Mercedes-Benz full-year sales hit forecast, Q4 dampened by supply constraints

BERLIN (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz Cars' 2023 sales reached the same level of last year, in line with its forecast, the carmaker said on Thursday, but fourth-quarter sales dipped below last year's levels as a supply constraint dampened output.

A model changeover to the new E-Class, introduced in December in China, also slowed down sales, the carmaker said.

Mercedes-Benz battery-electric passenger car sales rose 73% over the year to 222,600, but battery-electric sales of its smart fortwo and smart forfour models fell 12%.

The carmaker has struggled since the third quarter with a shortage in 48-volt systems supplied by Bosch, limiting availability of the new GLC and E-Class.

The company is due to report full-year 2023 financial results on Feb. 22.

(Reporting by Victoria Waldersee; Editing by Miranda Murray)