Mercedes 2003 Annual Report Download - page 50
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Please find page 50 of the 2003 Mercedes annual report below. You can navigate through the pages in the report by either clicking on the pages listed below, or by using the keyword search tool below to find specific information within the annual report.3,126
51,446
2,939
2,687
1,211,981
1,216,938
104,151
3,938
64,807
3,702
3,385
Amounts in millions US $
2003
€€
3,020
50,170
2,495
2,794
1,238,927
1,232,334
101,778
Mercedes Car Group
Increase in earnings compared to prior year. Despite difficult
conditions, the Mercedes Car Group strengthened its position in
nearly all markets in 2003. Although major markets experienced a
decline in demand for passenger cars, the division, comprising
the premium passenger car brands of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach,
smart, Mercedes-Benz AMG and Mercedes-Benz McLaren, sold
1,216,938 vehicles. Unit sales were therefore close to the previous
year’s level. As a result of the more favorable line up, revenues
increased by 3% to €51.4 billion. Operating profit of €3.1 billion
exceeded the previous year’s level, despite the high costs associated
with preparations for the second model offensive, the smart for-
four, and marketing activities related to the launch of new models.
Mercedes-Benz strengthens market position. The generally low
level of demand had little impact on Mercedes-Benz passenger
cars. While unit sales increased in the United States by 3% and in
Japan by 4%, in Western Europe they fell by 4%. Significant growth
in the United Kingdom (+8%), Italy (+5%) and Spain (+9%) was off-
set by a decline in sales in Germany (-7%) and France (-9%). At
1,092,200 units (-2%), the brand’s total sales were slightly below
last year’s record. However, thanks to its wide range of attractive
models, the Mercedes-Benz brand was able to generally stengthen
its market position and remains the world’s most successful
premium brand.
Operating profit higher than previous year’s level despite increased investment in new products |
More favorable model line up leads to further growth in revenues |Unit sales fall slightly due
to difficult market conditions |Strong demand for E-Class, S-Class, CLK coupes and CLK convertibles |
New smart roadster and roadster coupe very successful
Divisions | Mercedes Car Group | Chrysler Group | Commercial Vehicles | Executive Automotive Committee | Services | Other Activities
20022003
Operating profit
Revenues
Investments in property,
plant and equipment
Research and development
expenditure
Production (units)
Unit sales
Employees (Dec. 31)