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Mitsubishi Motors vs Mercedes-Benz: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (7211.JP)

Q3 2026
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Mitsubishi bets on robots and Thai EVs amid quake and US sales drop

  • Humanoid robot venture Mitsubishi is teaming up with startup Highlanders to build humanoid robots, aiming for 1,000 units a month by the end of 2027. This opens a new growth area beyond cars.

    It is a new business direction that could drive future revenue and investor interest.

  • Thai EV investment and tax break Mitsubishi will invest Bt16bn in Thailand to make electric vehicles, including an electric Pajero. Thailand's new EV tax rules favor local production, which helps Mitsubishi's plans.

    This is a major new investment and a supportive policy change for its EV strategy.

  • Sales gains in Indonesia, but US and Japan weakness Indonesia sales jumped 32% in August, and new models and supply deals lifted volumes. But US sales fell 6.6% in January–September, and July domestic production dropped 10.7%.

    It shows both positive and negative sales trends that affect overall performance.

  • Earthquake and guidance miss The Kumamoto earthquake halted output at Okayama, and full-year guidance disappointed. Japanese long-term rates above 3% could raise auto loan costs, adding pressure.

    These are negative events that hurt production and investor confidence.

September 2026
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Thailand EV tax boost, new models lift Mitsubishi; US sales and rates weigh

  • Thailand EV excise tax favors local production Thailand's new EV excise tax rewards local manufacturing, and Mitsubishi is set to benefit with about 50 billion baht in planned Thai investment, including 16 billion from Mitsubishi itself. This supports its Southeast Asia EV hub and long-term sales.

    This is a new policy tailwind that directly supports Mitsubishi's Thai EV production plans.

  • New models and supply deals boost volumes The US Eclipse Sportback EV launches from $37,745, the Pajero returns, and a Honda Triton supply deal plus planned US pickup re-entry should lift volumes. Japan H1 sales gained 5.1% and September rose on new models.

    These new product launches and partnerships are fresh developments that can drive future sales growth.

  • Indonesia sales jump 32% in August Indonesia sales rose 32% in August, with Mitsubishi fourth at 43,753 YTD units. This shows strong momentum in a key Southeast Asian market, helping offset weakness elsewhere.

    This is a new regional sales data point that highlights Mitsubishi's competitive position in Indonesia.

  • US sales fall and rates rise, guidance disappoints US sales fell 6.6% in January–September, Japanese long-term rates above 3% could raise auto loan costs and cool demand, July domestic production dropped 10.7%, and full-year guidance disappointed despite a 91% April–June profit jump.

    These are new negative factors that weigh on earnings and investor sentiment.

Latest
▲3

Mitsubishi's new models, US EV launch and Thai investment drive the story

  • US EV launch: Eclipse Sportback priced and going on sale Mitsubishi's first all-new model under its Momentum 2030 plan, the Eclipse Sportback EV, goes on sale in the US in October from $37,745, with up to 282 miles of range and Tesla Supercharger access. A fresh, competitively priced electric SUV can lift US sales and brand image.

    The US EV launch is the period's biggest new product event and directly affects future sales and pricing power.

  • New Pajero and US pickup return expand the lineup Mitsubishi revived the Pajero SUV after seven years, launching in Japan on December 17 with a 10,000-unit target across three countries. It also plans to re-enter the US pickup market via Nissan and grow its US lineup from four to six vehicles by 2027, supporting volumes.

    These are concrete new product plans that broaden Mitsubishi's lineup and sales potential in key markets.

  • Thailand investment and Honda Triton supply deal Mitsubishi is named among four Japanese automakers planning about 50 billion baht of extra Thai investment by 2030, including 16 billion baht from Mitsubishi. Honda will also buy Mitsubishi's Thai-built Triton pickup from 2028, raising factory use and cutting unit costs.

    These deals show Mitsubishi deepening its Thai base and winning outside volume, which supports profits and scale.

