted from the development of new models and technologies along with the enhancement of production capacities. The revenue in the third quarter rose 8.4% y/yto EUR 16.52 billion and the EBIT rose 23.3% to EUR 1.2 billion. Sales are strong in China, the U.S. and Western Europe attributable chiefly to the market launch of the A-Class and the CLA. Daimler expects further growth in EBIT throughout the fourth quarter with continuing strong sales of new models and on-going cost reduction initiatives.

Mercedes-Benz Cars: Consolidated financial results

(in million EUR)

	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2011- 2012 Change ratio	Jan.-Sep.
	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2011- 2012 Change ratio	2012	2013	changes
sales	47,772	41,318	53,426	57,410	61,660	7.4%	45,539	46,955	3.1%
EBIT	2,117	(500)	4,656	5,192	4,389	(15.5%)	3,540	2,701	(23.7%)
EBIT Return on Sales (RoS)	4.4%	(1.2%)	8.7%	9.0%	7.1%	(1.9%pts)	7.8%	5.8%	(2.0%pts)
Capital investment	2,246	1,618	2,457	2,724	3,495	28.3%	3,373	3,221	(4.5%)
R&D	2,994	2,969	3,130	3,733	3,863	3.5%	4,192	3,968	(5.3%)
production	1,338,245	1,031,562	1,312,456	1,392,083	1,455,650	4.6%	1,086,786	1,177,984	8.4%
Sales volume (wholesale)	1,273,013	1,093,905	1,276,827	1,381,416	1,451,569	5.1%	1,054,105	1,141,668	8.3%

Source: Daimler Annual Report、Interim Report for respective year
Note: A figure in brackets ( ) indicates a loss

Production Forecast by LMC Automotive: Daimler production to reach 2.28 million units by 2016

(LMC Automotive、October 2013)

According to LMC Automotive’s forecast in September 2013, Daimler’s light vehicle production in 2013 will show a slight increase of 0.7% to 1.79 million units in comparison with 2012. The group will continue expanding the production volume each year, achieving 2.28 million units by 2016, which is 27.6% growth from 2012.
China’s output is expected to grow strongly by 2016, multiplying 2.7 times to 285,000 units. The United States is another region projected to grow significantly, expanding by 57.1% to 308,000 units by 2016.
In Europe, Hungary is expected to triple the volume to 135,000 units in 2016. Conversely, German production is expected to decrease by 4.6% to 1.01 million units compared to 2012 as output increases elsewhere. Regarding the changes in the global production, LMC Automotive states: “China’s output is expected to increase as the GLA and A-Class are added to the existing models at the Beijing plant. This will compromise European output growth, however.”

Daimler Group production forecast by country and by make (LMC Automotive)

COUNTRY	GLOBAL MAKE (brand)	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Total		1,592,467	1,724,541	1,776,266	1,816,407	1,903,509	2,106,672	2,276,533
Argentina	Mercedes-Benz	14,253	15,862	13,417	16,062	17,190	25,412	27,357
Austria	Mercedes-Benz	5,304	7,123	9,850	10,314	7,907	7,426	7,221
Brazil	Mercedes-Benz	12,260	-	-	-	-	-	5,827
China	Mercedes-Benz	50,272	90,601	104,355	117,036	148,271	214,519	283,129
Finland	Mercedes-Benz	-	-	-	9,730	38,023	34,108	31,078
France	Mercedes-Benz	-	-	14,089	25,000	34,863	35,430	35,161
	Smart	97,435	103,635	104,154	93,623	82,104	100,552	101,444
France Total		97,435	103,635	118,243	118,623	116,967	135,982	136,605
Germany	Mercedes-Benz	1,108,252	1,155,421	1,089,386	1,054,101	1,000,359	946,507	1,007,882
Hungary	Mercedes-Benz	-	127	41,035	114,482	135,836	149,803	134,693
India	Fuso	-	-	-	-	1,176	1,506	1,210
	Mercedes-Benz	5,090	7,354	6,020	5,241	9,168	10,435	13,530
India Total		5,090	7,354	6,020	5,241	10,344	11,941	14,740
Indonesia	Fuso	11,800	12,465	15,445	14,875	12,839	14,827	16,526
	Mercedes-Benz	2,665	4,805	5,224	4,202	2,299	2,813	3,435
Indonesia Total		14,465	17,270	20,669	19,077	15,138	17,640	19,961
Iran	Mercedes-Benz	84	-	-	-	-	-	-
Japan	Fuso	16,896	18,317	20,593	19,586	13,891	14,978	15,399
Malaysia	Fuso	1,671	1,356	2,099	2,289	2,508	2,841	3,011
	Mercedes-Benz	4,173	5,120	5,163	4,302	4,617	4,788	5,047
Malaysia Total		5,844	6,476	7,262	6,591	7,125	7,629	8,058
Mexico	Mercedes-Benz	-	-	-	-	-	6,829	25,098
Philippines	Fuso	371	457	616	539	598	667	745
Russia	Mercedes-Benz	-	-	-	3,407	15,158	16,541	16,822
Slovenia	Smart	-	-	-	-	20,794	70,551	67,920
South Africa	Mercedes-Benz	52,594	50,322	63,049	53,559	47,866	77,504	80,243
Spain	Mercedes-Benz	70,310	76,203	71,299	59,897	58,094	72,938	75,804
Taiwan	Fuso	6,332	7,358	9,025	4,976	5,276	5,687	6,012
Thailand	Mercedes-Benz	4,251	4,779	5,497	4,541	3,717	4,089	4,020
USA	Mercedes-Benz	128,454	163,236	195,950	198,645	240,955	285,921	307,919

Source: LMC Automotive "Global Automotive Production Forecast (October, 2013)"
Note: 1.	Data indicates figures of only small-size vehicles, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of under 6 tons.
2.	.
3.	For more detailed information or inquiries of forecast data, contact Darko Milosevic, Data center.

Daimler aims for record unit sales and revenues in China and U.S. in 2015

Mercedes Benz Cars' units sales by region

Daimler's sales of 2.55 million units in 2014 broke all previous records, growing 8.2% y/y. Mercedes-Benz Cars, which is Daimler's passenger-car division, achieved a 10% y/y increase, selling 1.72 million units, which was also a new sales record. Sales in China rose 22.6% y/y to 293,000 units, greatly contributing to the yearly growth in sales. In terms of sales by country, China surpassed Germany, becoming the second largest market after the USA.
Also, total sales in Western Europe grew 1.4% y/y, to 669,000 units. Unit sales in Germany alone, however, fell 3.5% y/y, down to 280,000 units. Nevertheless, Daimler posted strong sales in the rest of the Western European countries such as Spain, the UK, and France, achieving 10% growth y/y and selling 396,000 units, which offset the decrease in unit sales in Germany. Sales in the U.S. increased 8.1% y/y to 344,000 units. One of the major factors contributing to the significant increase in Daimler's sales was the company's strong product lineup that included the new S-Class, its flagship model; and compact cars such as the A-Class, GLA-Class and others.
On a monetary basis, the Company set a new sales record. It achieved EUR 129.9 billion in sales, which was a 10.1% y/y increase. EBIT, which was EUR 10.8 billion, fell 0.6% y/y as a result of extraordinary expenses. Net profit, which was EUR 7.3 billion, fell 16.4% y/y.
EBIT at the passenger-car division increased 46.1% y/y to EUR 5.9 billion, thanks to greater unit sales and an improved vehicle-model lineup.
Daimler is forecasting that its 2015 unit sales and monetary sales will significantly surpass those of 2014. By business division, the passenger-car and truck divisions especially are anticipated to contribute to the results; and by region, Asia, China, and North America are expected to contribute to the forecasted growth.

Mercedes-Benz Cars' sales by region (on a wholesale basis)

(Units)

		2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
Western Europe		733,233	623,489	635,798	625,168	631,423	640,162	668,578
	of which Germany	332,472	297,756	292,895	290,658	289,923	279,894	272,459
	of which other countries in Western Europe	400,761	325,733	342,903	334,510	341,500	360,268	396,119
US		251,160	202,955	220,454	250,355	299,741	318,507	344,365
Asia		144,141	138,942	261,568	335,449	338,286	389,065	475,633
Asia	of which China	48,620	67,451	159,974	223,059	208,494	238,727	292,663
Others		144,479	128,519	159,007	170,444	182,119	217,829	233,985
Total		1,273,013	1,093,905	1,276,827	1,381,416	1,451,569	1,565,563	1,722,561

Sources: Daimler Annual Reports

Daimler AG's consolidated results

(in millions EUR)

		2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
Production volume (Units in thousands)		2,150	1,456	1,941	2,137	2,195	2,384	2,582
Sales volume (Units in thousands)	Passenger cars	1,273	1,094	1,277	1,381	1,452	1,566	1,723
	Commercial vehicles	800	457	619	730	746	788	823
	Total	2,073	1,551	1,895	2,111	2,198	2,354	2,546
Revenues	Passenger cars	47,772	41,318	53,426	57,410	61,660	64,307	73,584
	Commercial vehicles	42,859	28,813	36,394	42,348	44,388	44,947	46,575
	Total	98,469	78,924	97,761	106,540	114,297	117,982	129,872
EBIT	Passenger cars	2,117	(500)	4,656	5,192	4,391	4,006	5,853
	Commercial vehicles	368	(792)	1,998	2,873	2,023	2,392	2,757
	Total	2,730	(1,513)	7,274	8,755	8,820	10,815	10,752
Net profit		1,414	(2,644)	4,674	6,029	6,830	8,720	7,290

Sources： Daimler Annual Reports
(Notes) 1.	Data of passenger cars are from Mercedes-Benz Cars and data of commercial vehicles are the total of Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses.
2.	"Totals" of revenues and EBIT include the data of Financial Services division.
3.	Numbers in brackets "( )" represent negative value.
4.	Consolidated EBIT and net profit in 2013 includes revaluation and sales gains of EUR 3.22 billion from European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company shares. In addition, financial results for the January to September 2014 period includes sales gain of EUR 1 billion from Rolls-Royce Power Systems Holding shares.

