Mercedes 2002 Annual Report Download - page 24

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Operating profit and sales remain high
In 2002, the operating profit, unit sales and revenues
of the Mercedes Car Group exceeded the prior year’s
high levels despite difficult market conditions. The
Mercedes Car Group, which operated under the name
of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars & smart until
December 31, 2002, includes the brands, Mercedes-
Benz, Maybach, smart, Mercedes-Benz AMG and
Mercedes-Benz McLaren.
Mercedes Car Group
18 |Mercedes Car Group
The division was largely unaffected by the generally
unfavorable markets, posting worldwide unit sales of
1,232,300 passenger cars (2001: 1,229,700 units) and
thereby strengthening its position in nearly all key
markets. Revenues increased by 5% to 150.2 billion
(2001: 147.7 billion). Operating profit of 13,020 million
(2001: 12,961 million) was slightly higher than the high
level of adjusted operating profit in the prior year. This
was achieved despite substantial spending on the E-Class
and CLK coupe model changeovers, the introduction
of the updated S-Class and the Maybach start up. There
was further substantial expenditure in 2002 for the
forthcoming expansion of the smart family, the succes-
sors to the A-Class and M-Class, and the addition to our
product range of the Grand Sport Tourer (see page 20).
Mercedes-Benz gains market share
Sales of Mercedes-Benz brand vehicles in 2002 were
at the record level of the prior year, totaling 1,110,000
units. Whereas unit sales increased by 3% in Western
Europe (excluding Germany), they actually decreased
by 4% in Germany itself. Unit sales in the United States
rose 3%, while in Japan they fell by 6%. Thanks to its
strong range of young products, Mercedes-Benz was
able to gain market share and strengthen its compe-
titive position in some key regions despite a generally
difficult environment.
Operating profit and unit sales slightly higher than prior-year
levels |Significant increase in revenues |New E-Class
sedan and CLK coupe successfully launched |Return to
the ultra-luxury segment with the Maybach brand |Growth
continues at smart
2001
3
2002
3
2002
US $
Amounts in millions
3,166
3,166
52,603
2,616
2,930
3,020
3,020
50,170
2,495
2,794
1,238,927
1,232,334
101,778
2,951
2,961
47,705
2,061
2,402
1,249,951
1,229,688
102,223
1 To exclude one-time effects
Operating profit
Operating profit adjusted 1
Revenues
Investments in property, plant and
equipment
Research and development expenditure
Production (units)
Sales (units)
Employees (Dec. 31)