  • Profit jump but US sales fall and output slips April-June net profit jumped 91% to 1.4 billion yen, though full-year guidance stayed below analyst hopes. US sales fell 6.6% in January-September and July domestic production dropped 10.7%, showing demand and supply still uneven.

    It gives the fair counterweight: earnings improved but key market sales and production weakened.

▲3▼1

Mitsubishi Motors gains from Thai EV incentives, strong Indonesia demand, and Japan sales rebound

  • Thailand's three-tier EV excise tax rewards local production Thailand approved a new EV tax system that gives the lowest tax rate to automakers using high local content and producing key parts domestically. Mitsubishi is among four Japanese automakers with over 50 billion baht of continued investment plans in Thailand through 2029-2030, so it stands to benefit from lower taxes and incentives.

    This directly lowers costs and supports Mitsubishi's Thai production and sales, a key market.

  • Indonesia vehicle sales jump 32% in August; Mitsubishi ranks fourth Indonesia's new vehicle market grew 32% year-on-year in August, with Mitsubishi fourth in year-to-date sales at 43,753 units. The broader market is expanding, especially trucks and EVs, which supports Mitsubishi's sales volume and revenue in a major Southeast Asian market.

    Rising demand in Indonesia directly boosts Mitsubishi's unit sales and market position.

  • Japan new car sales rise 5.1% in first half; Mitsubishi posts September gain Japan's April-September new car sales rose 5.1% to the highest since fiscal 2020, helped by the end of the environmental performance tax. In September, Mitsubishi posted an increase on the strength of new models launched last autumn, supporting its domestic sales and revenue.

    Stronger domestic demand lifts Mitsubishi's sales and earnings outlook.

  • Rising interest rates could pressure auto loans and demand Japan's long-term interest rates climbed above 3%, and Mitsubishi's president noted the impact on auto loans, saying the company is working to mitigate it. Higher borrowing costs can make car loans more expensive, potentially cooling demand, though Mitsubishi's 1 trillion yen growth investment plan remains largely unchanged.

    Higher rates could dampen consumer demand and raise funding costs, a real counterweight to positive drivers.

August 2026
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Mitsubishi bets on robots and Thai EVs, while quake hits output

  • Humanoid robot venture with Highlanders Mitsubishi signed a basic agreement with University of Tokyo startup Highlanders to develop and mass-produce humanoid robots, targeting 1,000 units per month by end-2027. It will use idle factory space and its manufacturing know-how. This opens a new growth story beyond cars, supporting the share price.

    This is a new, high-impact technology initiative that could add a new revenue stream and improve sentiment.

  • Bt16bn Thailand EV investment Mitsubishi will invest Bt16bn ($473m) in Thailand by 2030 to build EVs, including an electric Pajero SUV, and evaluate pickup production and exports. This strengthens its Southeast Asia hub against Chinese EV rivals, a positive for long-term sales and scale.

    It shows a concrete capital commitment to secure a key market amid rising competition.

  • Kumamoto earthquake halts Okayama plant A 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto disrupted parts supply from Aisin Kyushu, forcing Mitsubishi to suspend some production at its Mizushima plant in Okayama. The impact spread beyond Kyushu, with Toyota and Nissan also halting plants. This is a temporary negative for output and earnings.

    It is a new supply shock that directly cuts production and could pressure near-term results.

  • Honda-Nissan software platform may include Mitsubishi Honda and Nissan are near a deal to share an in-vehicle operating system from 2029, and Mitsubishi may evaluate the platform. If it joins, it could share development costs and speed up software; if not, it risks falling behind on software-defined vehicles.

    It is a new potential partnership that could affect Mitsubishi's technology and cost position, but no commitment is made.

▲2▼1

Mitsubishi bets on robots and Thai EVs, while quake hits output

  • Humanoid robot venture with Highlanders Mitsubishi signed a basic agreement with University of Tokyo startup Highlanders to develop and mass-produce humanoid robots, targeting 1,000 units per month by end-2027. It will use idle factory space and its manufacturing know-how. This opens a new growth story beyond cars, supporting the share price.