Daimler Group's 2015 forecasts/plans

Group	* The Group predicts that 2015 unit sales and monetary sales will significantly surpass those of 2014. By business division, the passenger-car and truck divisions especially are anticipated to contribute; and by region, Asia, China, and North America are expected to contribute. The Group expects EBIT will improve due to launching an efficiency program. The Group plans to spend approximately EUR 6.7 billion on R&D and EUR 5.6 billion on capital investments during the two years of 2015 and 2016.
Passenger-car Division	* Unit sales at Mercedes-Benz Cars are expected to significantly surpass those of 2014 and set new records. The division plans to increase sales by releasing four new models by July 2015, such as the redesigned C-Class, smart, CLA Shooting Brake, and GLE Coupe. The division predicts that sales in the Chinese market (300,000+ units) and the North American market will increase.
Van Division	* Mercedes-Benz Vans predicts unit sales will increase, thanks to the release of its redesigned models (Sprinter, Vito, and V-Class). It also predicts that sales in Europe, North America, and China will grow.
Truck Division	* Daimler Trucks predicts that unit sales will increase significantly in 2015, especially in North America, Indonesia, and India.
Bus Division	* Daimler Buses is predicting that sales will increase slightly, mainly in Europe, South America, and Mexico.

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi extending active safety features

Numerous innovative systems on new M-Benz E-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi Q7 and A4

2015/10/19

Summary

Intelligent Drive next Level (semi-autonomous
driving system) on new Mercedes-Benz E-Class
(Source: Mercedes-Benz press release)

Reported below is availability of active safety features on Daimler, BMW and Audi's models released (or to be released) in Europe. Five models ranging from the flagship, midsize to entry models are selected for each brand and their feature availabilities are compared.

Daimler (Mercedes-Benz brand models)

* Offering different Driving Assistance Packages for midsize/large vehicles and small vehicles
* Installing new active safety features on the new E-Class to be launched in the spring of 2016

BMW (BMW brand models)

* Nearly the same Driving Assistant Packages available on all models
* Featuring various Driving Assistant Plus Packages for different models
* Adopting new features on the new flagship 7 Series to be released in October 2015

VW (Audi brand models)

* Offering more active safety features on the new Q7 and A4 (to be) released in 2015 than the flagship model
* Featuring automatic brakes for vehicles and pedestrians and multicollision brake assist system as standard equipment
* Preparing three assistance system packages: Tour, City and Parking

Movements related to active safety features in the future

* Euro NCAP's assessment items for automobile safety
Including Autonomous Emergency Braking for vehicles and Lane Keep Assist systems in 2014
Including Autonomous Emergency Braking for pedestrians in 2016
* Research and development on autonomous driving progressing by the three OEMs
Semi-autonomous system (such as Traffic Jam Assist) increasingly available

Cockpit of new BMW 7 Series
(Source: BMW press release)

Numerous driving assist systems available on
new Audi A4 (Source: Audi press release)

Daimler offers different Driving Assistance Packages for midsize/large and small vehicles

Daimler offers the Driving Assistance Package comprising a set of active safety features on all the five Mercedes-Benz brand models reported here. However, the package includes the features with basic functions for small vehicles while it contains the systems with extended and additional functions for midsize and large vehicles.

Driving Assistance Package
For small vehicles	Additional functions for midsize and large vehicles
Blind Spot Assist	+ Course correction function with the corrective brakes
Lane Keeping Assist	+ Course correction function with the corrective brakes
Distronic Plus (Adaptive Cruise Control)	+ Steering assist function
PRE-SAFE anticipatory safety system (occupant protection system)	+ Warning and automatic braking function
-	+ Brake assist system and rear collision warning system

Four of the five models reported here feature the Driving Assistance Package as optional equipment while only the flagship S-Class comes standard with the package on its upper grades.
Other active safety features include the Attention Assist, which warns the driver's drowsiness, standard on all the models. The standard equipment on some grades of all the models comprise the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS that alerts the risk of a collision with the preceding vehicle, and the Active parking assist which automatically steers and applies the brakes for parking.
In July 2015, Daimler disclosed the features available on the new E-Class sedan to be released in the spring of 2016. The new features contain the Remote Parking Pilot which allows the driver to move the vehicle into the parking space from outside, and the Car-to-X Communication that uses a smartphone to exchange information with other vehicles.

New Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
(Source: Daimler press release)

Car-to-X Communication available on new E-Class
(Source: Daimler press release)

Mercedes-Benz's active safety features

Driving Assistance Package for small vehicles

Blind Spot Assist	The system monitors the blind spot, the areas towards the rear of the vehicle on both sides, and warns the driver of the presence of another vehicle in the spot.
Lane Keeping Assist	If the vehicle is unintentionally wandering out of its lane without using a turn indicator, the system warns the driver by vibrations on the steering wheel.
Distronic Plus	The system automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by braking when necessary and accelerating again when the traffic conditions permit.
PRE-SAFE anticipatory safety system	When the system detects the risk of a collision, it rewinds the seat belts, returns the seat positions, and closes the windows to protect the occupants.

Driving Assistance Package for midsize and large vehicles

Active Blind Spot Assist	When the system detects the risk of a side collision with the car approaching from the blind spot, it applies the corrective brakes on the one-side wheels to correct the vehicle's driving course
Active Lane Keeping Assist	When the driver does not respond to the warning of the lane deviation, the system will push back the vehicle into its lane with the automatic corrective brakes. The system is activated at speeds from 60 to 200 km/h.
Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop&Go Pilot	The Distronic Plus system maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while the Steer Assist function uses radar sensors and a stereo camera to recognize the curve of the lane and the preceding car. The function assists steering to keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane. It is activated at speeds from 0 to 200 km/h. (The cruising speed can be set at speeds from 30 to 200 km/h.)
Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop&Go Pilot	The Stop&Go Pilot function makes the vehicle to automatically stop and restart in response to the movement of the preceding car in congested traffic.
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist	If the BAS PLUS detects the risk of a collision, it gives the driver visual and audible warnings. When the driver applies the brakes, the system automatically boost the braking pressure up to the optimum brake force, if necessary, to avoid a collision.
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist	The Cross-Traffic Assist function uses two types of radar sensors, including a short-range sensor as well as a medium- and long-range sensor, and a stereo camera to monitor the wide area ahead of the vehicle. When the system detects the risk of a collision with the preceding car, crossing cars, or pedestrians in front of the vehicle, it gives visual and audible warnings. The system is activated at speeds of up to 72 km/h.
PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection	The system uses short, medium, and long-range radar sensors and a stereo camera to monitor the area ahead of the vehicle. When the system detects the risk of a collision with the preceding car and pedestrians, it warns the driver with visual and acoustic alerts as well as light brakes. If the driver does not respond, it applies the full brakes if necessary. Simultaneously, it rewinds the seat belt to protect the occupants. The system can help to avoid a collision at speeds of up to 50 km/h while it mitigates damage resulting from a collision at speeds over 50 km/h.
PRE-SAFE PLUS	The system uses a radar sensor in the rear bumper to monitor the traffic behind the vehicle. When it detects the risk of a rear-end collision, it flashes the rear hazard lights to warn the driver of the following car. Subsequently, the occupant protection measures are deployed including automatic seat belt tensioning. If the vehicle is stationary during the hazardous situation, the system firmly applies the vehicle's brakes to avoid multiple collisions and mitigate damage of further accidents in the case of the rear-end collision.

Other active safety features

Attention Assist	The system detects inattentiveness and drowsiness of the driver based on changes in the steering behavior and other factors. It is activated at speeds from 60 to 200 km/h. In the instrument cluster, it informs the driver about their level of drowsiness and how long they have been driving since their last break. When the system recommends the driver to take a break, nearby service areas will be indicated in the navigation system.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS	This system uses a mid-range radar sensor fitted on the front bumper to monitor the range of 80 meters in front of the vehicle. When the minimum safe distance from the vehicle ahead is exceeded, a warning light comes on in the instrument cluster. If the distance decreases further, a warning tone is emitted. In the event that the braking pressure applied by the driver is insufficient, the system activates Adaptive Brake Assist, which automatically increases the braking pressure.
Active parking assist with PARKTRONIC	The system assists the driver in parallel and perpendicular parking. When traveling at speeds below 30 km/h, it identifies a suitable parking spot. The system steers and applies the brakes for parking. What the driver has to do is shifting gears and operating the accelerator pedal. The system also allows the vehicle to go out of the parking spot by automatically steering and applying the brakes.

