Mercedes 2010 Annual Report Download - page 136

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Daimler Buses
In the year 2010, unit sales at Daimler Buses almost matched the record number achieved in 2008.
We thus consolidated our global market leadership as the world’s largest manufacturer of buses
over eight tons – a position that has remained unchallenged for many years. We resolutely continue
to forge ahead with alternative drive technologies.
Increased demand in Latin America boosts unit sales,
revenue and earnings. With unit sales of 39,100 (2009: 32,500)
complete buses and bus chassis and revenue of €4.6 billion
(2009: €4.2 billion), Daimler Buses was the world’s leading pro-
ducer of buses and chassis over eight tons gross vehicle weight
also in 2010. The 20% increase in unit sales at Daimler Buses
was mainly the result of the positive business development for
chassis in Latin America. For market-related reasons, unit sales
in Western Europe were slightly lower than in the prior year.
At €215 million, EBIT was higher than in the prior year (2009:
€183 million), with the increase mainly due to the positive sales
development in Latin America.
Positive development of market share in key markets.
In
Western Europe, the Daimler Buses brands Mercedes-Benz and
Setra offer the complete range of city buses, intercity buses and
coaches, as well as Mercedes-Benz bus chassis. Unit sales in
this region decreased by 1% to 7,200 units. Thanks primarily to our
attractive product lineup, the coach segment suffered only a moder-
ate drop in sales compared with the prior year. Unit sales of city
buses decreased significantly in 2010 due to the reluctance of pub-
lic transport operators to place new orders. On the other hand, unit
sales of bus chassis developed positively in Europe. Daimler Buses
succeeded in maintaining its leading market position in Western
Europe with a market share of approximately 30% (2009: 30%).
In the sharply contracting North American market, Daimler Buses’
unit sales decreased by 29% to 800 units in 2010. Orion hybrid
buses accounted for 32% of total unit sales in North America.
In Mexico, Daimler Buses produces and sells complete buses and
bus chassis of the Mercedes-Benz brand. This region suffered
more than any other from the economic crisis in 2009 but recovered
slightly in the year under review. Our unit sales in Mexico of 3,100
buses and chassis were 12% higher than in the prior year. With an
increase in market share to 53.6% (2009: 51.8%), Daimler Buses
further consolidated its market leadership in the country.
Unit sales
2010 2009 10/09
% change
Total 39,118 32,482 +20
Western Europe 7,168 7,219 -1
thereof Germany 2,635 2,831 -7
NAFTA 3,878 3,899 -1
Latin America
(excluding Mexico)
23,215
16,286 +43
Asia 1,462 1,976 -26
Other markets 3,395 3,102 +9
Daimler Buses
2010 2009 10/09
Amounts in millions of euros % change
EBIT 215 183 +17
Revenue 4,558 4,238 +8
Return on sales 4,7% 4.3% .
Investment in property,
plant and equipment
95
78 +22
Research and development
expenditure
thereof capitalized
223
31
212
5
+5
+520
Production 39,405 32,666 +21
Unit sales 39,118 32,482 +20
Employees (December 31) 17,134 17,188 -0