Mercedes 2010 Annual Report Download - page 13

To Our Shareholders | Chairman’s Letter | 9
2010 was a very successful year for your company. After the financial and economic crisis of
2008/2009 had led to massive market slumps, we succeeded in making an excellent comeback last
year with double-digit growth rates in all our divisions. Demand for our products is strong, our order
books are full. Many of our plants are operating at the limits of their capacity.
Last year, the Group achieved total EBIT of 7.3 billion euros. Net profit amounted to 4.7 billion euros.
And Daimler will be paying you, our shareholders, a dividend of €1.85 per share for 2010.
Let me briefly explain the most important developments in the individual divisions:
At Mercedes-Benz Cars we achieved the second-highest unit sales in our company’s history.
In China, we actually sold 137 percent more cars than in the previous year. In many segments
worldwide our competition was looking at our tail lights: Our S-, E- and C-Class sedans were
the global market leaders. And it’s not just about the numbers. Customers and the trade press
were delighted with new models such as the SLS and the new CLS. Surveys and awards tell the
same story: The three-pointed star is shining bright. We are serious about “The best or nothing.”
Daimler Trucks also made excellent progress in 2010. We sold 37 percent more trucks worldwide
than in 2009. The new Mercedes-Benz Atego and Atego BlueTec Hybrid were voted “Truck of
the Year 2011.” At Fuso we updated nearly the entire model range, and at Freightliner we launched
sales of the new Coronado heavy-duty truck.
Mercedes-Benz Vans, with a 35 percent increase in unit sales, grew at a similar rate to our trucks
division. The Sprinter’s market share in Europe was higher than ever. With the new Vito, we offer a
medium-duty van for commercial use; while the new Viano is a superior multi-passenger van.
Daimler Buses once again maintained its global market leadership in the segment for buses above
eight tons. Our bus division increased its unit sales by more than 20 percent – primarily due to
strong demand in Latin America.