Mercedes-Benz's core car sales fell in 2024, a tough year for the auto industry marked by waning demand in a weak economy, especially in key market China, the German luxury carmaker said on Friday.

Mercedes-Benz car and van sales fell 4% to 2.39 million vehicles in 2024 amid a challenging global market, with top-end vehicle sales weighed by market conditions in China, model changes and weak electric-vehicle demand.

Annual sales of battery-electric cars (BEV) dropped by 23 per cent to 185,100 vehicles, adding pressure on the carmaker as new, harsher EU CO2 emission reduction targets take effect this year

Australia retail activity jumped in November, supported by Black Friday sales and widespread discounting ahead of Christmas.

Australian retail sales had the biggest increase in 10 months in November as Black Friday discounting drew cost-conscious shoppers, but even so they missed forecasts suggesting consumer demand remains subdued.

Australian Retailers Association's Chief Industry Officer Fleur Brown discusses the “nice numbers” which have come through on retail spending in November.