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TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Mercedes Vision V is an ultra-luxury van for the well heeled
The next-generation V-Class will have a flagship chauffeur-driven VLS model that redefines luxurious people carriers, says Mercedes-Benz. The opulent four-seat grand limousine is essentially an S-Class van and is due to be launched in 2026. An electrically powered concept version called the Vision V has started a global tour after its world premiere at last month's Auto Shanghai show in China, with its first stopover in Dubai this week. Regular versions of the next V-Class will carry a VLE badge and carry up to eight people, acting as leisure vehicles for families or exclusive VIP shuttles. But the four-seater VLS will take it to the next level with top-shelf exclusivity and an unprecedented immersive, digital experience for one percenters. The Vision V concept car has a luxurious 'private lounge' rear cabin decked out like the first class section of an aircraft. The two-seater rear lounge has a huge 65' cinema screen that can be extended and retracted from the floor, operated via a touchpad in the centre console. The ultra-sized cinema screen with 4K resolution combines with a 42-speaker surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos along with seven projectors in the headliner and floor to transform the interior into a unique immersive space. Passengers can choose seven different worlds of experience: Entertainment; Relax; Gaming; Work; Shopping; Discovery; and Karaoke. An intelligent, switchable glass wall separates the private lounge from the driver's area. The glass can be changed from transparent to opaque, either completely or in sections. 'The Vision V is a luxurious and elegant chauffeur-driven limousine that allows one to pamper themselves in a whole new world of comfort,' says a Mercedes Vans spokesperson. 'Analogue craftsmanship merges with an immersive user experience to create a holistic experience with a cocooning effect.' Aided by illuminated and retractable running boards, passengers enter the luxurious rear sanctum through a large side door that automatically slides open. The rear seating area is exceptionally spacious, with décor that blends elegance with technology. Traditionally crafted materials blend with hyper-modern, tech-savvy design elements. Crystal white Nappa leather and shimmering white silk contrast with large decorative elements made of open-pore burr wood. Display cabinets are set into the dark wood trim along the side walls and ambient lighting creates an individualised and cosy living-room atmosphere. The centre console between the two individual seats is a display cabinet. It has a touchpad for operating the infotainment system as well as a fold-out table imprinted with a high-quality chessboard. The futuristically designed seats can recline into beds, and a fragrance dispenser is housed in an elegant, polished aluminium bottle behind the centre console. The Vision V's design features an illuminated Mercedes star on the bonnet and chrome radiator grille with illuminated glass louvres. The headlights have the three-pointed Mercedes star. When the passengers approach the Vision V, they are greeted by a dynamic and artistic light show in all the louvres. The 24' wheels feature illuminated louvres and the large rear window is framed by a light band that serves as a tail light and brake light. It is not known which of these dazzling exterior features will make it into the production model. Mercedes hasn't provided details on powertrains and specifications, but petrol and electric options are expected to be carried over to the next generation.
