The global dearth of high-tech components has weighed on the industry, prompting production shutdowns and backlogs. Volkswagen Group on Friday reported that worldwide deliveries declined by 15% in January, and Volvo Car AB said supply chain strains will continue to disrupt deliveries this year.
Mercedes-Benz AG vehicles are more profitable than ever after the chip crisis sparked a worldwide shortage of cars, boosting the selling prices for models such as the flagship S-Class.
The automaker exceeded its profitability target last year and the return on sales in the final quarter was the highest on record, a spokesman said Friday.