    This is a new, high-impact technology initiative that could add a new revenue stream and improve sentiment.

  • Bt16bn Thailand EV investment Mitsubishi will invest Bt16bn ($473m) in Thailand by 2030 to build EVs, including an electric Pajero SUV, and evaluate pickup production and exports. This strengthens its Southeast Asia hub against Chinese EV rivals, a positive for long-term sales and scale.

    It shows a concrete capital commitment to secure a key market amid rising competition.

  • Kumamoto earthquake halts Okayama plant A 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto disrupted parts supply from Aisin Kyushu, forcing Mitsubishi to suspend some production at its Mizushima plant in Okayama. The impact spread beyond Kyushu, with Toyota and Nissan also halting plants. This is a temporary negative for output and earnings.

    It is a new supply shock that directly cuts production and could pressure near-term results.

  • Honda-Nissan software platform may include Mitsubishi Honda and Nissan are near a deal to share an in-vehicle operating system from 2029, and Mitsubishi may evaluate the platform. If it joins, it could share development costs and speed up software; if not, it risks falling behind on software-defined vehicles.

    It is a new potential partnership that could affect Mitsubishi's technology and cost position, but no commitment is made.

Mercedes-Benz Group AG (MBG.XETRA)

Q3 2026
▼3▲1

Mercedes Q3: Profit Beat, EV Surge Offset by China Collapse and Outlook Cut

  • Q2 Profit Beat and EV Sales Surge Q2 net profit rose to €1.065 billion, beating expectations, while EV sales jumped 52% to 78,100 units. US sales grew 6% and Europe 5%, showing strength outside China.

    This is new positive financial and sales data that directly supports the stock price.

  • China Sales Collapse Worsens China sales fell 30% in Q2 and 31% in Q3, with only 1,153 first-half sales. This severe decline in a key market drags on revenue and profits, pressuring the stock.

    China weakness is a major negative driver, and the Q3 figure is new information.

  • 2026 Outlook Cut Below 2025 Levels Mercedes cut its 2026 outlook below 2025 levels, signaling management expects weaker performance ahead. This reduces investor confidence and weighs on the stock price.

    The outlook cut is a new negative event that directly affects future earnings expectations.

  • US Senate Bill Threatens Connected-Vehicle Sales Ban A US Senate bill threatens a connected-vehicle sales ban from 2030 due to Chinese ownership near 20%. This regulatory risk could limit future US sales and adds uncertainty.

    This is a new regulatory threat that could impact Mercedes' US business and stock sentiment.

August 2026
▲3▼1

China slump deepens, but Europe, US and EV sales offer offsets

  • China sales collapse worsens Mercedes' China sales fell 31% in Q3, after a 30-41% drop in Q2, as weak demand and fierce EV price competition hit the market. China is a huge profit source, so this directly drags on earnings and keeps the stock under pressure.

    This is the single biggest force behind the stock's weakness and the core of the period's news.

  • Europe and US sales grow, EVs jump Q3 sales rose 6% in the US and 5% in Europe, and group battery-electric vehicle sales jumped 52% to 78,100 units. This shows the China weakness is partly offset elsewhere and that Mercedes' EV push is gaining real traction.

    It is the main counterweight to the China collapse and shows where growth is coming from.

  • New CLA EV gets strong reviews A test drive of the new CLA 250+ electric sedan praised its 380-mile range, luxury feel and $45,000 starting price, positioning it as a strong rival to Tesla's Model 3. Good reviews support future demand for Mercedes' EVs.

    Product momentum is a forward-looking driver of demand and brand strength.

  • Diesel lawsuit win and charging deal A UK court rejected all defeat-device claims against Mercedes, removing a legal overhang. Separately, EU approval of the Ionchi charging joint venture with BMW and Seres strengthens Mercedes' EV charging network in China.

    Both reduce risk and support the EV strategy, helping investor confidence.

