Daimler celebrates record year for sales and revenue

Daimler is enjoying an extraordinary year, having achieved best ever unit sales and revenue over the past nine months. The third quarter has been particularly successful, with 824,100 vehicles sold (up 9% from the previous year), which is a new record. Revenue is up 6% to €40.8bn compared with 2016’s Q3.

"Daimler is operating successfully and leads the premium segment with Mercedes-Benz. Now is therefore the right time to examine – from a position of strength – whether we can position ourselves even better to shape the automotive era definitively and successfully from the top: with cars, vans, trucks, buses, financial services and mobility services. Because we intend to be at the top over the long term," stated Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

"This project aims to strengthen the future viability of the business units in order to better utilize the potential for growth and earnings in the various markets."

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The company intends to focus on its business structure through the creation of legally independent entities. Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans as well as Daimley Trucks & Buses may be transferred to these independent entities in order to allow them greater entrepreneurial responsibility.

Consultation with employee representatives has meant agreements on cornerstones of balance of interests being reached, to secure Daimler’s employees’ future.

"To remain competitive over the long term combined with sustainable profitability, it is essential to be agile and flexible and to continuously develop further," said Bodo Uebber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Finance & Controlling and Daimler Financial Services.

"For us, safeguarding Daimler's future is based on three elements: protecting and increasing the Group's success, pushing forward with shaping the future for the employees, and ensuring the long-term commitment of investors. With these three factors, we will achieve – from a position of strength - the best-possible structure for the future, enabling us to continue along our successful path. In this way, we will create value for our employees, customers and investors."