Mercedes-Benz Vans finished 2011 by setting records for earnings and return on sales in the most successful year overall in the division’s history. EBIT rose 85% to the record level of €835 million (2010: €451 million), while the return on sales increased to 9.1% (2010: 5.8%), also a record. Revenues for 2011 totaled €9.179 billion, a 17% increase compared to the prior year. High global demand for vans resulted in an 18% increase in Mercedes-Benz Vans sales to around 264,200 units, with sales records set in the division’s core markets in particular. Mercedes-Benz Vans also remains the clear leader for medium-sized and large vans in Europe, its most important sales market. The division sold 178,300 units (+14%) in Western Europe and posted unit sales of 77,600 vans (+25%) in its German home market - the best sales result ever for Germany.
Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, commented today in Stuttgart on Mercedes-Benz Vans’ business development as follows: “2011 was an outstanding year for Mercedes-Benz Vans. The records we set for earnings and return on sales have extended our lead in the van segment even further. This makes Mercedes-Benz Vans a true engine of growth for the Daimler Group.”
“Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” growth strategy: product offensive in Europe, model changeover in Latin America, and two-brand strategy in North America
Daimler’s Vans division plans to continue last year’s positive developments in 2012 and 2013 by achieving further increases in unit sales, revenues, and earnings. The foundation for future success has been laid by the strategic approach employed at Mercedes-Benz Vans, which focuses on three areas: exploitation of all growth potential in traditional markets, penetration into new fast-growing markets, and technology leadership in combination with an attractive product portfolio.
“In addition, our Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global growth strategy is accelerating our business development not only in Europe but also in the U.S., Latin America, China, and Russia. Our goal now is to achieve annual global unit sales of more than 400,000 vans by 2015,” said Volker Mornhinweg.
Daimler’s Vans division plans to expand its lead in Europe by entering the rapidly growing segment for small vans. The division’s all-new Mercedes-Benz Citan will round out the product portfolio here before the year is over. The Citan is designed for commercial customers and will initially be offered in different lengths and weight classes. This new city delivery van will be launched in the fall of 2012 to coincide with the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show. The Citan also happens to be the first vehicle to hit the road as a result of the strategic partnership between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.
“The trend toward small vans for use in flexible and versatile urban logistics systems offers our division a huge opportunity,” said Mornhinweg. “The market volume for such vans in Europe alone now stands at approximately 700,000 units per year, and that number will rise. Our new Citan was designed to help us achieve a market share of 4% to 5% precisely in this segment and to fully exploit all the available growth potential.”
Mercedes-Benz Vans has had a strong presence on the Latin American market for decades and is the leading premium manufacturer in the region. The division sold 13,600 units in Latin America in 2011, an increase of 9% compared to the prior year. At the end of last year, Mercedes-Benz Vans shifted the production operations at the Centro Industrial Juan Manuel Fangio plant in Argentina (near Buenos Aires) to the current European Sprinter series and raised the manufacturing capacity accordingly. The Sprinter is offered mainly as a bus variant in Latin America in order to benefit from the rapidly rising demand for passenger transport vehicles. Mercedes-Benz has also now begun manufacturing in Argentina the OM 651 diesel engine, which is already available in Europe. These projects had a total investment volume of more than €70 million. Mercedes-Benz Vans’ clear goal at the moment is to increase van sales by more than 30% in Latin America over the next five years.
Mercedes-Benz Vans also remains on course for success in North America, where it is systematically forging ahead with its two-brand strategy for the Sprinter. The model is offered to American and Canadian customers under either the Mercedes-Benz or the Freightliner brand name. The favorable market conditions in the region and the establishment of a new Mercedes-Benz sales organization led to a 72% increase in unit sales in the U.S. alone in 2011, to 18,000 vans. In view of this development, Mercedes-Benz Vans has increased the production volume for the Sprinter at its plant in Charleston, South Carolina.
“Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” growth strategy: Launch of third model series in China Mercedes-Benz Vans places a high priority on its successful entry and penetration into the growth market China. These activities are firmly incorporated into the division’s “Mercedes-Benz Vans Goes Global” strategy.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is the only manufacturer to date that produces vans locally in China. The vans with the star have been built by a joint venture in China since 2010. On March 1, 2012, the van joint venture with Fujian Motors was given a new name: Fujian Benz Automotive Corporation. The Vito and Viano models are manufactured at the Fuzhou plant, where a bus version of the Sprinter also went into production in October 2011. Mercedes-Benz Vans is targeting the high-end passenger transport and exclusive shuttle services segments in China. Despite a slightly contracting market, Daimler’s Vans division increased its sales in China by 11% to 13,500 units in 2011. The division’s dealership network has also been expanded to 50 sales partners.