Latest
▲3▼1

China slump deepens, but Europe, US and EV sales offer offsets

  • China sales collapse worsens Mercedes' China sales fell 31% in Q3, after a 30-41% drop in Q2, as weak demand and fierce EV price competition hit the market. China is a huge profit source, so this directly drags on earnings and keeps the stock under pressure.

    This is the single biggest force behind the stock's weakness and the core of the period's news.

  • Europe and US sales grow, EVs jump Q3 sales rose 6% in the US and 5% in Europe, and group battery-electric vehicle sales jumped 52% to 78,100 units. This shows the China weakness is partly offset elsewhere and that Mercedes' EV push is gaining real traction.

    It is the main counterweight to the China collapse and shows where growth is coming from.

  • New CLA EV gets strong reviews A test drive of the new CLA 250+ electric sedan praised its 380-mile range, luxury feel and $45,000 starting price, positioning it as a strong rival to Tesla's Model 3. Good reviews support future demand for Mercedes' EVs.

    Product momentum is a forward-looking driver of demand and brand strength.

  • Diesel lawsuit win and charging deal A UK court rejected all defeat-device claims against Mercedes, removing a legal overhang. Separately, EU approval of the Ionchi charging joint venture with BMW and Seres strengthens Mercedes' EV charging network in China.

    Both reduce risk and support the EV strategy, helping investor confidence.

September 2026
▲2▼2

China collapse forces sales warning, but tech deals and analyst support lift Mercedes

  • China sales collapse Mercedes sold only 1,153 cars in China in the first half of 2026, a tiny fraction of rivals like Xiaomi. Weak Chinese consumption and brutal EV price competition are crushing demand, directly hurting revenue and profits.

    This is the core reason Mercedes is under pressure and the main negative force on the stock.

  • 2026 sales outlook cut Mercedes lowered its 2026 sales forecast, now expecting full-year sales slightly below 2025, blaming weak China where the market fell about 20% in Q2. This confirms the downturn is not temporary and weighs on the stock.

    A formal guidance cut is a direct, new negative signal for investors.

  • Wayve production deal for self-driving AI Mercedes signed a definitive production agreement with Wayve to put its AI Driver technology into future cars within two years, integrated with Mercedes' own software and hardware. This positions Mercedes as a leader in automated driving, supporting future demand.

    A concrete production deal shows Mercedes is advancing in key technology, a positive long-term driver.

  • Morgan Stanley keeps Mercedes as top pick Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating on Mercedes, raised its target to €59, and kept it as the preferred stock in the sector, saying the margin bottom is behind us. This boosts investor confidence and supports the share price.

    Analyst support and a raised target directly influence investor sentiment and buying.

▲2▼2

China collapse forces sales warning, but tech deals and analyst support lift Mercedes

  • China sales collapse Mercedes sold only 1,153 cars in China in the first half of 2026, a tiny fraction of rivals like Xiaomi. Weak Chinese consumption and brutal EV price competition are crushing demand, directly hurting revenue and profits.

    This is the core reason Mercedes is under pressure and the main negative force on the stock.

  • 2026 sales outlook cut Mercedes lowered its 2026 sales forecast, now expecting full-year sales slightly below 2025, blaming weak China where the market fell about 20% in Q2. This confirms the downturn is not temporary and weighs on the stock.

    A formal guidance cut is a direct, new negative signal for investors.

  • Wayve production deal for self-driving AI Mercedes signed a definitive production agreement with Wayve to put its AI Driver technology into future cars within two years, integrated with Mercedes' own software and hardware. This positions Mercedes as a leader in automated driving, supporting future demand.

    A concrete production deal shows Mercedes is advancing in key technology, a positive long-term driver.

  • Morgan Stanley keeps Mercedes as top pick Morgan Stanley maintained an Overweight rating on Mercedes, raised its target to €59, and kept it as the preferred stock in the sector, saying the margin bottom is behind us. This boosts investor confidence and supports the share price.