Economic Times
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Mercedes pulls earnings guidance amid Trump tariff uncertainty
Mercedes-Benz reported a decline in car business profitability for the first quarter, with a margin of 7.3% compared to 9% last year. Group earnings also plummeted by 41% to 2.3 billion euros. Citing tariff volatility and trade tensions, particularly those influenced by President Trump's policies, the carmaker withdrew its full-year earnings outlook, anticipating negative impacts on margins. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in International 1. View: US exit from IMF would be true dollar shock ( Originally published on Apr 30, 2025 ) Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday pulled its earnings guidance for 2025 amid uncertainty over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on car imports as the German automaker posted a sharply lower first-quarter premium automaker said that "current volatility" from tariffs and the possible impact "in particular on customer behaviour and demand, is too high to reliably assess the business development for the remainder of the year."Assuming that tariffs remain in place, Mercedes said, its profits will be "negatively impacted."Mercedes faces challenges in all its major markets, from Trump's U.S. auto tariffs, to fierce competition from fast-moving rivals in China and tough new CO2 emissions targets in the European Tuesday, Volvo Cars withdrew its earnings forecast for the next two years, citing uncertainty over the impact of Trump's told analysts at the end of March it had been stockpiling inventory in the U.S. market to mitigate the impact of German premium automaker saw car and van sales drop 7% in the first quarter, led by 10% declines in both Europe and China, though sales were up 1% in the U.S. company's sales fell 3% last year, led by a 7% drop in German luxury carmaker reported a first-quarter profit margin for its car segment of 7.3%, down from 9% in the same period last earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) plunged 41% year on year to 2.3 billion euros ($2.62 billion) in the first three months of part of its bid to regain lost market share in China, Mercedes last week unveiled a new all-electric luxury limousine van series called "Vision V" at the Shanghai car vans will have lounge chairs that can fold down into a bed and huge screens that can turn the interior into a private cinema or karaoke bar.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mercedes pulls earnings guidance amid Trump tariff uncertainty
Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday pulled its earnings guidance for 2025 amid uncertainty over the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on car imports, as the German automaker posted sharply lower first-quarter profit. "Clearly Mercedes-Benz is a global player ... we don't fear competition in any direction," CEO Ola Kallenius told analysts. "But that's not the environment we're operating in." He said "constructive" talks with the Trump administration over boosting Mercedes' U.S. manufacturing presence were ongoing, but declined to provide details. Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm told analysts that, given the uncertainty over tariffs, full-year guidance "cannot be provided today with a reliable degree of certainty." But he said that if tariffs remained in place all year, it would reduce profit margins by 300 basis points on cars and 100 basis points on vans. Mercedes faces challenges in all its major markets, from Trump's tariffs, to competition from fast-moving rivals in China and new CO2 emissions targets in the European Union. It joins a growing number of automakers pulling their annual forecasts. Stellantis also said on Wednesday it was suspending its guidance. On Tuesday, Volvo Cars withdrew its earnings forecast for the next two years, citing uncertainty over the tariffs. Meanwhile, German rival Volkswagen on Wednesday posted a steep drop in first-quarter profit and said it expected its annual operating profit margin at the lower end of guidance. Mercedes told analysts at the end of March it had been stockpiling inventory in the U.S. to mitigate the impact of tariffs. The premium automaker's car and van sales dropped 7% in the first quarter, led by 10% declines in both Europe and China, though sales were up 1% in the U.S. market. The company's sales fell 3% last year, led by a 7% drop in China. Mercedes reported a first-quarter profit margin for its car business of 7.3%, down from 9% in the same period last year. Group earnings before interest and taxes plunged 41% year on year to 2.3 billion euros ($2.62 billion) in the quarter. As part of its bid to regain lost market share in China, Mercedes last week unveiled a new all-electric luxury limousine van series called "Vision V" at the Shanghai car show.
