It sold 1,983,400 cars during the year, down 3% versus 2023, weighed down by a 7% drop in China and a 3% decline in Europe.
Annual sales of battery-electric cars (BEV) dropped by 23% to 185,100 vehicles, adding pressure on the carmaker as new, harsher EU CO2 emission reduction targets take effect this year, which could potentially mean costly pooling deals or hefty fines for Mercedes if the BEV sales don't pick up.
The automaker cut its full-year profit margin target twice in 2024 and said it will step up cost cuts, joining a growing number of European rivals blaming a weakening Chinese car market for falling profits and margins.
The carmaker is due to report full-year 2024 financial results on Feb. 20.