Investment in products and innovations
Mercedes-Benz Vans invests extensively in new products and technologies and therefore has a very young product range. The division increased its research and development expenditure by 34% to €358 million in 2011 (2010: €267 million), and Mercedes-Benz Vans plans to continue on this course.
On the product side, Mercedes-Benz Vans launched the new generation of the Vito and the Viano across all markets last year. The models were very well received by customers and dealers. Mercedes-Benz Vans is focusing on specific customer requirements with these new-generation model series by clearly distinguishing between the Viano for private usage and the Vito for commercial applications.
Last year Mercedes-Benz Vans celebrated the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile by presenting the Viano “Avantgarde Edition 125” - a special model with a V6 engine and high-end interior appointments. In addition, the division showed what is possible in the premium van segment by unveiling its “Viano Vision Pearl” show car at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Mercedes-Benz Vans also introduced the Vito Crew and the Vito Shuttle for commercial customers last year. The Vito Crew provides service companies and commercial customers in various technical trades with a robust van, while the Vito Shuttle is targeted at customers who use vans for the professional transportation of passengers as hotel shuttles or minivan taxis.
Last year the division posted sales of 98,000 vans in the medium-sized segment (to which the Vito and the Viano belong), an increase of 26% compared to the prior year. The Viano also set a new record by increasing sales by 40% to 30,500 units.
Mercedes-Benz Vans remains the leader for new and environmentally friendly van technologies with the Vito E-CELL - the world’s first series-produced electric van. Thanks to its locally zero-emission drive system, the Vito E-CELL is ideal for use in inner cities and areas with very sensitive environments. More than 500 Vito E-CELL models have now been manufactured and delivered to European customers for testing under everyday conditions. A total of 230 Vito E-CELLs have already clocked up more than 650,000 kilometers in several model regions in Germany. Plans call for 2,000 Vito E-CELLs to be delivered throughout Europe by the end of 2012.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Daimler AG (stock-exchange symbol DAI) today presented its preliminary and unaudited earnings figures for the Group and the divisions in the year 2011. Daimler increased its Group EBIT from the ongoing business by 24% to €8,977 million in 2011 (2010: €7,212 million). Including special factors, Group EBIT rose by 20% to €8,755 million (2010: €7,274 million). Both EBIT figures are new records. Net profit also reached a record figure of €6,029 million (2010: €4,674 million) and earnings per share amounted to €5.32 (2010: €4.28).
Overall, Daimler was able to set several records simultaneously in the anniversary year, “125! years inventor of the automobile.” “The Group achieved its best-ever results in 2011 for unit sales, revenue, EBIT and net profit. All of our divisions contributed to this success,” stated Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Above all, Mercedes-Benz Cars also set new records for sales, revenue and EBIT. In its long corporate history, the car division has never performed better than in 2011.
“In total, we made the anniversary year also into a year of success for Daimler. This performance shows that with its strong portfolio of cars, trucks, vans, buses and financial services, the Group is strategically very well positioned. We are now putting all of our efforts into continuing this success and achieving our targeted rates of return on a sustained basis as of the year 2013,” emphasized Zetsche.
Financial year 2011
The excellent earnings for the year 2011 primarily reflect the very good situation of unit sales in the divisions. In 2011, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans significantly increased their unit sales compared with the prior year in the major regions. Daimler Financial Services profited in particular from the lower cost of risk.
Special factors connected with the natural disaster in Japan resulted in total charges for the Group of €80 million. Insurance compensation has been taken into consideration in calculating this figure. Charges were also recognized from the impairment of Daimler’s equity interests in Renault (€110 million) and Kamaz (€32 million).
The special items affecting earnings in the years 2011 and 2010 are listed in the table on page 13 and in the individual divisions.
Daimler sold a total of 2.1 million vehicles in 2011, surpassing the prior-year figure by 11%. All of the automotive divisions contributed to the increase. Group revenue increased by 9% to €106.5 billion; adjusted for exchange-rate effects, there was an increase of 10%.
The net liquidity of the industrial business amounted to €12.0 billion at December 31, 2011 (2010: €11.9 billion).
The generally positive business development led to an increase in the number of persons employed worldwide to 271,370 as of December 31. This was 11,270 more than at the end of 2010. In Germany, the number of employees increased to 167,684 (2010: 164,026).