New active safety features to be installed on new E-Class (to be released in Spring 2016)

Intelligent Drive next Level	On motorways and country roads, the system not only maintains the distance from the preceding car but also assists steering to stay in its lane. (The system is activated at speeds from 0 to 200 km/h.) It is capable of keeping the vehicle in its lane without clearly visible lane markings at speeds up to 130 km/h.
Speed Limit Pilot	In combination with the COMAND Online telematics system, the Speed Limit Pilot automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed in response to camera-detected speed limit signs or speed limits logged in the navigation system.
Active Brake Assist	The system warns the driver if the risk of a collision is detected. It provides the right level of assistance in the event of sudden braking and applies the brakes automatically in an emergency. In addition to detecting slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it also detects crossing traffic at junctions, the tail-ends of traffic jams and pedestrians ahead of the vehicle.
Evasive Steering Assist	When the driver performs an evasive maneuver in a dangerous situation, the system adds a precisely calculated steering torque to support the movement of the steering wheel. It complements the pedestrian detection function of the Active Brake Assist. This system helps the driver to avoid the pedestrian in a controlled manner while subsequently facilitates the straightening of the vehicle in order to pass safely.
Remote Parking Pilot	The driver uses the relevant app downloaded into their smartphones to move the vehicle into and out of parking spaces from outside. The system allows the occupants to get into and out of the vehicle easily even if the space is very tight.
Car-to-X Communication	This is the smartphone-supported information exchange system with other vehicles further ahead on the road. The system allows the driver to see around corners or through obstacles. If there is an imminent risk such as an accident, the driver is able to receive a warning earlier than before.
Digital Car Key	After the Mercedes-Benz driving authorization system is transferred to a secured and encrypted chip in the smartphone, it can be used as the car key. A smartphone capable of near field communication (NFC) technology in combination with a secure-SIM card is required to use this function.
PRE-SAFE Impulse Side	When the system detects an unavoidable side collision, the air chambers in the backrest side bolsters (the parts on both sides of the backrest to support the upper body of the occupant) inflate rapidly to move the occupant sideways, away from the dangerous area. This increases the distance between the occupant and the door.
PRE-SAFE Sound	This system protects the occupant's ears from the expected noise in the event of a possible collision. When presented with a high-intensity sound stimulus, the stapedius muscle in the middle ear contracts to decrease the transmission of the loud sound to the middle ear. This is the first technology to use the stapedius reflex. If the system detects the risk of a collision, it emits a short interference signal through the vehicle's sound system. This signal triggers the stapedius reflex, which lessens the risk of the occupant's hearing damage.
MULTIBEAM LED headlamps	This is the second generation of the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps which have been installed on the CLS for the first time since 2014. Each headlamp is equipped with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs (rather than 24 on the CLS). These headlamps illuminate the road surface with a precisely controlled distribution of light, providing exceptionally bright light for the driver without dazzling other road users.

Daimler: active safety features on major Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles

"S" standard on all grades, "A" standard on some grades, "O" optional

Model	S-Class	GLE Coupe	E-Class	C-Class	GLA-Class
Model	Flagship sedan	Midsize SUV coupe	Midsize (E-segment) sedan	Midsize (D-segment) sedan	Compact SUV
Launch month and year of models fitted with current safety features	Jul. 2013	Mar. 2015	Spring 2016	Feb. 2014	Nov. 2013
Driving Assistance Package for midsize and large vehicles
Active Blind Spot Assist	AO	O	O	O
Active Lane Keeping Assist	AO	O	O	O
BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist	AO	O	O	O
Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop&Go Pilot	AO	O	O	O
PRE-SAFE Brake with pedestrian detection	AO	O	O	O
PRE-SAFER PLUS	AO	O	O	O
Driving Assistance Package for small vehicles
Blind Spot Assist			O(Note1)		O
Lane Keeping Assist			O(Note1)		O
Distronic Plus					O
PRE-SAFE anticipatory safety system		S	S		O
Other active safety features
Attention Assist	S	S	S	S	S
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS	A	S	S	S	S
Night View Assist Plus	AO
Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way driver warning function	S		O
Active parking assist with PARKTRONIC	AO	A	S	AO	AO
360-degree camera	AO	A
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus	S	S		O
Adaptive Highbeam Assist			S

Source: Daimler on-line catalogs (U.K.) as of late September 2015
(Note)1.	The E-Class will offer these features as the Lane Tracking Package.
2.	This table does not include "new active safety features to be installed on new E-Class" listed in another table.

BMW provides same Driving Assistant Package on all models

BMW also prepares the Driving Assistant Package including a suit of active safety features whereas the automaker offers nearly the same package across all models ranging from the flagship to small vehicles. Then, it adds the Driving Assistant Plus Package which comprises various features on different models.

Driving Assistant Package	Driving Assistant Plus Package
Forward Collision Warning	Active Cruise Control (Adaptive Cruise Control)
City Collision Mitigation (autonomous braking system for vehicles)	Traffic Jam Assist
Preventive Pedestrian Protection (autonomous braking system for pedestrians and cyclists)	(The above two features are available on most of the models. The new 7 Series offers more new features.)
Lane Departure Warning
Speed-limit information

Among the five models reported here, only the X6 midsize SUV adopts the Driving Assistant Package as standard equipment. Four other models come optional with both packages.
Besides, the new flagship 7 Series to be released in October 2015 features some more innovative systems as optional equipment. Those features include the Remote Control Parking which enables the driver to maneuver the vehicle in the tight parking spot from outside, and the Surround-view that shows a new 3D View in addition to the rear and top views.

New BMW 7 Series (Frankfurt Auto Show 2015)

Remote Control Parking on BMW 7 Series
(Source: BMW press release)

BMW's active safety features

Driving Assistant Package

Forward Collision Warning	The system provides visual and audible warnings when the driver is approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly.
City Collision Mitigation	This is an autonomous braking system for vehicles. If the driver does not respond to the warning given by the Forward Collision Warning, the system automatically applies the brakes. It is activated at speeds above 60 km/h.
Lane Departure Warning	This system uses a camera to monitor the lane markings ahead. If the vehicle travels over the lane markings without activating turn indicators, the system warns the driver by gently vibrating the steering wheel. It is active at speeds above 70 km/h.
Preventive Pedestrian Protection	This is an autonomous braking system for pedestrians and cyclists. When traveling at speeds up to 56 km/h in the urban area, the system automatically applies the brakes if the risk of a collision with pedestrians or cyclists is detected.
Speed-limit information	The system uses a camera fitted near the rear view mirror to identify the traffic signs including the speed-limit signs. It shows the current speed limit in the instrument panel or in the head-up display.

Driving Assistant Plus Package

Active Cruise Control with 'Stop & Go' function	The system uses radar sensors to monitor the area in front of the vehicle. It maintains a safe distance from the preceding car by automatically adapting the speed of the vehicle in response to the car ahead.
Traffic Jam Assist	The Traffic Jam Assist is activated at speeds from 0 to 60 km/h. In the congested traffic, the system automatically accelerates, decelerates and steers the vehicle. While it maintains the desired distance from the preceding car, it also actively steers the vehicle to stay in its lane. In order to activate the system, the driver is required to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel (to take over responsibility of driving if necessary).

Active Cruise Control with 'Stop & Go' function

The system uses radar sensors to monitor the area in front of the vehicle. It maintains a safe distance from the preceding car by automatically adapting the speed of the vehicle in response to the car ahead.

Traffic Jam Assist

The Traffic Jam Assist is activated at speeds from 0 to 60 km/h. In the congested traffic, the system automatically accelerates, decelerates and steers the vehicle. While it maintains the desired distance from the preceding car, it also actively steers the vehicle to stay in its lane. In order to activate the system, the driver is required to keep at least one hand on the steering wheel (to take over responsibility of driving if necessary).

New active safety features on new 7 Series (to be released in October 2015)

Crossing-traffic Warning	When in crossing at an intersection, the system warns of potential collisions with vehicles approaching from both sides which the driver cannot see.
Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection	The system intervenes in steering to avoid the risk if the vehicle unintentionally leaves its lane or is about to collide with objects to the side of the vehicle
Steering and Lane Control Assistant	The system uses multiple radar sensors and a stereo camera to keep a desired distance from the preceding car and to maintain the vehicle in the middle of its lane. It is activated at speeds from 0 to 210 km/h. The driver is required to keep both hands on the steering wheel to take over responsibility of driving if necessary.
Remote Control Parking	The system allows the driver to maneuver the vehicle into the garage or parking spot from outside of the vehicle, using the Display Key. It also remotely moves the vehicle out of the parking spot. The system is available in November 2015 for diesel vehicles and March 2016 for petrol vehicles.
Surround-view with 3D view	The system uses cameras fitted on the front of the vehicle and at the exterior mirrors to show the 360-degree view around the vehicle on the onboard display. It offers the Rear View, Top View and Panorama View which shows the traffic ahead at an intersection with poor visibility. The driver can switch between these views. The new 7 Series also provides the 3D View generated by the computer.

