Mercedes-Benz Group posted a total of 525,300 cars and vans sold in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 12 percent drop compared to the same period last year. Year to date, the company has sold slightly over 1.6 million vehicles worldwide, down 9 percent year on year.
The plunge is mainly attributed to weakening demand in two crucial markets. In China, Mercedes faced a steep 27 percent fall in sales to around 125,100 vehicles, driven by radical shifts in consumer preferences toward domestic electric vehicles and ongoing trade tensions. The US market also felt pressure with a 17 percent year on year drop to roughly 70,800 vehicles, impacted by tariffs and careful inventory management.
In contrast, other regions like Europe, South America, and Gulf States showed more positive sales trends. Germany, the home market, even saw a 3 percent rise.
Battery electric vehicle sales bucked the overall decline, rising 9 percent in the quarter thanks in part to launches like the electric CLA sedan and improved availability of electric vans. The Mercedes-Benz group sold over 51,000 BEVs in Q3 2025, a notable increase from previous quarters, but still faces fierce competition in the growing EV sector.
High-end Mercedes models remain the company’s backbone, supporting a stable profit margin despite the volume setbacks. CEO Mathias Geisen highlighted the challenges but retained optimism aligned with Mercedes’ ongoing electrification push and diversification of vehicle portfolios.
Looking ahead, Mercedes aims to bounce back by focusing on new product launches and expanding electric vehicle offerings globally while navigating complex international trade conditions.