Due to Daimler’s success in 2011, the Board of Management and the General Works Council have agreed that the workforce’s performance will again be rewarded with a high performance participation bonus: In Germany, each eligible employee of Daimler AG will receive an amount of €4,100 (2011: €3,150) at the end of April 2012.
The shareholders will also participate appropriately once again in the Group’s financial success. In setting the dividend, Daimler aims to distribute approximately 40% of the net profit attributable to Daimler shareholders. In view of the good business development, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will therefore propose to the shareholders for their approval at the Annual Meeting to be held on April 4, 2012 that a dividend of €2.20 per share be paid out (2010: €1.85). This represents a total dividend of €2,346 million (2010: €1,971 million).
“In this way, we want our shareholders to participate appropriately once again in our financial success, and we anticipate a continuation of this dividend development in the coming years,” stated Bodo Uebber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Finance & Controlling and Financial Services.
Investments for the future
On the basis of the “Road to Emission-free Mobility” initiative, one focus will be on new, extremely fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly drive technologies in all the Group’s automotive divisions. The objectives are to optimize conventional drive technologies, to enhance their efficiency through hybridization, and to develop electric vehicles with fuel-cell drive and battery power. Another focus is on new safety technologies with the goal of avoiding accidents as far as possible and of alleviating the consequences of any accidents that might still occur.
In this context, Daimler therefore increased its research and development expenditure to €5.6 billion in 2011 (2010: €4.8 billion). R&D spending amounted to €3.7 billion at Mercedes-Benz Cars (2010: €3.1 billion) and €1.3 billion at Daimler Trucks (2010: €1.3 billion).
Investment in property, plant and equipment amounted to €4.2 billion (2010: €3.7 billion), of which €2.7 billion was invested in Germany (2010: €2.1 billion). The focus was on substantial capital expenditure on local production facilities, new products and new technologies. One of the main areas at Mercedes-Benz Cars was the expansion of production capacities for the successor to the A-/B-Class at the Rastatt plant in Germany and at the new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. Daimler Trucks made substantial investments in 2011 in the launch of the new Actros heavy truck.
The divisions in detail
Mercedes-Benz Cars, comprising the brands Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart, set a new record in 2011 with sales of 1,381,400 vehicles (2010: 1,276,800). The division’s revenue rose by 7% to a record of €57.4 billion (2010: €53.4 billion).
The division posted EBIT of €5,192 million, a significant improvement compared with the prior-year result (2010: €4,656 million). Its return on sales was 9.0% (2010: 8.7%).
The increase in earnings resulted primarily from the worldwide growth in unit sales, especially in the mid-sized and SUV segments. Above all in China and the United States, the division was able to boost its unit sales due to its attractive product range. Improved pricing for new vehicles and lower warranty expenses also made positive contributions to earnings. There were negative effects on earnings from increases in prices of materials and higher expenses related to the launch of new models, increased research and development costs and negative exchange-rate effects.
Daimler Trucks increased its worldwide unit sales by 20% to 425,800 vehicles and revenue also rose by 20% to €28.8 billion (2010: €24.0 billion).
The division’s EBIT of €1,876 million was also significantly higher than in the prior year (2010: €1,332 million). Return on sales amounted to 6.5% (2010: 5.5%). The positive earnings development is mainly based on strong growth in unit sales with contributions from all the major regions (the NAFTA region, Europe, Asia and
Latin America). The successfully implemented optimization and repositioning of the business operations of the subsidiaries Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and Daimler Trucks North America had sustained positive effects also in 2011, contributing to significant efficiency improvements and thus also to higher earnings. Negative effects on earnings resulted from higher material costs and the advance expenditure for the new Actros. In connection with the natural disaster in Japan, charges of €70 million were recognized. Without these charges and the impairment of the investment in Kamaz, Daimler Trucks would have achieved a return on sales of 6.9%.
Mercedes-Benz Vansincreased its unit sales by 18% to 264,200 vans of the Sprinter, Vario, Vito and Viano model series. Revenue of €9.2 billion was also significantly higher than in the prior year (2010: €7.8 billion).
The division posted a significant improvement in earnings. EBIT increased to €835 million (2010: €451 million) and return on sales improved from 5.8% in 2010 to 9.1% last year. The positive development of earnings resulted from significantly higher unit sales, above all in Germany, the NAFTA region and Eastern Europe. One of the main factors was the excellent market response to the new-generation Vito and Viano models. Higher material costs were more than offset by sustained efficiency improvements and better pricing.