BMW: active safety features on major BMW brand vehicles

"S" standard on all grades, "A" standard on some grades, "O" optional

Model	7 Series	X6	5 Series	3 Series	X1
Model	Flagship sedan	Midsize SUV	Midsize (E-segment) sedan	Midsize (D-segment) sedan	Compact SUV
Launch month and year of models fitted with current safety features	Oct. 2015	Dec. 2014	May 2013	Summer 2013	Oct. 2015
Driving Assistant Package
City Collision Mitigation/City Braking function	O	S	O	O	O
Forward Collision Warning	O	S	O	O	O
Lane Departure Warning	O	S	O	O	O
Preventive Pedestrian Protection/Pedestrian Warning	O	S	O	O	O
Speed-limit information/Speed Limit Display	O	O	O	O
Driving Assistant Plus Package
Active Cruise Control with 'Stop & Go" function	O	O	O	O	O
Traffic Jam Assist	O	O	O		O
Crossing-traffic Warning	O
Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection	O
Steering and Lane Control Assistant	O
Other active safety features
Dynamic Safety	S	O	O	O
Night Vision with Dynamic Light Spot and pedestrian recognition	O	O	O
Lane Change Warning system		O	O	O
Park Assist	O	O	O	O	O
Remote Control Parking	O
Surround-view	O	O	O	O
High-beam Assistant	S	O	O	O

Source: BMW on-line catalogs (U.K.) as of late September 2015

Audi's new Q7 and A4 feature active safety systems superior to flagship

VW Group's Audi has installed more active safety features on the new Q7 released in the spring of 2015 and the new A4 to be launched in the fall of 2015 than the flagship model. The standard equipment on both of the models includes the Audi pre sense city, an autonomous braking system for vehicles and pedestrians, and the multicollision brake assist which prevents further collisions.
In addition, optional driver assistance features can be selected individually or are available in the packages Tour, City and Parking on the new Q7 and A4. Each package comprises the following major systems.

Tour package	City package	Parking package
Traffic jam assist	rear cross-traffic assist	park assist (automatic steering for parallel and perpendicular parking)
Collision avoidance assist (steering assist)	exit warning	360-degree camera
Turning assist	Active lane assist

Upper grade models such as the A8, Q7and A6 adopt some other safety features. These include the Audi Matrix LED headlights with 25 LEDs for each high beam which can be individually controlled, and the Night vision assistant that shows a thermal image of pedestrians and animals on the onboard display at night.

New Audi A4 (Frankfurt Auto Show 2015)

"Pre sense city" autonomous braking system, standard
on Audi Q7 and A4 (Source: Audi press release)

Active safety features on new Q7 (released in spring 2015) and new A4 (to be launched in fall 2015)

Active safety features included as standard equipment

Audi pre sense city	This is an autonomous braking system which detects pedestrians as well as vehicles. Using a windshield-mounted front camera, the system scans the road with a range of 100 meters ahead for a suddenly stopping car or a crossing pedestrian in front of the vehicle. When the risk of a collision is detected, the system warns the driver and applies the automatic brakes if necessary. It can prevent accidents at speeds of up to 40 km/h and mitigate damage of collisions at speeds of up to 85 km/h.
multicollision brake assist system	When a collision is unavoidable, the system assists the driver with controlled application of the brake to prevent the vehicle from skidding, which averts further collisions.
attention assist	The system analyzes the driver's behavior and issues a warning when it detects that the driver is becoming inattentive due to tiredness.
adjustable speed limiter	(Standard only for the new A4) The system allows the driver to set a particular speed ranging from 30 to 250 km/h for the maximum speed limit. It is helpful for maintaining speed within city limits and in construction areas where irregular speed limits are imposed.

Tour package's major features

Traffic Jam Assist	The system is activated in combination with the Adaptive Cruise Control. When the traffic is congested, it takes over steering in addition to controlling the speed, using radar and ultrasonic sensors as well as a front camera. If the system reaches its system limits -for example, when the traffic thins out or there is a sharp curve ahead- it warns the driver to take over driving again. It is active at speeds of up to 65 km/h.
Collision avoidance assist	The system is activated when the vehicle has to avoid an obstacle to prevent an accident. First, it calculates the distance from the preceding car, using data from the front camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and radar sensors. When the risk is detected, it warns the driver with a tap on the brakes. As soon as the driver starts steering to avoid an obstacle, the system offers support for the necessary lane changes with controlled interventions to the power steering.
Turning assist	The system is activated when the driver turns on the left turn signal (on vehicles with left-hand drive). It monitors oncoming traffic during left turns. It is activated at speeds from 2 to 10 km/h. In dangerous situations, it brings the vehicle to a complete stop.

City package's major features

rear cross-traffic assist	When the driver is slowly driving backwards, for example while leaving a parking spot at right angles to the road, the system warns about approaching vehicles in critical range. There are different levels of warnings: visual, acoustic and a short jolt of the brakes. The back radar sensors provide the necessary data.
exit warning	When the vehicle stops moving, the system is activated to monitor the traffic around the vehicle. If it detects other vehicles or motorcycles approaching from behind when the occupants opens the doors, the LED warning lights inside the front and rear doors and/or in the exterior mirrors come on. The system stays on for three minutes after the ignition is turned off.

Parking package's major features

park assist	With the help of twelve ultrasonic sensors, the system assists to maneuver the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. It also identifies the parking spaces independently. Furthermore, it can steer the vehicle out of parallel parking spaces. All the driver has to do is accelerating, shifting gears and applying the brakes.
360-degree camera	The system shows the vehicle's surroundings from various perspectives, including a bird's-eye view, on the onboard display. It is helpful in maneuvering the vehicle in parking spaces or driveways where visibility is poor.

Active safety features available on upper grade models

Audi Matrix LED headlights

This headlight consists of an LED for the low beam and a high beam unit with 25 small LEDs. It switches between high and low beams by identifying the appropriate lighting required, using information from the front camera and navigation system. When the system detects lights of the preceding or oncoming vehicles, it partially masks its high beam by extinguishing individual LEDs. The system provides maximum and precise illumination at all times, improving visibility, without dazzling other road users.

Night vision assistant with pedestrian and animal detection

When driving at night, the system shows a thermal image of pedestrians and large wild animals on the onboard display. Initially the pedestrians and animals are highlighted in yellow. If the risk of a collision increases as they enter travelling course of the vehicle, the marking changes to red. In combination with the LED headlights or high beam assist system, the highlighted person is illuminated with three successive brief flashes of the headlight.

VW: active safety features on major Audi brand models

"S" standard on all grades, "A" standard on some grades, "O" optional

Model	A8	Q7	A6	A4	Q3
Model	Flagship sedan	Large SUV	Midsize (E-segment) sedan	Midsize (D-segment) sedan	Compact SUV
Launch month and year of models fitted with current safety features	Nov. 2013	Spring 2015	Fall 2014	Fall 2015	Feb. 2015
Tour assistance system package
Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function	O	O	O	O
Traffic jam assist		O		O
Pre-sense front	O	O	O	O
Audi active lane assist	O	O	O	O	O
Collision avoidance assistant		O		O
Turning assist		O		O
Speed limit display/Traffic sign recognition	O	O	O	O	O
City assistance system package
Audi side assist	O	O	O	O	O
Pre-sense rear	O	O	O	O
Rear cross-traffic assist		O		O
Exit warning		O		O
Parking assistance system package
Park assist	O	O	O	O	O
Surround view/360-degree camera		O		O
Other active safety features
Pre-sense basic	S	O	O	O
Pre-sense city		S		S
Multi-collision brake assist/Secondary collision brake assist		S		S	S
Attention assist		S		S
Adjustable speed limiter				S
Night vision assistant with pedestrian and animal detection	O	O	O
top view	AO		O
Audi Matrix LED headlights	A	O	O
High Beam Assist		AO	AO	O	A

Source: Audi on-line catalogs (U.K.) as of late September 2015

< Automotive Industry (Darko Milosevic, PhD Research) >

Daimler: Increased sales due to model lineup renewal and market growth in China

Driver assistance and CO2 reduction technologies depict modern image

2015/01/06

Summary

To become the top in sales volume in the premium segment in 2020, Daimler's passenger car division, Mercedes-Benz, has been: 1) renewing its model lineup, focusing on small cars, 2) growing its market in China and other emerging countries, and 3) developing environmental technologies. With these efforts, sales volume of the passenger car division increased by 8.5% to 1.24 million units for the January to September 2014 period, which was its record high. Mercedes-Benz aims for a record high in 2014, resulting in record highs for two consecutive years.

Model lineup renewal

In 2014, Mercedes-Benz fully remodeled the C-Class and introduced a new car, the GLA-Class. Mercedes-Benz also facelifted the E-Class and CLS-Class in the same year. Since the flagship S-Class that was fully remodeled in 2013, the company began using a new design and renewed the technologies for all of its core models. The front-wheel drive (FWD) compact car's new MFA platform series started from the B-Class and includes the A-Class, CLA-Class, and GLA-Class. Sales volume of these four models has been strong and has significantly increased. To simplify the lineup, which became complex due to the growing number of models, Mercedes-Benz will apply a nomenclature that will help simplify the model names from 2015.

China strategy: to expand production capacity to 200,000 units

By 2015, Daimler, which is significantly behind its competitors-Audi and BMW, with its joint-venture partner, Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd.'s (BAIC), will continue to invest EUR 4 billion in China. Specifically, the automaker plans to add another local production model, expand local production capacity from 100,000 units to 200,000 units, and have two-thirds of its sales volume in China produced locally. In addition, focusing on local cities, the automaker aims to expand its sales network and start executing its strategy to catch up with Audi and BMW, which are ahead in sales volume.