News18
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Auto Shanghai 2025: Massive Screens, Massage Seats And Flying Taxis Stole The Show
At the Auto Shanghai show, people waited to take seats in opulent minivans with reclining back seats and chrome radiator grilles. At this year's Auto Shanghai, the spotlight shifted from powerful engines to futuristic passenger comfort and cutting-edge technology. The event, which kicked off on April 23, showcased the latest in advanced car features—from massive screens and luxurious massage seats to the dream of flying taxis. Screens that are making headlines Chinese carmakers are attempting to appeal to hyperconnected consumers in the face of intense competition by installing screens up to 65 inches wide at the front of each passenger, in the doors, in the sun visors, or even on the car's bonnet. In the meantime, younger customers who currently have no trouble connecting their phones to their cars are the target of electronics behemoths Xiaomi and Huawei. Volkswagen's China-focused brand, AUDI, which is purposefully stylised in capital letters, has released its first vehicle with a screen that takes up the entire dashboard to compete with its Chinese rivals. In addition, singing karaoke or watching videos can be done on the screens when they are immobile. And except for emergencies, modern driving systems promise to get users from point A to point B without requiring them to touch the steering wheel. 'With the proliferation of intelligent driving, cars will no longer be viewed solely as transportation tools, but will truly become a 'second living space," in a 2025 research on the preferences of Chinese auto consumers, consulting company McKinsey stated, as per Hindustan Times. In an attempt to entice future executives, Mercedes showed the Vision V, a prototype of their next-generation luxury electric minivan, which features aluminium seats, wood and silk trim, and a foldable cinema screen. McKinsey claims that luxury equipment like refrigerators, TVs, and reclining seats are very popular in China, as are high-end suspension and rear-wheel steering that improve driving comfort. 'As vehicle prices increase, so does consumer demand for these features, along with a growing willingness to pay extra" to have them, the consultancy stated. Chinese carmaker Nio used passengers bouncing around inside its cars on April 25 to show off how well the suspension worked. Others are using more conventional methods. For example, the French equipment firm Forvia offers a seat that pinches and pricks its user. According to Zong Li, the innovation manager at the company's booth, the seat was 'inspired by traditional Chinese and Thai massages" and is anticipated to be fitted in a Chinese car this year. Flying Taxis on Display In other places, several flying taxis propelled by propellers loomed over other vehicles. Currently at the prototype stage, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology eventually hopes to transport multiple passengers at once. The top battery manufacturer in the world, CATL, unveiled their eVTOL concept shortly after declaring that it had invested 'hundreds of millions of dollars" in the Chinese startup AutoFlight. Even Hongqi, a traditional manufacturer known for providing Xi Jinping, the leader of China, with limousines, unveiled its idea for a 'flying car" that can carry two people. It claimed an untested range of 200 kilometres (124 miles) before tests were set for this year.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz Group Delivers Solid Q1 Results in a Dynamic Market Environment
Return on sales (RoS): Adjusted return on sales (RoS) margins for Mercedes-Benz Cars (7.3%), Mercedes-Benz Vans (11.6%) and adjusted return on equity (RoE) Mercedes-Benz Mobility (8.6%) in line with the 2025 forecast Solid foundation: Net liquidity at €33 billion, healthy foundation to navigate through uncertainty Product offensive: CLA celebrated its world premiere in Q1 reinforcing EV strategy and digital innovations; Vision V gives an outlook of the future top-end model "Mercedes-Benz VLS" Top-End segment: TEV-share reached 15% boosted by Mercedes-AMG (+17%) and G-Class (+18%) sales Electrification: Mercedes-Benz Cars electrified vehicles (xEV) accounted for 19% of global sales, with European market at 37% and strong PHEV sales (+8%); Van BEV sales increase by 59% Outlook: The Group and divisional guidance would remain unchanged before considering any additional tariff impact. However, assuming all of the currently implemented and the announced tariffs become effective and remain in place until the end of the year, material impacts are expected. The current volatility with regard to tariff policies, mitigation measures and resulting potential direct and indirect effects in particular on customer behaviour and demand is too high to reliably assess the business development for the remainder of the year. STUTTGART, Germany, April 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mercedes-Benz Group AG (ticker symbol: MBG) achieved solid first-quarter results in an ongoing dynamic market environment. Revenue reached €33.2 billion (Q1 2024: €35.9 billion) driven by sales of passenger cars and vans. Group earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) came in