Mercedes-Benz driving forward electrification

German premium carmaker Mercedes-Benz is speeding up its transformation toward electrification this year after the campaign proved to be fruitful in 2021.

Its cars and vans division saw sales slip 5 percent to 2.33 million units, mainly due to the sweeping chip crisis, but its revenue reached 109.6 billion euros ($122.63 billion), up 11 percent from 2020, and its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes hit 13.9 billion euros, soaring 105 percent from 2021.

"2021 was a year of strategic progress for Mercedes-Benz," said Ola K?llenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

He said three numbers illustrate the momentum of its transformation－top-end vehicle sales rose by 30 percent, sales of electric cars surged 64 percent, and the adjusted EBIT increased by 105 percent.

"With a clear agenda for this year we are confident about 2022.Aside from the relentless focus on cost efficiency and supply chain management, our strategic priorities are scaling electric vehicles, accelerating our car-software plans and growing our luxury business," K?llenius said.

The carmaker will introduce a raft of new electric vehicles this year, including the EQE and EQS SUV. Last year, it unveiled four electric models.

Mercedes-Benz expects its deliveries this year would be slightly higher than in 2021, but did not give figures because of such factors as the volatile chip market.

The company said it expects the chip situation to stabilize in 2022 compared to last year.

"In line with the Mercedes-Benz strategy, deliberate prioritization of top-end and electric vehicles continues.

"Furthermore, deep sourcing and interaction has been intensified with direct suppliers, as well as with the semiconductor suppliers, in order to make the system more robust in the future," said the carmaker in a statement.