In the first half of 2019, Rheinmetall Automotive AG though again outperforming the international auto sector, failed to escape the downturn in global demand. The number of Light Vehicles produced worldwide (vehicles under 6 tons) declined by 6.7 percent in the first half of 2019. Rheinmetall Automotive posted sales of €1,441 million, down €50 million or 3.4 percent from €1,491 million a year earlier, a decline well less than industry's overall fall in production. Adjusted for currency effects, sales shrank by 4 percent.
The company's operating earnings dropped by €31 million to €102 million. At 7.1 percent, the operating margin nevertheless remained at a relatively high level (previous year: 8.9 percent).
Horst Binnig, CEO of Rheinmetall Automotive AG, commented: "Even against the backdrop of a weakening unit sales situation on the international automotive markets, Rheinmetall Automotive has shown that our strong product portfolio, especially in the key areas of emission reduction and lightweight engineering, means that sales and earnings are still well above the general market trend."
In the first six months of 2019, the Mechatronics Division posted sales of €808 million, €38 million less than in the previous year. This decline is largely attributable to the downturn in the passenger car markets and, in particular, to the persistently weak demand for diesel passenger cars, which could not be offset by higher sales in the commercial vehicle business and pumps. Operating earnings slipped from €90 million in the previous year to €66 million in H1/2019.
The Hardparts Division's sales of €503 million in the first half of 2019 remained at the previous year's level (€504 million) despite the troubled market environment. The market-driven decline in the Plain Bearings unit was offset by higher sales of large-bore pistons and an asset disposal. Operating earnings amounted to €22 million after €35 million in the previous year.
In the Aftermarket Division, sales in the first six months of 2019 fell by €12 million, year-on-year to €177 million. The sales regions of Western Europe and North America were particularly weak. Despite the decline in sales, stable profit contributions and a strict cost management policy resulted in operating earnings of €17 million, like in the previous year, after the first six months of 2019.
The joint venture companies in China, which are not included in Rheinmetall Automotive's figures, achieved sales of €457 million in the first half of 2019, an increase of €10 million or 2.2 percent (prior year: €447 million) in a significantly declining market environment where light vehicle production dropped by 13.5 percent year-on-year. Adjusted for acquisitions, the joint ventures in China posted a slight decline in sales of 1.3 percent, but this was well below the decline in the country's passenger car production.