Daimler Buses once again increased its sales of buses and bus chassis, despite difficult conditions for complete buses, to a total of 39,700 units (2010: 39,100). Revenue of €4.4 billion was slightly lower than in the prior year (2010: €4.6 billion).
With EBIT of €162 million, the division did not match the high level of earnings it achieved in the prior year (2010: €215 million). Its return on sales was 3.7% (2010: 4.7%). This earnings development is due to lower unit sales of complete buses in Western Europe and North America, especially in the city-bus segment, in which demand decreased. Higher prices due to the influence of inflation in Latin America also had a negative impact on EBIT. The division’s earnings were positively affected by higher shipments of bus chassis in Latin America (including Mexico) and by exchange-rate effects.
Daimler Financial Services developed very positively in all regions. Worldwide contract volume grew by 13% to the record level of €71.7 billion (2010: €63.7 billion). Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, contract volume grew by 12%. New business increased by 15% to €33.5 billion due to the higher volumes of unit sales by the automotive divisions.
The division significantly surpassed its earnings of the prior year with EBIT of €1,312 million in 2011 (2010: €831 million). Its return on equity was 25.5% (2010: 16.1%). The improvement in earnings was mainly caused by lower provisions for risks, improved refinancing conditions and an increased contract volume. On the other hand, earnings were negatively affected by expenditure related to the realignment of business activities in Germany. Another factor was that additional allowances for bad debts had to be recognized in connection with the natural disaster in Japan.
The reconciliation of the divisions’ EBIT to Group EBIT comprises Daimler’s proportionate share of the results of its equity-method investment in EADS, other gains and/or losses at the corporate level, and the effects on earnings of eliminating intra-group transactions between the divisions.
Daimler’s proportionate share of the net profit of EADS amounted to income of €143 million (2010: expense of €261 million). In addition, an expense at corporate level of €588 million has been taken into consideration (2010: income of €21 million). In 2011, this was primarily related to litigation and the impairment of Daimler’s equity holding in Renault (€110 million). Due to the sharp drop in the stock-exchange price of Renault shares at the end of the third quarter, the shareholding had to be impaired to its fair value.
Outlook
According to current estimates, worldwide markets for motor vehicles should continue to grow this year, with the exception of the Western European markets, which are increasingly affected by the debt crisis. Global registrations of new cars are likely to increase by approximately 4%, whereby the growth will primarily be driven by the Asian emerging markets, the US market and the Japanese market, which will benefit from catch-up effects.
Worldwide demand for medium and heavy trucks in 2012 is expected to be at least at the level of last year. Despite a perceptible growth slowdown, the North American market should prove to be the world’s most important driver of demand, expanding by 15 to 20%. Demand for trucks in Europe will be impacted by the ongoing sovereign-debt crisis and the resulting economic weakness. So at best, demand in that market can only be expected to be about as strong as last year. The Japanese market for heavy and medium-duty trucks should expand once again by 5 to 10% compared with the prior year, thanks to the country’s economic growth, which is benefiting from the reconstruction efforts. Overall demand for trucks in the emerging markets should grow only moderately this year.
Mercedes-Benz Cars assumes that it will be able to further increase its unit sales this year and will grow faster than the total market. Its competitive model range will facilitate growth in traditional markets also under less favorable conditions. The division will also profit from the continuation of very strong demand for its models in the C-Class segment. In the luxury segment, the new generation of the SL will boost unit sales as of late March. With sport-utility vehicles, further growth is anticipated primarily due to the full availability of the new M-Class and as of September 2012 from the new GL. Furthermore, both the new GLK (a compact SUV) and the new-generation G-Class will be launched in June. The new models in the high-volume compact-car segment will also boost growth in unit sales. The new B-Class was already launched in November 2011 and the new A-Class will follow in September 2012.
On the engine side, the new and particularly efficient four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines and the ECO start-stop technology will be introduced in additional models. This will boost unit sales above all with commercial customers. With the help of the new engines and the particularly economical BlueEFFICIENCY models, Daimler was able to reduce the average CO2 emissions of the cars sold in the European Union to 150 grams per kilometer in 2011 (2010: 158 g/km).
Within the framework of the “Mercedes-Benz 2020” growth strategy, the product range will be significantly expanded across all segments in the coming years. In the compact-car segment alone, there will be five models with the three-pointed star in the future, which will increasingly appeal to younger customers as well. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz Cars will expand the top end of its model range – for example with three additional versions of the next S-Class and another SUV version, as well as with models such as the CLS Shooting Break, which will be launched in September 2012 as a completely new vehicle concept. Positive impetus is expected for smart this year from two highlights: The new smart fortwo electric drive will gradually be launched in more than 30 markets around the world, and the smart ebike will also be introduced.
