Mercedes: sales exceed 500,000 units in the second quarter. Electric cars boom: +50%
However, the German car manufacturer is suffering from a downturn in the Chinese market
Mercedes-Benz Group closed the second quarter of 2026 with sales of 511,900 cars and commercial vehicles, an increase of 2 per cent compared with the previous quarter, despite a climate marked by macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties and weaker demand in certain parts of Asia.
Global data
On an annual basis, total sales outside China grew by 3 per cent, whilst deliveries of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rose by 50 per cent, driven by the success of new models. During the period under review, Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 417,800 cars, down 8% on the same quarter of 2025. This result primarily reflects the downturn in the Chinese market, which was affected by a weaker economic climate, intensifying competition and the launch phase of the manufacturer’s new range. Outside China, however, car sales rose by 2 per cent, driven by North America (+13 per cent) and Europe (+4 per cent), with Germany up by 6 per cent.
The electric vehicle boom
Electric cars performed particularly well, with sales rising by 51 per cent during the quarter, thanks mainly to Europe, where they recorded an 87 per cent increase. In Germany, BEV deliveries more than doubled. According to the group, demand for the new range remains high, with orders for the electric GLC, the electric CLA, the electric GLB and the new S-Class in Europe already running into next year. Mercedes also emphasises that, with the market launch of the other models included in the launch plan and a healthy order book, it expects to sell more cars and commercial vehicles in the second half of 2026 than in the first. Sales of Mercedes-Benz Vans, meanwhile, remained stable at 94,100 units for the quarter. The division recorded growth of 23 per cent in North America and 5 per cent in Europe, whilst deliveries of electric commercial vehicles rose by 46 per cent, confirming what the group describes as solid demand. “The most extensive launch programme in our history is gaining momentum. Sales of electric vehicles rose by over 50 per cent in the second quarter and demand for the new electric GLC, the electric CLA and the electric GLB is exceptionally strong”, said Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group responsible for Sales and Customer Experience.
