Daimler, like almost every other car manufacturer, did not have an easy year in 2020. Sales and turnover fell sharply, but thanks to budget cuts, the group made 48 percent more profit than in 2019. In 2021, Daimler expects to make a significant step in the field of electrification.
The declining demand in the car market has not passed Daimler by. The group’s total sales fell by 15 percent to 2.84 million vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Cars is responsible for the lion’s share of this figure. In 2020 they sold 2.09 million cars, 13 percent less than in 2019. Naturally, the lower sales figures have an impact on turnover: it decreased by 11 percent to € 154.3 billion. Despite these minuses, Daimler has made an important plus in 2020. Net profit increased by 48 percent to € 4 billion. According to the company, this higher figure is due to the implemented restructuring and cutbacks.
Three more new EQ models this year
In 2021 there is a lot on the program for Mercedes-Benz Cars in terms of electrification. The recently introduced EQA will enter the market this year, but the EQS, EQB and EQE are also in the pipeline. Mercedes-Benz has now officially announced that all three will be unveiled this year. The company also says that the share of plug-in hybrids in the model range is increasing. Daimler expects to achieve a significant reduction in total CO2 emissions with this. In addition, this year also marks the introduction of the new C-class, which will appear on 23 February. Daimler also expects to have made up for lost production due to the microchip shortage before the end of the year.
But there is more news: the name Daimler will only be reserved for the truck division at the end of 2021. Mercedes-Benz will become separate from Daimler Trucks, which should enable both divisions to make clear choices of their own. They will therefore appear separately on the fair. Daimler hopes that Mercedes-Benz will become more attractive for investors.