In regional terms, Mercedes-Benz Cars sees further growth opportunities in 2012 above all in North America, as well as in China, India and Russia. Prospects in Western Europe are rather limited, however. But the division assumes that it will be able to further strengthen its position also in this extremely competitive market, due in particular to the expansion of the model portfolio. Fairly stable unit sales are anticipated for the smart brand.
Daimler Trucks also assumes that its unit sales will increase this year. Following the significant growth in 2011, the division intends to continue to grow faster than the total market in Europe. For the Brazilian market, demand is expected to fall at first following the record year 2011, due to the introduction of stricter emission standards.
The recovery of the truck market in the NAFTA region will probably continue. Because of the high average age of vehicle fleets there, the need to invest in replacements is still very high. On the basis of well-filled order books, the division assumes that it will be able to profit from that development to an above-average extent. Rising unit sales are anticipated also in Japan. Reconstruction after the natural disaster is leading to a stronger demand for trucks in that market.
With its activities in Russia, India and China, the division has created the right conditions for further growth in those markets. The final approval of the authorities for the joint venture in China was granted last year, the joint venture in Russia with Kamaz presented the first truck with components from Daimler, and the first plant in India will be opened in April 2012.
In general, the division assumes that it will be able to further improve its worldwide market position in the coming years. Daimler Trucks will be supported by a large number of new models and the flexibility of its global production network.
At Mercedes-Benz Vans, the positive trend of unit sales should continue, aided on the product side by the new city van Citan, which will enable the division to utilize additional growth potential in a new market segment as of this year. Van production in Argentina was changed over to the current generation of the Sprinter at the beginning of the year 2012. As a result, the range of products in Latin American markets is being significantly upgraded. Unit sales in China should be substantially increased by means of local production. As part of this development, in addition to the Vito and Viano models, the joint venture Fujian Daimler Automotive has also been producing the Sprinter since the end of 2011.
Daimler Buses assumes that it will be able to maintain its globally leading position in its core markets for buses above 8 tons with innovative and high-quality new products. However, a slight decrease in unit sales is anticipated in 2012 because of the introduction of Euro V emission regulations in Brazil. Slight growth in unit sales is expected in Western Europe, the stable core market, due to the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Citaro, a product of outstanding quality.
Daimler Financial Services anticipates further growth for both contract volume and new business in its core business of vehicle financing and leasing. This should be supported in particular by growth in the BRIC markets and by the provision of financial services for the new cars in the compact-car segment. In the area of insurance, the division aims to achieve further growth in the number of policies brokered and in its market share. Strong growth is also expected in the new Mobility Services business unit, into which the car2go mobility concept was integrated in the year 2011.
On the basis of assumptions on the development of major sales markets and the planning of the divisions, the Daimler Group expects that its unit sales will increase again significantly this year, and that its revenue will also continue to grow. Daimler aims to post EBIT from the ongoing business in the magnitude of the prior year. This is based on the assumption of currency exchange rates at close to the present levels.
The following EBIT targets have been set for the divisions:
- Mercedes-Benz Cars: at the prior-year level
- Daimler Trucks: at least at the prior-year level
- Mercedes-Benz Vans: at least at the prior-year level
- Daimler Buses: at least at the prior-year level
- Daimler Financial Services: slightly below the prior-year level
Daimler aims for an annual average return on sales for the automotive business of 9% across market and product cycles. This is based on target returns on sales for the individual divisions, which are to be achieved on a sustained basis as of 2013, of 10% for Mercedes-Benz Cars, 8% for Daimler Trucks, 9% for Mercedes-Benz Vans and 6% for Daimler Buses. The target for Daimler Financial Services is a return on equity of 17%.
In the period of 2012 through 2013, Daimler will invest a total of €21.5 billion in research and development activities (€10.9 billion) and property, plant and equipment (€10.6 billion). That is €3.2 billion more than in the years 2010 and 2011.
In order to achieve its ambitious growth targets, Daimler will require additional employees in all its divisions. In connection with expanding the production capacities, new jobs will be created above all in North America, Asia and Hungary. By developing production capacities abroad, the jobs in Germany are being secured for the long term.