Advanced-technology development for driver-assistance systems and CO2 reduction technology

It is clear that Daimler is ahead of other automakers in the development of high-level driver-assistance systems as a safety pillar for future autonomous driving. Daimler has deployed its advanced technology to a wide range of models. Furthermore, Daimler has introduced plug-in hybrid vehicles (S-Class), fuel cell vehicles (B-Class), and electric vehicles (Smart, B-Class), and has been working to reduce CO2 emissions in a wide range of technical fields, including improving fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines, and steadily achieving its goals.

Mid-term goal

Sales target	* By 2020, become the top in sales volume in the premier segment. * Sales volume target by 2015: Mercedes-Benz brand-1.6 million units, truck division-500,000 units, van division-400,000 units, and bus division-42,000 units
Profit margin	* With the exception of the finance division, aim for profit margin (= Earnings Before Interest and Taxes [EBIT]/sales) of 9% in the automotive division (profit margin for the January to September 2014 period was 7.2%) and 10% in the passenger car division (profit margin for the January to September 2014 period was 7.8%).

Four strategic areas

Strengthening of core business	* Renew model lineups, strengthen brand, and improve efficiency. By 2020, add another 11 Mercedes-Benz brand models to the current 26 models. * Develop advanced active/passive safety technologies for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
Growth in emerging markets	* Aim for growth in emerging markets with a focus on China, India, Russia, and Brazil in which future growth can be expected.
Environmental technology leader	* Strengthen environmental (CO2 emission reduction) technology development of internal combustion engines, hybrids, electric vehicles (EV), fuel cell vehicles (FCV), etc.
New mobility and service	* Due to urbanization and IT technology developments, customer needs are changing. Meet demands for convenient transportation and Internet connection at any place.

Model lineup renewal

Renews design and technology of vehicles, ranging from flagship models to compact cars

In two years (from 2013 to 2014), Mercedes-Benz significantly renewed its model lineups, ranging from the flagship S-Class to compact cars. In 2013, the automaker fully remodeled the S-Class after eight years. In addition to the new design, an advanced driver assistance system was installed on the vehicle to improve safety and other technologies. In 2014, Mercedes-Benz fully remodeled the C-Class and facelifted the E-Class and CLS-Class. By doing so, Mercedes-Benz unified the exterior and interior designs to a new design, sharing the design of the S-Class. In addition, the advanced system that was adopted in the S-Class, was also used in the E-Class and C-Class. With the new systems, Mercedes-Benz was able to penetrate an advanced-technology image, which flagship models have, to all of its core models.

All-new S-Class (Source: Daimler)	Interior of the S-Class (Source: Daimler)

Upgraded C-Class

* The C-Class was significantly upgraded and has improved its luxurious feel against the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 Series. * Compared to its previous model, the length, width, and wheel base were increased by 95 mm, 40 mm, and 80 mm respectively. Its size is comparable to that of the E-Class's previous model. The interior and exterior designs were unified with those of the S-Class and E-Class. The texture quality of the interior is especially high in this segment and it clearly stands out among competing models. * The most advanced-driver assistance system that is equipped in the S-Class, has been equipped in the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle has also adopted this segment's first air suspension. * To improve dynamic performance and reduce fuel consumption, 50% of the body has been made from aluminum. Compared to its previous model, the vehicle significantly reduced its weight by 70 kg. As a breakthrough for intensively using aluminum material, a new method called "ImpAct", which has been receiving attention, was adopted on the vehicle body. In this method, adhesive, rivets, and screws have been used to join steel and aluminum together.

All-new C-Class (Source: Daimler)	Interior of the C-Class (Source: Daimler)

Compact car enhancement

The model that mostly contributed to the increase in Mercedes-Benz's sales volume was the FWD compact car series. The MFA platform has already been adopted by four models. The first model that adopted the platform was the B-Class in 2012. The other models that adopted the platform were the A-Class and CLA-Class, both in 2013, and the GLA-Class in 2014. In addition, the CLA Shooting Brake is scheduled to join in early-2015. This series was developed to win customer bases that were different from that of the traditional Mercedes-Benz. As a result, Mercedes-Benz was able to attract a wide range of customers, including young adults, as planned. This segment had been almost exclusively dominated by Audi and BMW when sales of the old A-Class and B-Class were sluggish. However, these series of redesigns and the introduction of new models were a hit, doubling sales volume in 2014 compared to that of 2011.

Exterior and interior of the CLA-Class (Source: Daimler)	Mercedes-Benz: sales volume in compact car segment

MFA platform

* The previous A-Class and B-Class adopted a unique platform. The engine was installed in a largely slanted, low position. The platform adopts a double floor. Furthermore, the rear suspension uses a uniquely shaped spherical-parabolic-spring axle. * This MFA platform has a traditional FWD layout where a general slanted engine is transversely installed, a front strut suspension, and a rear multi-link suspension. However, it is a carefully thought out, newly-developed platform. * By intensively using adhesive and laser welding for this body structure, the vehicle was able to achieve a highly rigid and lightweight body. In addition, together with the aforementioned new suspension, steering stability, ride comfort, and quietness, have significantly improved. * In 2017, Nissan will introduce the Infiniti Q30 that shares this platform. Mercedes-Benz plans to expand its platform business. (Please click here for its collaboration with Nissan.)

Front and rear suspension modules of MFA platform (Source: Daimler)	Body structure of MFA platform (Source: Daimler)

Model names to change from 2015

On November 2014, Daimler announced that it was going to change its model names for the Mercedes-Benz brand models from 2015. Daimler has been increasing the number of Mercedes-Benz brand models. By 2020, it will add another 11 new models and plans to have nearly 40 models. By changing the model names, Daimler believes that it will help customers remember the model names more easily and avoid confusion. At the same time, the name of engine types that are to be included in the model names will be unified.

New model names

1	Model names will start with one to three capital letters.
2	Series, focusing on five core models-"A," "B," "C," "E," and "S" will be created.
3	The first two letters of SUV models, excluding the "G-Class," will start with "GL."
4	The first two letters of four-door coupes will start with "CL."
5	The first two letters of roadster (rooftop) models will start with "SL."
6	For the third letter, a letter related to core models will be used.

Engine type name

" c "	"compressed natural gas" (currently "Natural Gas Drive"); e.g., "B 200 c"
" d "	"diesel" (currently "BlueTEC" and "CDI"); e.g., "E 350 d" and "GLA 200 d"
" e "	"electric" (currently "PLUG-IN HYBRID", "BlueTEC PLUG-IN HYBRID", and "Electric Drive"); e.g., "S 500 e" and "B 250 e"
" f "	"fuel cell" (currently "F-CELL"); e.g., "B 200 f"
" h "	"hybrid" (currently "HYBRID" and "BlueTEC HYBRID"); e.g., "S 400 h" and "E 300 h"


New nomenclature for Mercedes-Benz brand models (Click for a larger image, Source: Daimler)	New nomenclature for drive systems (Click for a larger image, Source: Daimler)

Mercedes-Benz's China strategy and three premium brands' sales volume

Three premium brands' global sales volume
When comparing the global sales volume of the three premium brands-Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi-fierce competition among them can be seen. Sales volume of all the three brands fell during the time of the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy; however, their sales volume have continued to steadily grow from 2010 and beyond. According to the cumulative sales up to November 2014 and MarkLines' forecast for December sales, the full-year sales volume will certainly exceed that of the previous year. In global unit sales, the three brands were competing; however, looking at the breakdown by region, circumstances were different.

Western European premium market

Three premium brands' sales in Western Europe
Audi's sales volume in Western Europe increased in 2011 and 2012. Mercedes-Benz's sales volume increased in 2013 and 2014. Sales volume of others remained almost flat. Because Mercedes-Benz introduced four FF compact car models, such as the A-Class, it resulted in a sales volume increase, which appeared in 2013 and 2014.

U.S. premium market

Premium brands' sales in the U.S.
Mercedes and BMW have been competing to become the top in U.S. sales volume. Lexus used to be first place in U.S. sales volume; however, due to the Toyota recall's negative image, the Lexus was forced to switch places with Mercedes and BMW from 2011 and beyond. Audi has been steadily increasing its sales volume; however, its brand image in the U.S. has not yet improved much as it did in other regions.

Three premium brands' sales in China
The Chinese premium market has continued to expand. Audi and BMW have significantly increased its sales volume in China. Because the price difference between locally built models and imported vehicles is huge in China, local production is the key to growth. Mercedes-Benz is planning to locally produce 200,000 vehicles in 2015.

Mercedes-Benz's China strategy

EUR 4 billion investment	Invest EUR 4 billion in its joint venture with BAIC by 2015 (announced in 2013). In 2014, invested EUR 1 billion to expand production capacity of vehicles and engines. Plans to expand the passenger car production capacity from the current 10 million units to more than 20 million units in 2015.
Addition of local production model	Has been producing the GLK-Class, C-Class (long-wheel version), and E-Class (long-wheel version) but plans to add the GLA-Class in 2015.
Expansion of local production capacity	Half of sales volume in China were local production models in 2013; however, plans to increase local production models to approximately two-thirds.
Expansion of sales network	In 2013, there were 337 dealers in China. Increase the number of dealers to approximately 100 in 2014, focusing on regional cities.
EV joint development with BYD	From September 2014, Daimler's and Chinese BYD Auto Co., Ltd.'s (BYD) joint venture, Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd., started production of its first series of EV models "Denza". The Denza will be produced on a production line that was built specifically for it at BYD's Shenzhen plant. For the time being, the vehicle will be sold in a few cities, such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen.