at €2.3 billion. The free cash flow from the industrial business reached strong €2.4 billion (Q1 2024: €2.2 billion) due to the seasonal positive development of working capital. Net liquidity rose to a comfortable €33.3 billion, (end of 2024: €31.4 billion) providing a solid foundation for navigating through times of geopolitical and macroeconomic unpredictability. "The all-new CLA kicks off our multi-year product and technology offensive, creating fresh momentum for Mercedes-Benz. Desire for our current portfolio sustains our leadership position in the Top-End vehicle segment, including in China. This, combined with a healthy balance sheet provides a solid foundation to navigate our company through a period of geopolitical uncertainties." Harald Wilhelm, Chief Financial Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG Divisional resultsMercedes-Benz Cars sold 446,300 vehicles in a dynamic environment ahead of the first market introduction of the all-new CLA. The E-Class and GLC saw ongoing demand, while a strong sales performance of Mercedes-AMG and the G-Class led to a Top-End Vehicle share of 15%. The cash flow before interest and taxes (CFBIT) increased by 21% to €2.8 billion, 1.6 times higher than the adjusted EBIT of €1.8 billion. This development was driven mainly by favourable net working capital effect. The adjusted return on sales (RoS) came in at 7.3%, in line with guidance. Mercedes-Benz Vans achieved an adjusted EBIT of €475 million in a competitive market in the first quarter, leading to a healthy adjusted operating margin (RoS) of 11.6%. Product mix supported by further improved product substance remained on healthy level and partially outweighed lower unit sales. The result is supported by positive cost development. The cash flow before interest and taxes (CFBIT) reached €588 million, corresponding to a high cash conversion rate adjusted of 1.3. BEV sales surged by 59% thanks to the eSprinter. Mercedes-Benz Mobility reported a total contract volume of €133.7 billion (end of Q4 2024: €138.1 billion). New business reached €13.6 billion (Q1 2024: €14.8 billion), influenced by the dynamic financial services sector, particularly in China. However, the division recorded a higher average financing and leasing volume per contract. The adjusted EBIT amounted to €287 million and was thus at the same level as the previous year (Q1 2024: €279 million), further investments in charging activities have been compensated by continued strict cost discipline and efficiency measures. As a result, the adjusted return on equity (RoE) reached 8.6% (Q1 2024: 8.5%). OutlookThe Group and divisional guidance would remain unchanged before considering any additional tariff impact. However, assuming all of the currently implemented and the announced tariffs become effective and remain in place until the end of the year, material impacts are expected. The current volatility with regard to tariff policies, mitigation measures and resulting potential direct and indirect effects, in particular on customer behaviour and demand, is too high to reliably assess the business development for the remainder of the year. Therefore, reporting figures cannot be estimated with the necessary level of certainty. Assuming current trade policies persist, EBIT and free cash flow of the industrial business, as well as the adjusted returns on sales of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans, will be negatively impacted. Negative impacts on the cash conversion rates of the automotive segments cannot be ruled out either. Mercedes-Benz Group Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change25/24 Revenue* 33,224 35,873 -7.4% Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)* 2,289 3,863 -40.7% Net profit/loss* 1,731 3,025 -42.8% Free cash flow industrial business (FCF)* 2,357 2,233 +5.6% Earnings per share (EPS) in EUR 1.74 2.86 -39.1% * in millions of € Mercedes-Benz Cars Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change25/24 Sales in units 446,300 462,978 -3.6% – thereof xEV 86,814 90,177 -3.7% – thereof BEV 40,706 47,521 -14.3% Share of xEV in unit sales in % 19.5 19.5 - Revenue* 24,238 25,713 -5.7% Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)* 1,758 2,456 -28.4% Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)* 1,768 2,323 -23.9% Adjusted return on sales (RoS) in % 7.3 9.0 -1.7%pts Cash flow before interest and taxes (CFBIT)* 2,789 2,297 +21.4% Adjusted cash conversion rate (CCR) 1.6 1.0 - * in millions of € Mercedes-Benz Vans Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change25/24 Sales in units 82,943 105,425 -21.3% – thereof BEV 4,749 2,980 +59.4% Share of BEV in unit sales in % 5.7 2.8 - Revenue* 4,080 4,893 -16.6% Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)* 229 933 -75.5% Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) * 475 800 -40.6% Adjusted return on sales (RoS) in % 11.6 16.3 -4.7%pts Cash flow before interest and taxes (CFBIT)* 588 643 -8.6% Adjusted cash conversion rate 1.3 0.9 - * in millions of € Mercedes-Benz Mobility Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change25/24 Revenue* 6,422 6,855 -6.3% New business* 13,622 14,750 -7.6% Contract volume (March 31, 2025)* 133,680 138,095** -3.2% Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT)* 287 