Mercedes 2009 Annual Report Download - page 132

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Negative impact of market developments on unit sales, rev-
enue, and earnings. Mercedes-Benz Vans sold 165,600 vehicles
in 2009. Sales of Sprinter, Vario, Viano, and Vito models were
thus significantly lower than the very high figure of 287,200 units
sold in the prior year. This development can be attributed to
the difficult market environment. The sales decline led to a 34%
decrease in revenue to €6.2 billion. Nevertheless, in what was
the most difficult year in Mercedes-Benz Vans’ existence, addi-
tional measures for enhancing efficiency and further optimizing
processes enabled the division to record EBIT of €26 million
(2008: €818 million).
Mercedes-Benz Vans boosts market share during the crisis.
Sales at Mercedes-Benz Vans suffered particularly in the first
half of 2009 due to the market downturn and general uncertainty
regarding the course of the financial and economic crisis. How-
ever, expectations in the second half of the year of a more rapid
recovery of the world economy led to a gradual market improve-
ment and a slight increase in unit sales.
The situation of unit sales was particularly problematic in the key
Western European markets of the United Kingdom, France, Italy,
Spain and the Netherlands, which suffered an average sales
decline of 50% compared to the prior year. In Germany, Mercedes-
Benz Vans’ most important market, we benefited from the ongo-
ing success of the Sprinter, whose outstanding technology, safety,
economy and performance are continually setting new standards
in its segment. The 21% decrease in unit sales in Germany was
much more moderate than in other markets.
The Sprinter’s success story in the United States and Canada,
where more than 134,000 units have been sold since 2001, is set
to continue. The sales network for the Sprinter in those markets
was completely reorganized in the year under review, and all sales
and service activities are now coordinated by Mercedes-Benz
USA and Canada. US and Canadian customers will therefore be
able to purchase vans under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner
brand names beginning in 2010.
Mercedes-Benz Vans. Substantial decrease in unit sales due to
market developments. Further consolidation of leading market
position in Europe. Model portfolio significantly upgraded through
application of efficient technologies. EBIT of €26 million.
26
6,215
0.4%
113
193
0
156,667
165,576
15,226
% change
-97
-34
.
-25
-15
.
-47
-42
-9
09/08
818
9,479
8.6%
150
228
0
296,492
287,198
16,775
Amounts in millions of €
20082009
EBIT
Revenue
Return on sales
Investment in property,
plant and equipment
Research and development
expenditure
thereof capitalized
Production
Unit sales
Employees (December 31)
165,576
128,134
58,185
10,980
1,604
9,453
15,405
-42
-38
-21
-61
-91
-26
-28
287,198
207,137
74,036
27,929
17,944
12,857
21,331
Unit sales
09/08
% change
Total
Western Europe
thereof Germany
Eastern Europe
USA
Latin America
(excluding Mexico)
Other markets
2009 2008