Market developments negatively impact unit sales and earnings

Mercedes-Benz Cars, comprising the brands Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, smart and AMG, sold 1,273,000 vehicles in 2008 (2007: 1,293,200). Conditions on international markets deteriorated throughout the year, particularly in the second half, and Mercedes-Benz Cars reacted to the situation by adjusting production output as of the third quarter. The negative market development and the upcoming E-Class model changeover caused revenue at the division to decrease by 9% to €47.8 billion. Despite further efficiency improvements, EBIT of €2,117 million was significantly lower than in the prior year (see here).