    Analyst support and a raised target directly influence investor sentiment and buying.

July 2026
▲2▼2

Mercedes Q2 Profit Rises, But US Ban Risk and China Slump Loom

  • US sales ban risk over Chinese ownership A US Senate bill could ban Mercedes from selling connected vehicles in the US from 2030 because Chinese investors hold nearly 20% of its shares, above the proposed 15% limit. The CEO pledged to defend the US business, but the threat creates uncertainty and could hurt future sales in a key market.

    This is a major new regulatory risk that could directly threaten Mercedes' US sales and profits.

  • Q2 profit beats expectations Mercedes reported Q2 net profit of €1.065 billion, up from €915 million a year earlier, and adjusted return on sales beat analyst expectations. The stock rose on the results, showing the company is managing costs and pricing better than feared despite weak revenue.

    The earnings beat is a new positive catalyst that lifted the stock and shows underlying profitability.

  • China competition is a new reality The CEO said intense price competition in China will continue for years, with Chinese brands entering the luxury segment. Mercedes' China sales fell 30% in Q2, and more cost cuts are planned. This persistent pressure weighs on revenue and profits, keeping the stock under pressure.

    This confirms a structural challenge that directly impacts Mercedes' largest market and long-term earnings.

  • EV demand grows in Germany and Hungary plant expands German EV registrations jumped 48% in the first half, with Mercedes contributing 26,000 units. Mercedes also completed a €1 billion expansion of its Hungary plant to build electric models. These support the company's electric transition and future competitiveness.

    These developments show progress in EVs and manufacturing efficiency, which are key to future growth.

▲2▼2

Mercedes Q2 Profit Rises, But US Ban Risk and China Slump Loom

  • US sales ban risk over Chinese ownership A US Senate bill could ban Mercedes from selling connected vehicles in the US from 2030 because Chinese investors hold nearly 20% of its shares, above the proposed 15% limit. The CEO pledged to defend the US business, but the threat creates uncertainty and could hurt future sales in a key market.

    This is a major new regulatory risk that could directly threaten Mercedes' US sales and profits.

  • Q2 profit beats expectations Mercedes reported Q2 net profit of €1.065 billion, up from €915 million a year earlier, and adjusted return on sales beat analyst expectations. The stock rose on the results, showing the company is managing costs and pricing better than feared despite weak revenue.

    The earnings beat is a new positive catalyst that lifted the stock and shows underlying profitability.

  • China competition is a new reality The CEO said intense price competition in China will continue for years, with Chinese brands entering the luxury segment. Mercedes' China sales fell 30% in Q2, and more cost cuts are planned. This persistent pressure weighs on revenue and profits, keeping the stock under pressure.

    This confirms a structural challenge that directly impacts Mercedes' largest market and long-term earnings.

  • EV demand grows in Germany and Hungary plant expands German EV registrations jumped 48% in the first half, with Mercedes contributing 26,000 units. Mercedes also completed a €1 billion expansion of its Hungary plant to build electric models. These support the company's electric transition and future competitiveness.

    These developments show progress in EVs and manufacturing efficiency, which are key to future growth.

Q2 2026
▲3▼1

China Sales Plunge and Cost Cuts Define Mercedes-Benz's Struggle

  • China Sales Collapse Over 30% in Q2 Mercedes-Benz's China sales fell more than 30% in Q2 2026, with global sales down 8%. This reflects intensifying competition from local brands and shrinking EV subsidies, directly hurting revenue and profits. The stock faces pressure as China is a key market for premium cars.

    This is the most direct and severe demand shock for Mercedes-Benz, explaining the recent price weakness.

  • Deep Cost Cuts and AI Adoption Target 70% Mercedes-Benz is deepening cost cuts and aiming for 70% AI adoption across its workforce to lower unit costs and protect margins. This should improve profitability and competitiveness, supporting the stock price by addressing margin pressure from weak demand and competition.

