Europe sales increased 5%, with broad-based growth across markets, led by strong momentum in Germany and the U.K.
By Dominic Chopping
Mercedes-Benz car sales fell in the third quarter as a hefty drop in China offset growth in Europe and the U.S.
The German luxury automaker's car sales fell 8% to 407,200 vehicles while global car and van sales fell 6% to 491,700 vehicles, it said Wednesday.
However, the company saw a sharp rise in electric-vehicle sales, with car sales rising 61% on year to 68,400.
"Mercedes-Benz Cars achieved the highest quarterly battery-electric vehicle sales in the company's history, led by the electric GLC [model]," said sales chief Mathias Geisen.
"Our new electric models GLC, CLA, GLB and GLA are sold out in Europe for the rest of the year, with order books extending into 2027."
To meet this strong demand, the company's Bremen, Rastatt and Kecskemet plants are operating on three-shift schedules, it said.
Car sales in China -- Mercedes-Benz's largest market -- fell 31%, with the company noting that it continues to face challenging passenger car market conditions and intense competition.
Together, the GLC and E-Class accounted for almost two-thirds of Mercedes-Benz Cars sales in China and remained more resilient than the overall market, it added.
The new electric GLC L, launched in July, is successfully ramping up and has been well received in the country, and in mid-September, Mercedes-Benz launched the new locally produced GLE L SUV, it added.
In the U.S., car sales rose 6% on year, with Mercedes saying it has refreshed its SUV offering in the country following the recent arrival of the new GLE, GLE Coupe and GLS at U.S. dealerships.
Sales in Europe increased 5%, with broad-based growth across markets, led by strong momentum in Germany and the U.K.