279 +2.9% Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) * 287 279 +2.9% Adjusted return on equity (RoE) in % 8.6 8.5 +0.1%pts * in millions of € ** Year-end figure Further information about Mercedes-Benz Group is available at: and Link to press information "Sales figures Q1 2025": Link to capital market presentation Q1 2025: Forward-looking statementsThis document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events. The words "anticipate", "assume", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "can", "could", "plan", "project", "should" and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including an adverse development of global economic conditions, in particular a negative change in market conditions in our most important markets; a deterioration of our refinancing possibilities on the credit and financial markets; events of force majeure including natural disasters, pandemics, acts of terrorism, political unrest, armed conflicts, industrial accidents and their effects on our sales, purchasing, production or financial services activities; changes in currency exchange rates, customs and foreign trade provisions; changes in laws, regulations and government policies (or changes in their interpretation), particularly those relating to vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety or to the communication regarding sustainability topics (environmental, social or governance topics); price increases for fuel, raw materials or energy; disruption of production due to shortages of materials or energy, labour strikes or supplier insolvencies; a shift in consumer preferences towards smaller, lower-margin vehicles; a limited demand for all-electric vehicles; a possible lack of acceptance of our products or services which limits our ability to achieve prices and adequately utilize our production capacities; a decline in resale prices of used vehicles; the effective implementation of cost-reduction and efficiency-optimization measures; the business outlook for companies in which we hold a significant equity interest; the successful implementation of strategic cooperations and joint ventures; the resolution of pending governmental investigations or of investigations requested by governments and the outcome of pending or threatened future legal proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which are described under the heading "Risk and Opportunity Report" in the current Annual Report or in the current Interim Report. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialises or if the assumptions underlying any of our forward- looking statements prove to be incorrect, the actual results may be materially different from those we express or imply by such statements. We do not intend or assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements since they are based solely on the circumstances at the date of publication. Mercedes-Benz Group at a glanceMercedes-Benz Group AG is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With Mercedes-Benz AG, the Group is one of the leading global suppliers of high-end passenger cars and premium vans. Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG specialises in financial and mobility services. The products range from financing, leasing, vehicle subscription, rental and fleet management to insurance, innovative mobility services, digital payment solutions as well as products and services around charging. The company founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history by inventing the automobile in 1886. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, Mercedes-Benz sees shaping the future of mobility in a safe and sustainable way as both a motivation and obligation. The company's focus therefore remains on innovative and green technologies as well as on safe and superior vehicles that both captivate and inspire. Mercedes-Benz continues to invest systematically in the development of efficient powertrains and sets the course for an all-electric future. Mercedes-Benz is consistently implementing its strategy to transform itself toward a fully electric and software-driven future. The company's efforts are also focused on the intelligent connectivity of its vehicles, autonomous driving and new mobility concepts as Mercedes-Benz regards it as its aspiration and obligation to live up to its responsibility to society and the environment. Mercedes-Benz sells its vehicles and services in nearly every country of the world and has production facilities in Europe, North and Latin America, Asia and Africa. In addition to Mercedes-Benz, the world's most valuable luxury automotive brand (source: Interbrand study, 10. Oct. 2024), Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach as well as the brands of Mercedes-Benz Mobility: Mercedes-Benz Bank, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and Athlon. The company is listed on the Frankfurt and Stuttgart stock exchanges (ticker symbol MBG). In 2024, the Group had a workforce of around 175,000 and sold around 2.4 million vehicles. Group revenues amounted to €145.6 billion and Group EBIT to €13.6 billion. View source version on Contacts Willem Spelten, +49 151 5862 4395, Edward Taylor, +49 176 3094 1776, Benjamin Kraft, +49 176 3095 7277, Sign in to access your portfolio
