FRANKFURT, Germany — Automaker Daimler AG said Wednesday that net profit almost doubled in the first quarter, as new Mercedes S-Class and E-Class models fueled sales growth.
The company gave an upbeat outlook for this year and predicted stronger demand for cars in the worlds developed countries — including recovering Western Europe.
Net profit rose to 1.086 billion euros ($1.498 billion) from 564 million euros in last years quarter. Revenue increased 13 per cent to 29.5 billion euros. The net profit figure was short of the 1.173 billion euros foreseen by analysts surveyed by financial information provider FactSet, and Daimler shares fell 2.2 per cent at 66.35 euros.
The company credited its efforts to updat its model line and continue growth in unit sales in China and the United States. The new version of the luxury S-Class more than doubled sales for the brands flagship model, which brings fat profit margins, and the companys range of smaller cars saw sales growth as well.
The company has also reorganized its China sales operation, whose troubles weighed on earnings last year and contributed to the company having to issue a profit warning. The year-ago quarter was also burdened by heavy expenditures on new plants and equipment, spending that is intended to increase future profits.
CEO Dieter Zetsche said that our strategy is paying off, our investments are bearing fruit.
Sales in China for the Mercedes-Benz brand rose 52 per cent to 70,300 vehicles. The China rebound helped overcome a slide in the companys home market, Germany, wher sales fell 3 per cent to 59,100 _ even as overall sales in Western Europe rose 5 per cent.
The company said revenues and earnings would significantly increase this year over last year, fueled by stronger growth in the worlds richer countries such as the United States and Western Europe.
