Mercedes-Benz Vans continues to accelerate its electric transformation, with the first nine months of the year seeing a one-third increase in sales of electric vans compared to the previous year.

Mercedes-Benz Group released their third-quarter results for 2022 on the 26th of October. The results revealed solid financials in the third quarter of 2022 as well as robust demand for vans and cost discipline. Within Mercedes-Benz Vans, third-quarter unit sales reached 104,000 vehicles worldwide, a significant increase in comparison to quarter three of 2021, which saw unit sales reach 88,000 vehicles. Despite ongoing semi-conductor shortages, adjusted EBIT for Mercedes-Benz Vans reached €0.5 billion (compared to €0.2 billion in the previous year).

Mercedes-Benz Vans continues to accelerate its electric transformation. In the first nine months of the year, Mercedes-Benz Vans increased sales of electric vans by one-third compared to the previous year. This is in line with the Mercedes-Benz Vans objective to set the standard in sustainable and all-electric transportation. In the third quarter of 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian moved to partner on electric van production by signing a memorandum of understanding to initiate a strategic partnership. Among other things, the two companies aim to build an all-new electric-only production facility, leveraging an existing Mercedes-Benz site in Central or Eastern Europe. Large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian are expected to roll off the assembly line in just a few years.

Within South Africa, Mercedes-Benz Vans aims to be a pioneer in the field of electric mobility solutions for both private and commercial use. Marinus Venter, the Head of Product and Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Vans SA says, “In 2022, we have engaged in several insightful conversations regarding the feasibility of electric vans in South Africa. We are excited to share that we are on track to introduce our first electric van in South Africa by our target date. We believe that our electric vans will take locally emission-free transportation to the next level in South Africa.”

Furthermore, the quarter 3 results for South Africa also remained resilient. Although the market has experienced several challenges throughout 2022, the Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa team has already exceeded target sales in certain vehicle categories and customer segments. Additionally, the team has their eyes set on achieving top performances in various business categories, including a record year for the much-sort-after Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Whilst the large van market is yet to recover from the impact of lockdowns and restrictions, the Sprinter continues to provide businesses across South Africa with a forward-looking, efficient and reliable mobility solution. With the debut of the Sprinter AWD motorhome conversion earlier this year, the Sprinter has received much attention in the last few months, resulting in strong forecasted sales for 2023.

In closing, the President of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Nadia Trimmel, commends her team for persevering in the face of many obstacles. She says, “2022 has certainly not been a walk in the park, yet our quarter 3 results and forecasted sales for the end of the year prove that we are a truly resilient and dependable team. To my colleagues and friends, in South Africa and around the world, well done on another successful quarter and all the best as we strive to close the year on a similarly high note.”