Mercedes is currently experiencing both sides of the crisis. First, overall sales were down 16 percent in the first half of the year compared with the previous year. This decline was spread over a 25 percent drop in China (to 163,700 cars) and a 10 percent drop in Europe (to 154,300 cars). This was caused by the much-cited chip shortage. Supply chains are disrupted and production cannot meet demand. Neither in Europe nor China. Customers already have to wait several years for certain models, such as the rather anachronistic G-Class or the electric flagship EQS.