BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the luxury car manufacturers, reported a drop in their sales in China during the third quarter. Mercedes-Benz attributed this decline to supply chain problems and adjustments in their vehicle models.
These supply issues impacted their global sales, which decreased by 4% compared to the same period last year. However, the company maintained that it was still on course to achieve its full-year goal of maintaining sales at the same level as the previous year.
According to the company’s statement, sales volumes were affected because they were changing the model of the E-Class, and there were supply chain issues that limited the availability of the GLC luxury SUV.
They reported a decline in global wholesale figures, with a total of 510,600 vehicles sold in the third quarter. Sales in China also saw a 12% decrease compared to the previous year.
On the other hand, BMW performed better, reporting a 5.8% increase in their global retail sales, totaling 621,699 vehicles from July to September. However, they noted that retail sales of BMW and Mini models in China dropped by 1.8%.
Car manufacturers faced challenges in China this year due to reduced demand and increased competition, especially in pricing. However, passenger vehicle sales started growing again in August.
BMW mentioned that their year-to-date sales in China increased by 1.7%, even though the third quarter had a negative impact on sales. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz reported that their wholesale figures for China in the first nine months of the year were similar to the previous year’s levels.
On a global scale, Mercedes-Benz stated that their overall sales for the year had risen by 2% compared to the previous year, which aligns with their full-year forecast of maintaining sales at the same level as the prior year.
While specific retail sales figures aren’t provided, a spokesperson shared that they were encouraging during the third quarter and over the course of nine months.
Additionally, BMW reported that their global retail sales have increased by 5.1% year-to-date.