    This is a new company-specific initiative that directly counters margin pressure and could lift earnings.

  • UK Car Finance Redress Scheme Paused The UK tribunal paused the FCA's £9.1 billion car finance compensation scheme, delaying potential payouts. Mercedes-Benz's financial services arm is challenging the rules, so this reduces near-term liability and uncertainty, a positive for the stock as it removes a financial overhang.

    This regulatory development lowers a significant potential cost and uncertainty for Mercedes-Benz.

  • Dieselgate Claim Largely Dismissed The High Court in London largely dismissed a multibillion-pound emissions cheating claim against Mercedes-Benz and others. This removes a major legal overhang and potential damages, boosting investor confidence and supporting the stock price by reducing regulatory risk.

    This legal victory eliminates a large tail risk and is a clear positive for the stock.

June 2026
▲3▼1

China Sales Plunge and Cost Cuts Define Mercedes-Benz's Struggle

  • China Sales Collapse Over 30% in Q2 Mercedes-Benz's China sales fell more than 30% in Q2 2026, with global sales down 8%. This reflects intensifying competition from local brands and shrinking EV subsidies, directly hurting revenue and profits. The stock faces pressure as China is a key market for premium cars.

    This is the most direct and severe demand shock for Mercedes-Benz, explaining the recent price weakness.

  • Deep Cost Cuts and AI Adoption Target 70% Mercedes-Benz is deepening cost cuts and aiming for 70% AI adoption across its workforce to lower unit costs and protect margins. This should improve profitability and competitiveness, supporting the stock price by addressing margin pressure from weak demand and competition.

    This is a new company-specific initiative that directly counters margin pressure and could lift earnings.

  • UK Car Finance Redress Scheme Paused The UK tribunal paused the FCA's £9.1 billion car finance compensation scheme, delaying potential payouts. Mercedes-Benz's financial services arm is challenging the rules, so this reduces near-term liability and uncertainty, a positive for the stock as it removes a financial overhang.

    This regulatory development lowers a significant potential cost and uncertainty for Mercedes-Benz.

  • Dieselgate Claim Largely Dismissed The High Court in London largely dismissed a multibillion-pound emissions cheating claim against Mercedes-Benz and others. This removes a major legal overhang and potential damages, boosting investor confidence and supporting the stock price by reducing regulatory risk.

    This legal victory eliminates a large tail risk and is a clear positive for the stock.

▲3▼1

China Sales Plunge and Cost Cuts Define Mercedes-Benz's Struggle

  • China Sales Collapse Over 30% in Q2 Mercedes-Benz's China sales fell more than 30% in Q2 2026, with global sales down 8%. This reflects intensifying competition from local brands and shrinking EV subsidies, directly hurting revenue and profits. The stock faces pressure as China is a key market for premium cars.

    This is the most direct and severe demand shock for Mercedes-Benz, explaining the recent price weakness.

  • Deep Cost Cuts and AI Adoption Target 70% Mercedes-Benz is deepening cost cuts and aiming for 70% AI adoption across its workforce to lower unit costs and protect margins. This should improve profitability and competitiveness, supporting the stock price by addressing margin pressure from weak demand and competition.

    This is a new company-specific initiative that directly counters margin pressure and could lift earnings.

  • UK Car Finance Redress Scheme Paused The UK tribunal paused the FCA's £9.1 billion car finance compensation scheme, delaying potential payouts. Mercedes-Benz's financial services arm is challenging the rules, so this reduces near-term liability and uncertainty, a positive for the stock as it removes a financial overhang.

    This regulatory development lowers a significant potential cost and uncertainty for Mercedes-Benz.

  • Dieselgate Claim Largely Dismissed The High Court in London largely dismissed a multibillion-pound emissions cheating claim against Mercedes-Benz and others. This removes a major legal overhang and potential damages, boosting investor confidence and supporting the stock price by reducing regulatory risk.

    This legal victory eliminates a large tail risk and is a clear positive for the stock.