Advanced technology strategies for driver assistance systems and CO2 reduction

Driver assistance systems for future autonomous driving

* As an extension of the driver-assistance-system technology that has been equipped on the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz conducted autonomous driving tests using the S-Class-based test vehicles on public roads. Mercedes-Benz demonstrated the technology level of its driver assistance system. * In 2014, the same system was equipped in the facelifted E-Class and CLS-Class, and the fully remodeled C-Class. The system is used as Mercedes-Benz's common advanced technology. * This driver assistance system is equipped with six radar sensors and a stereo camera to enable it to detect the distance of surrounding vehicles, speed, and angles, which makes it possible for automatic emergency braking and tracking to the vehicle ahead with a certain distance. Compared to the driving-assistance systems that were developed by other companies, this system's accuracy of detection, control, etc. has advanced. * In additon, the brand's core models now feature LED head lamps that automatically switches to the light distribution mode, and a night-visibility-assistance system which uses an infrared camera. With these new systems, Mercedes-Benz has been taking the lead in safety-support systems.

Sensors of driver assistance system, which are commonly equipped in core models (Source: Daimler)	Pedestrians and vehicles are detected by sensors (Source: Daimler)

Advanced technology for CO2 reduction

Daimler has been also actively developing EVs, FCVs, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Daimler has developed CO2 reduction technologies in a wide range of areas, including diesel engines and downsized-turbocharged engines.

EV: Smart fortwo electric drive and B-Class EV

* Limited lease sales of the Smart fortwo electric drive began in 2009. One thousand vehicles were delivered to major cities in Europe and the U.S. where demonstration tests were conducted. Full-scale sales in countries around the world began in 2012. Maximum output of the motor is 75 ps/55 kW. The secondary battery capacity is 17.6 kWh. Maximum speed of the vehicle is 120km/h. Acceleration time of the vehicle from 0 to 60km/h is 4.8 seconds or less. Maximum speed of the vehicle is 125km/h. Before starting full-scale production, Daimler has been conducting large-scale demonstration tests of advanced-technology vehicles in markets. The automaker has actually conducted test drives of over 2,000 vehicles worldwide.

* Sales of the B-Class EVs began in 2014. The vehicle's specifications are as follows. Maximum speed is 160km/h (100 mph). Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 7.9 seconds. Power consumption is 16.6 kWh/100km. Cruising ranges are 200 km (124 mi) in New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) mode and 185 km (115 mi) in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mode.

(Source: Daimler)

B-Class FCV

Limited lease sales of the B-Class FCV began in 2010. As with the EVs, demonstration tests were conducted worldwide. Two hundred vehicles were delivered by the end of 2010. Seventy vehicles were delivered just to California, the U.S. by 2012. Driving performance is equivalent to that of a 2.0L gasoline engine; maximum speed is 170 km/h (106 mph). Tesla Motors' permanent magnet synchronous motor (maximum output: 132 kW/180 hp, maximum torque: 340 Nm/251lb-ft /34.7kgm) and Panasonic's lithium-ion battery (capacity: 11.5 kWh) are equipped on the floor of the vehicle.

(Source: Daimler)

S500 PHEV

Sales of the S500 PHEV began in 2014. A 3L V6 direct-injection twin-turbocharged gasoline engine (maximum output: 245 kW/333 hp, maximum torque: 480 Nm/354 lb-ft/48.9 kgm) is combined with an AC synchronous motor (maximum output: 85 kW/107hp/115ps, maximum torque: 350 Nm/251lb-ft/35.7 kgm) and a lithium-ion battery (capacity: 8.7 kWh) is equipped beneath the luggage compartment. Hitachi Automotive Systems' inverter is used. Fuel consumptions are 2.8 L/100 km (35.7km/L, 84 mpg) in NEDC mode and 13.4 km/L (31.5 mpg, 7.5 L/100 km) in JC08 mode. CO2 emissions is 65 g/km (105 g/mile).

(Source: Daimler)

Daimler Group's consolidated results

Daimler's total sales volume for the January to September 2014 period increased by 7.6% year-over-year (y/y) to 1.83 million units. Of the aforementioned sales volume, global sales volume of the passenger car division, Mercedes-Benz Cars, for the period increased by 8.5% to 1.24 million units, which was its record high. Looking by region, sales volume in China significantly increased by 25.3% y/y to 215,000 units.
On the other hand, sales volume in Western Europe increased by 0.4% y/y to 484,000 units. While sales volume in Germany hovered at 199,000 units, down by 5.8%, sales in the U.K. were strong and offset the sales volume in Germany. Sales volume in the U.S. increased by 8.1% y/y to 243,000 units. It exceeded the sales volume in Germany, Daimler's home country, and has become its largest market.
Strong global sales of Daimler's A-, B-, CLA-, and GLA-Class compact cars and the introduction of the new flagship S-Class have contributed to the increase in sales volume.
Daimler expects Mercedes-Benz's sales volume will set another record high in 2014.

Daimler's sales for the January to September 2014 period increased by 9.6% y/y to EUR 94.1 billion, and EBIT increased by 2.7% to EUR 8.61 billion. EBIT of the passenger car and commercial vehicle divisions significantly increased by 54.6% y/y and 33.8% y/y respectively. However, profit of approximately EUR 3.2 billion was recorded from the sales of shares in 2013; therefore, consolidated EBIT hovered at a 2.7% increase.
Sales in 2014 significantly exceeded that of the previous year. It is expected that EBIT, with the exception of special factors, will also be significantly higher.

Business forecast in 2014

Sales volume	* Expects that the group's total sales in 2014 will significantly exceed that of the previous year. * Sales volume of the passenger car division will significantly exceed that of the previous year. Expects that sales volume in 2014 will set another record high. The new S-Class and C-Class sedans and compact cars, such as the GLA-Class, have contributed to the increase in sales volume. * As for the sales volume of the commercial vehicle divisions, Daimler expects that, although sales volume of the van division will grow, sales volume of the truck division will slightly increase and sales volume of the bus division will slightly decrease.
Sales/profit	* Expects that sales in 2014 will significantly exceed that of the previous year. The North American and Chinese markets are contributing to the sales. As for EBIT (excluding special factors), Daimler expects that the passenger car and truck divisions will contribute, significantly increasing it.
Investment/research and development (R&D)	* Plans to invest EUR 5 billion in 2014. * Plans to invest EUR 5.5 billion on R&D of the next-generation E-Class, M-Class and a new small car in 2014.

Daimler's consolidated business results (in millions of EUR)

		2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	Jan.-Sep. 2013	Jan.-Sep. 2014
Production (1,000units)		2,150	1,456	1,941	2,137	2,195	2,384	1,770	1,901
Sales (1,000units)	Passenger car	1,273	1,094	1,277	1,381	1,452	1,566	1,142	1,239
	Commercial car	800	457	619	730	746	788	561	593
	Total	2,073	1,551	1,895	2,111	2,198	2,354	1,702	1,832
Total sales	Passenger car	47,772	41,318	53,426	57,410	61,660	64,307	46,955	53,452
	Commercial car	42,859	28,813	36,394	42,348	44,388	44,947	32,456	33,712
	Total	98,469	78,924	97,761	106,540	114,297	117,982	85,893	94,123
EBIT	Passenger car	2,117	(500)	4,656	5,192	4,391	4,006	2,701	4,176
	Commercial car	368	(792)	1,998	2,873	2,023	2,392	1,564	2,092
	Total	2,730	(1,513)	7,274	8,755	8,820	10,815	8,390	8,614
Net profit		1,414	(2,644)	4,674	6,029	6,830	8,720	7,044	6,103

Source：Daimler Annual Report
Note 1.	Passenger car is Mercedes-Benz Cars division. Commercial car include Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses. Production include passenger car and commercial car.
2.	Total of Total sales and EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) include Financial Services division.
3.	The numbers in brackets "( )" represent negative values.
4.	Consolidated EBIT and net profit in 2013 includes revaluation and sales gains of EUR 3.22 billion from European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company shares. In addition, financial results for the January to September 2014 period includes sales gain of EUR 1 billion from Rolls-Royce Power Systems Holding shares and revaluation gain of EUR 718 million from Tesla shares.

Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales breakdown by region

		2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	Jan.-Sep. 2013	Jan.-Sep. 2014
Western Europe		733,233	623,489	635,798	625,168	631,423	640,162	479,376	484,493
	Germany	332,472	297,756	292,895	290,658	289,923	279,894	210,812	198,528
	Except Germany	400,761	325,733	342,903	334,510	341,500	360,268	268,564	285,965
USA		251,160	202,955	220,454	250,355	299,741	318,507	224,580	242,850
Asia	Asia total	144,141	138,942	261,568	335,449	338,286	389,065	279,290	346,259
Asia	China	48,620	67,451	159,974	223,059	208,494	238,727	171,263	214,637
Others		144,479	128,519	159,007	170,444	182,119	217,829	158,422	165,600
Total		1,273,013	1,093,905	1,276,827	1,381,416	1,451,569	1,565,563	1,141,668	1,239,202

Source：Daimler Annual Report

Sales Forecast by LMC Automotive: Daimler's light vehicle global sales will be 2.3 million in 2017

(LMC Automotive, Quarter 3, 2014)

According to LMC Automotive's forecast in 2014 Q3, Daimler light vehicle sales will increase to 2.34 million units in 2017, up 30% from 2013. Over the next few years, the group looks well placed to reinforce market share as more products hit the market. The appetite for Premium cars in Europe continues to grow, and with the further proliferation of its product portfolio, the group is well placed to be at the forefront of the increased premium segment penetration.
That said, the markets that are expected to recover strongly (from weak bases) in the mid-term are traditional non-premium markets, such an Italy and Spain. This may limit the group's potential to add market share.
The largest growth market is China. Increasing wealth as well as consumer's trading up will provide long‐term market potential for premium segments. Daimler increase to 511 thousand unit in 2017, it is double score from 2013. The sales share of Chine market in global Daimler's total sales will increase to 21.8% in 2017 from 13.8% in 2013. Thus, for Daimler Chinese market becomes bigger market than the US market and the German market.

Daimler light vehicle sales forecast (units)

		2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
Daimler Group	Mercedes-Benz	1,466,332	1,512,818	1,663,719	1,717,483	1,903,796	2,032,908	2,127,618
	Smart	101,198	102,431	98,499	100,888	171,301	178,025	173,581
	Fuso	33,828	36,444	41,874	45,156	40,082	42,383	42,052
Daimler Group Total		1,601,358	1,651,693	1,804,092	1,863,527	2,115,179	2,253,316	2,343,251
Germany	Mercedes-Benz	331,425	326,655	323,332	328,236	348,099	359,529	365,568
	Smart	29,465	28,054	26,007	27,011	47,681	44,717	39,588
	Fuso	213	153	131	163	142	151	150
Germany total		361,103	354,862	349,470	355,410	395,922	404,397	405,306
USA	Mercedes-Benz	261,801	295,032	334,324	334,411	370,084	384,099	367,189
USA	Smart	5,366	10,009	9,264	9,894	11,303	13,321	14,317
USA total		267,167	305,041	343,588	344,305	381,387	397,420	381,506
China	Mercedes-Benz	207,212	208,196	232,709	267,376	358,689	421,310	475,834
China	Smart	9,983	15,337	16,565	18,456	25,952	30,907	35,986
China total		217,195	223,533	249,274	285,832	384,641	452,217	511,820
UK	Mercedes-Benz	102,836	114,297	136,632	149,544	152,565	153,978	158,729
	Smart	5,046	5,616	5,313	5,127	9,619	9,264	8,320
	Fuso	189	157	147	168	166	176	179
UK total		108,071	120,070	142,092	154,839	162,350	163,418	167,228
Italy	Mercedes-Benz	57,508	47,053	49,270	48,107	54,593	59,976	65,989
	Smart	24,122	21,479	20,376	19,721	37,454	38,476	36,080
	Fuso	335	177	164	147	202	224	239
Italy total		81,965	68,709	69,810	67,975	92,249	98,676	102,308
France	Mercedes-Benz	63,616	65,840	64,996	62,327	67,962	68,450	72,285
	Smart	6,809	5,442	5,267	4,755	10,081	9,973	9,118
	Fuso	614	393	363	363	417	444	421
France total		71,039	71,675	70,626	67,445	78,460	78,867	81,824
Japan	Mercedes-Benz	33,225	41,920	53,734	44,318	31,039	30,392	31,285
	Fuso	16,048	18,765	21,863	21,198	16,066	16,453	14,279
	Smart	1,214	1,401	1,298	1,348	1,358	1,293	1,366
Japan total		50,487	62,086	76,895	66,864	48,463	48,138	46,930
Russia	Mercedes-Benz	31,758	41,412	49,635	53,292	51,418	55,568	57,862
Russia	Smart	0	27	192	341	539	565	563
Russia total		31,758	41,439	49,827	53,633	51,957	56,133	58,425
Canada	Mercedes-Benz	31,058	33,114	34,781	35,830	37,102	40,009	37,591
Canada	Smart	1,851	2,382	2,237	1,799	2,611	2,932	2,983
Canada total		32,909	35,496	37,018	37,629	39,713	42,941	40,574
Spain	Mercedes-Benz	27,805	25,334	28,332	32,261	37,356	39,899	43,969
	Smart	2,938	2,357	2,317	2,811	5,189	5,164	4,782
	Fuso	80	49	35	63	115	136	142
Spain total		30,823	27,740	30,684	35,135	42,660	45,199	48,893
South Africa	Mercedes-Benz	28,460	24,952	25,943	33,075	51,277	54,593	57,879
	Smart	145	122	90	105	265	444	401
	Fuso	409	320	595	504	159	0	0
South Africa total		29,014	25,394	26,628	33,684	51,701	55,037	58,280
Korea	Mercedes-Benz	19,542	20,389	24,780	33,450	34,358	37,101	42,026
Korea total		19,542	20,389	24,780	33,450	34,358	37,101	42,026
Belgium	Mercedes-Benz	26,352	26,910	29,459	27,766	28,632	29,157	28,858
	Smart	1,300	746	667	697	1,464	1,408	1,209
	Fuso	145	170	127	130	120	125	123
Belgium total		27,797	27,826	30,253	28,593	30,216	30,690	30,190
Turkey	Mercedes-Benz	21,017	21,964	30,439	27,419	26,342	27,615	28,053
	Smart	57	95	111	109	239	361	551
	Fuso	397	493	159	158	200	242	257
Turkey total		21,471	22,552	30,709	27,686	26,781	28,218	28,861
Australia	Mercedes-Benz	20,571	21,838	27,023	23,476	20,953	23,381	23,817
Australia	Smart	236	142	126	119	141	142	144
Australia total		20,807	21,980	27,149	23,595	21,094	23,523	23,961
Taiwan	Mercedes-Benz	13,450	12,551	16,466	17,375	17,067	17,493	17,837
	Fuso	0	0	0	4,624	4,952	5,347	5,721
	Smart	143	138	133	166	137	134	134
Taiwan total		13,593	12,689	16,599	22,165	22,156	22,974	23,692
Switzerland	Mercedes-Benz	17,655	20,417	20,345	20,155	20,152	20,169	20,457
	Smart	2,139	1,874	1,687	1,737	2,660	2,457	2,247
	Fuso	119	101	128	102	86	91	91
Switzerland total		19,913	22,392	22,160	21,994	22,898	22,717	22,795
Netherlands	Mercedes-Benz	19,821	18,973	18,504	17,364	18,506	19,833	21,804
	Smart	868	469	343	364	1,006	1,055	1,057
	Fuso	133	115	92	90	81	89	99
Netherlands total		20,822	19,557	18,939	17,818	19,593	20,977	22,960
Indonesia	Fuso	12,191	11,979	14,020	13,623	13,313	14,385	15,492
	Mercedes-Benz	4,538	4,559	4,360	3,408	3,252	3,578	3,855
	Smart	277	235	96	0	0	0	0
Indonesia total		17,006	16,773	18,476	17,031	16,565	17,963	19,347
Sweden	Mercedes-Benz	15,239	14,524	12,749	15,234	16,480	16,867	17,707
Sweden	Smart	74	61	48	35	84	83	73
Sweden total		15,313	14,585	12,797	15,269	16,564	16,950	17,780
Austria	Mercedes-Benz	13,984	13,380	14,617	14,366	13,890	13,957	14,352
	Smart	1,370	738	984	782	1,600	1,511	1,366
	Fuso	40	39	26	35	34	34	36
Austria total		15,394	14,157	15,627	15,183	15,524	15,502	15,754
Brazil	Mercedes-Benz	15,481	10,514	13,138	13,377	17,300	16,496	22,190
Brazil	Smart	1,058	631	606	433	634	661	749
Brazil total		16,539	11,145	13,744	13,810	17,934	17,157	22,939
Portugal	Mercedes-Benz	8,493	6,317	7,967	10,196	9,992	11,269	12,314
	Smart	2,232	1,635	1,566	2,318	5,545	6,627	6,041
	Fuso	393	258	288	189	298	361	372
Portugal total		11,118	8,210	9,821	12,703	15,835	18,257	18,727
Mexico	Mercedes-Benz	7,695	8,966	8,871	9,972	13,892	14,391	15,016
Mexico	Smart	1,470	1,758	1,676	1,434	2,356	2,523	2,498
Mexico total		9,165	10,724	10,547	11,406	16,248	16,914	17,514
Poland	Mercedes-Benz	8,167	8,766	9,623	10,542	11,789	12,891	13,801
	Smart	110	65	84	99	543	745	648
	Fuso	123	58	32	43	88	173	262
Poland total		8,400	8,889	9,739	10,684	12,420	13,809	14,711
India	Mercedes-Benz	7,049	6,840	7,653	9,400	10,186	12,808	16,383
India total		7,049	6,840	7,653	9,400	10,186	12,808	16,383
Malaysia	Mercedes-Benz	5,440	5,961	5,402	6,632	6,403	7,126	7,466
Malaysia	Fuso	1,497	2,149	2,469	1,924	1,932	2,124	2,283
Malaysia total		6,937	8,110	7,871	8,556	8,335	9,250	9,749
Norway	Mercedes-Benz	7,121	7,657	9,232	8,425	8,760	9,251	9,359
Norway	Smart	94	63	29	32	91	89	77
Norway total		7,215	7,720	9,261	8,457	8,851	9,340	9,436
Thailand	Mercedes-Benz	4,354	6,492	10,328	7,917	8,537	9,718	10,523
Thailand	Fuso	16	139	138	12	12	12	12
Thailand total		4,370	6,631	10,466	7,929	8,549	9,730	10,535
Denmark	Mercedes-Benz	5,711	6,270	7,278	7,434	7,545	7,527	7,753
	Smart	356	190	100	118	270	270	229
	Fuso	3	8	16	19	26	27	29
Denmark total		6,070	6,468	7,394	7,571	7,841	7,824	8,011
Finland	Mercedes-Benz	7,189	6,742	6,647	6,584	7,398	8,158	8,967
	Smart	99	87	31	47	113	120	112
	Fuso	0	8	6	4	0	0	0
Finland total		7,288	6,837	6,684	6,635	7,511	8,278	9,079
Argentina	Mercedes-Benz	6,776	6,577	10,263	4,959	6,814	7,748	8,340
Argentina	Smart	428	318	394	232	237	253	280
Argentina total		7,204	6,895	10,657	5,191	7,051	8,001	8,620
Chile	Mercedes-Benz	3,843	3,475	5,620	4,622	4,417	4,644	4,932
Chile total		3,843	3,475	5,620	4,622	4,417	4,644	4,932
Czech Republic	Mercedes-Benz	3,883	4,173	4,130	4,495	3,873	4,264	4,922
	Smart	81	73	75	62	111	172	165
	Fuso	23	28	17	41	25	34	42
Czech Republic total		3,987	4,274	4,222	4,598	4,009	4,470	5,129
Luxembourg	Mercedes-Benz	3,952	3,802	4,303	3,327	4,053	4,503	4,673
Luxembourg	Smart	317	278	289	258	442	451	390
Luxembourg total		4,269	4,080	4,592	3,585	4,495	4,954	5,063
Ireland	Mercedes-Benz	2,373	2,262	1,872	3,120	3,720	4,200	4,727
Ireland	Fuso	44	34	16	44	56	65	73
Ireland total		2,417	2,296	1,888	3,164	3,776	4,265	4,800
Romania	Mercedes-Benz	2,585	2,726	2,684	2,745	2,448	2,883	3,547
	Smart	17	12	12	10	14	22	31
	Fuso	26	0	0	0	0	0	0
Romania total		2,628	2,738	2,696	2,755	2,462	2,905	3,578
Greece	Mercedes-Benz	2,252	1,389	2,085	2,242	2,179	2,361	2,978
	Smart	1,492	540	445	399	1,361	1,537	1,644
	Fuso	14	6	14	7	12	12	23
Greece total		3,758	1,935	2,544	2,648	3,552	3,910	4,645
Ukraine	Mercedes-Benz	2,038	3,430	3,599	2,337	2,766	3,011	2,922
	Smart	3	30	59	37	161	283	365
	Fuso	0	0	0	1	0	0	0
Ukraine total		2,041	3,460	3,658	2,375	2,927	3,294	3,287
Slovakia	Mercedes-Benz	1,843	2,020	2,340	2,163	1,840	1,933	2,078
	Smart	15	9	9	7	12	21	21
	Fuso	10	0	5	6	6	12	12
Slovakia total		1,868	2,029	2,354	2,176	1,858	1,966	2,111
Hungary	Mercedes-Benz	1,151	1,399	1,831	1,871	2,138	2,385	2,643
	Smart	6	6	3	7	12	15	18
	Fuso	0	0	0	3	0	0	0
Hungary total		1,157	1,405	1,834	1,881	2,150	2,400	2,661
Philippines	Fuso	463	616	671	1,300	1,404	1,488	1,524
Philippines	Mercedes-Benz	653	451	396	370	426	429	444
Philippines total		1,116	1,067	1,067	1,670	1,830	1,917	1,968
Peru	Mercedes-Benz	587	678	888	1,069	1,085	1,143	1,188
Peru total		587	678	888	1,069	1,085	1,143	1,188
Slovenia	Mercedes-Benz	822	951	927	933	1,004	971	971
	Smart	17	12	0	18	16	29	28
	Fuso	3	4	0	0	0	0	0
Slovenia total		842	967	927	951	1,020	1,000	999
Colombia	Mercedes-Benz	2,452	1,930	0	826	1,829	1,881	2,018
Colombia total		2,452	1,930	0	826	1,829	1,881	2,018
Kazakhstan	Mercedes-Benz	199	244	392	743	912	1,015	1,240
Kazakhstan total		199	244	392	743	912	1,015	1,240
Vietnam	Mercedes-Benz	3,004	1,976	1,974	480	579	622	670
Vietnam	Fuso	291	225	350	194	170	178	191
Vietnam total		3,295	2,201	2,324	674	749	800	861
Uruguay	Mercedes-Benz	482	513	566	550	588	601	647
Uruguay total		482	513	566	550	588	601	647
Estonia	Mercedes-Benz	288	348	485	490	505	558	604
Estonia	Fuso	6	0	2	1	0	0	0
Estonia total		294	348	487	491	505	558	604
Latvia	Mercedes-Benz	314	327	447	451	451	553	655
Latvia	Fuso	3	0	0	0	0	0	0
Latvia total		317	327	447	451	451	553	655
Lithuania	Mercedes-Benz	288	241	316	348	358	415	489
Lithuania total		288	241	316	348	358	415	489
Bulgaria	Mercedes-Benz	570	0	0	68	146	144	151
Bulgaria total		570	0	0	68	146	144	151
Ecuador	Mercedes-Benz	89	53	31	3	47	55	61
Ecuador total		89	53	31	3	47	55	61
Venezuela	Mercedes-Benz	315	18	1	2	0	0	0
Venezuela total		315	18	1	2	0	0	0

