Mercedes-Benz sales of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles reach 67,800 units in the January to March quarter even as the semiconductor supply shortage and COVID-19 restrictions affected business.
The electrification of the brand continues to gather pace. Driven by the EQA, EQS and the EQC models, Mercedes-Benz was able to more than triple sales of battery electric EQ models to reach 21,900 (+210%) units.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles also set a new first quarter record with 45,900 (+8%) sales. In total, the Mercedes-Benz Cars xEVs (BEV including smart and plug-in hybrids combined) now amount to a share of 15% of new car sales.
In Europe Mercedes-Benz xEV deliveries accounted for 33% of overall sales, and in United Kingdom almost every fifth new car sold is a battery electric vehicle.
Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales said: „In a challenging first quarter, we were able to more than triple our battery electric vehicle sales and posted a stellar result with our top-end vehicle segment. Ongoing strong demand for our electrified vehicles in all segments and markets proves that customers desire our EVs und plug-in hybrids. And with the launch of our new EQS SUV on April 19th we further accelerate our transformation.”
Despite geopolitical uncertainties and the semiconductor supply situation, global demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles remains strong. However, due to the unstable political environment and continued restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation remains volatile.
Overview of retail unit sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars
| Q1-2022 | Change in % | |
| Mercedes-Benz Cars | 501,600 | -15 |
| Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars | 495,200 | -15 |
| – thereof BEVs | 21,900 | +210 |
