BERLIN, July 10 Reuters MercedesBenz saw a 6 decline in sales in the second quarter as demand for batteryelectric vehicles slumped, the carmaker said on Wednesday, promising to make up lost ground with improved availability and market launches.

The company said it sold 600,100 cars and vans in the second quarter of 2024. Of those, 51,000 were batteryelectric vehicles, representing a 23 yearonyear drop.

The rampup of electric vehicles slowed in key markets, while the company focused on healthy growth in a market environment characterised by heavy discounting, Mercedes said in a statement.

It said its cars segment expects a sales boost in the second half of the year due to improved product availability and market launches.

Rival BMW reported a 1.3 decrease in its overall sales in the second quarter. Its sales of batteryelectric vehicles were up 22.2.

Reporting by Rachel More, Editing by Miranda Murray

Source Reuters