Group EBIT outlook raised to 20.5 bln euros
Q2 EBIT beats Refinitiv forecast at 5 bln euros
Global economy still subdued, monetary policy to weigh
Supply chain 39;noticeably improved39;, inventory building up

BERLIN, July 27 Reuters MercedesBenz forecast a subdued world economy with monetary policy weighing on consumers but said supply chain issues and energy price pressures were easing, as it raised its group earnings outlook for the fullyear.

The premium carmaker said in statements issued on Thursday that inventory was building up as a result of the rollout of its direct sales model and a rampup in production with new models coming onto the market.

The supply chain was noticeably improved, MercedesBenz said, in contrast to Porsche which said in results on Wednesday it was struggling weekly with supply chain problems particularly on key components for EVs.

Still, the outlook for the MercedesBenz cars segment of 1214 returns on unit sales and revenue at prior level remained unchanged, but property, plant and equipment as well as research and development expenditures will rise, the company said.

MercedesBenz had set a cautious tone at the beginning of the year on warnings of a sluggish economy but was slightly more optimistic in April as the U.S. and China saw signs of recovery.

Fullyear earnings before interest and tax EBIT are now expected to be on par with the 20.5 billion euros 22.7 billion made in 2022, it said on Thursday, having previously expected a…