Source: LMC Automotive "Global Automotive Sales Forecast" (Q3 2014)
(Note) 1.	Data indicate figures of only small-size vehicles, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of under 6 tons.
2.	.
3.	For more detailed information or inquiries of forecast data, contact Darko Milosevic, Data center.

Darko Milosevic, Università Lum Jean Monnet, Bari, Italy (Dr.rer.nat./Dr.oec.)

Darko Milosevic, Dr.rer.nat./Dr.oec.

Daimler

Daimler: new models boost car sales to record highs for 2013

Production & sales networks revamped to regain leadership in premium market

2013/11/26

Summary

Mercedes-Benz Cars' targets and outlook for 2013

Outlook for 2013

Mercedes-Benz Cars' targets and business initiative

Model mix: Roll-out of all-new S-Class and A-Class-based vehicles

Mercedes-Benz Cars

All-new S-Class: Sixth-generation flagship launched

A/B-Class

C-/E-Class

SUV

smart

Chinese market: Introducing local production models and strengthening local sales network

Strengthening production network: Central and Eastern Europe, Brazil, and other markets

Producing new models in Hungary and Finland

Other markets: New plants, production increase and local production

Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales and business performances:

Unit sales: Strong sales of new compact cars in the U.S., China and Japan

Mercedes-Benz Cars: sales volume by region (including smart)

Mercedes-Benz Cars: sales volume by class

Mercedes-Benz Cars' business performances

Mercedes-Benz Cars: Consolidated financial results

Production Forecast by LMC Automotive: Daimler production to reach 2.28 million units by 2016

Daimler Group production forecast by country and by make (LMC Automotive)

Daimler aims for record unit sales and revenues in China and U.S. in 2015

Mercedes-Benz Cars' sales by region (on a wholesale basis)

Daimler AG's consolidated results

Daimler Group's 2015 forecasts/plans

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi extending active safety features

Numerous innovative systems on new M-Benz E-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi Q7 and A4

2015/10/19

Summary

Daimler (Mercedes-Benz brand models)

BMW (BMW brand models)

VW (Audi brand models)

Movements related to active safety features in the future

Daimler offers different Driving Assistance Packages for midsize/large and small vehicles

Mercedes-Benz's active safety features

Driving Assistance Package for small vehicles

Driving Assistance Package for midsize and large vehicles

Other active safety features

New active safety features to be installed on new E-Class (to be released in Spring 2016)

Daimler: active safety features on major Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles

BMW provides same Driving Assistant Package on all models

BMW's active safety features

Driving Assistant Package

Driving Assistant Plus Package

New active safety features on new 7 Series (to be released in October 2015)

BMW: active safety features on major BMW brand vehicles

Audi's new Q7 and A4 feature active safety systems superior to flagship

Active safety features on new Q7 (released in spring 2015) and new A4 (to be launched in fall 2015)

Active safety features included as standard equipment

Tour package's major features

City package's major features

Parking package's major features

Active safety features available on upper grade models

VW: active safety features on major Audi brand models

Daimler: Increased sales due to model lineup renewal and market growth in China

Driver assistance and CO2 reduction technologies depict modern image

2015/01/06

Summary

Model lineup renewal

China strategy: to expand production capacity to 200,000 units

Advanced-technology development for driver-assistance systems and CO2 reduction technology

Mid-term goal

Four strategic areas

Model lineup renewal

Renews design and technology of vehicles, ranging from flagship models to compact cars

Upgraded C-Class

Compact car enhancement

MFA platform

Model names to change from 2015

New model names

Engine type name

Mercedes-Benz's China strategy and three premium brands' sales volume