Table: Earnings in both years were affected by special factors, which are listed in the following table:
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
125 years of the automobile was a momentous anniversary – and celebrations of this milestone represented the main focus of our activities in 2011. “Over the year, Mercedes-Benz Classic was able to demonstrate the fascination of the Mercedes-Benz brand on a world-wide basis. We were able to move both people and vehicles,” commented Michael Bock, Head of Mercedes-Benz Classic and Managing Director of the Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH. “Vehicles from our own collection alone played a part in 1,400 events – almost twice as many as would be normal in a year without such an anniversary. A truly extraordinary achievement and a great result for the year.”
Just a few key data to show just how much was achieved in 2011: the three-wheeler patented by Carl Benz in 1886, for example, and which is considered to be the world’s first automobile, made 160 appearances at events all over the world. What is more, in spring 2011 the patent for the first vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine was made a UNESCO World Heritage Document. The company’s own collection of vehicles includes several replicas of this first Patent Motor Car.
The first long-distance journey with an automobile, undertaken in 1888 by Bertha Benz from Mannheim to Pforzheim in an improved version of the Patent Motor Car, was re-enacted over a distance of some 180 kilometres in the summer of 2011 by Germany’s South-West Broadcasting (“Südwestfunk”) radio station SWR 1, with support from Mercedes-Benz Classic. This was automotive history brought to life, and was extremely well received, both by people encountered along the way and as a response to the daily broadcast reports. The original route was in fact extended for the rerun as far as Stuttgart and the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
A review of the year reveals some impressive figures: in 2011, more than 1,400 vehicles were made available for appearances at nearly 470 events around the world. Altogether, the collection these days comprises more than 900 vehicles that represent the long history of Mercedes-Benz – passenger cars, commercial vehicles and racing cars. In fact the collection would be quite justified in describing itself as one gigantic museum on wheels. In 2011 alone 35 new vehicles joined the collection. One of these was the final car to leave the production line of the R 230-series SL: the last vehicle to be built went straight into the collection, ahead of the launch of the new SL in January 2012.
Mercedes-Benz Classic also took part with selected vehicles in numerous events in the international classic car calendar. These included, for example, participation in the Mille Miglia with a total of 18 vehicles; at the Goodwood Revival in honour of racing driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who would have been 100 years old in 2011; and in the “London to Brighton” veteran car run. A new participant in this year’s activities was a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, which has been rebuilt by the Mercedes-Benz Classic engineers as a track vehicle for historical motor racing events and competed during the 2011 season in various events promoted by the historic racing vehicle series “Fahrergemeinschaft Historischer Rennsport e. V.” (FHR).
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive is considered one of the most extensive corporate archives in the whole of Europe, and probably the most comprehensive in the automotive industry. The figures make the scope of the archives very clear: if all the material in the archives were to be lined up a row, it would cover a distance of 15 kilometres. Adding to this are more than 3 million photos and 2,500 film media. The Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive and Collection themselves celebrated a round anniversary in 2011, having been officially established 75 years ago, in December 1936.
About 701,000 visitors from more than 175 countries visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum during 2011. 4000 guided tours in ten languages were given. This was due not only to the anniversary celebrations marking “125 years of the automobile”, but also to the attractive programme of events that has become a regular feature of the museum's activities. Since it opened five years ago, in May 2006, the new museum has welcomed 4.2 million visitors through its doors – around a third of them from outside Germany. The majority of visitors come from Germany, followed by China, the US, France and Switzerland.
Mercedes-Benz maintains various heritage sites as reminders of the inventors of the automobile. As just one example, in 2011 over 20,000 visitors from countries all over the world came to visit the birthplace of Gottlieb Daimler in Schorndorf, while well over 10,000 also visited his former workshop, the so-called “greenhouse”, in Cannstatt.
The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is the main centre of expertise for all the technical aspects of classic vehicles dating back through the history of Mercedes-Benz. Again and again the Center sets new standards for the quality and authenticity of restoration work undertaken. Over the course of the year, for example, a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL that had been restored there to its original condition was sold to a customer – a superb example of a top-class collectors’ piece of this model. The determination to maintain authenticity is supported by an excellent replacement parts service for the brand: the warehouse inventory currently comprises some 35,000 active line items, and any part can be delivered to a customer in Germany within 24 hours. In 2011, replacement parts provision for the 124 model series was transferred to the Classic Center, adding a further 12,000 items to the inventory. Total revenues for the year from the sale of replacement parts for classic and “young classic” vehicles amounted to 126 million euros.
As always, Mercedes-Benz Classic continues to work closely with officially recognised brand clubs, which provide an important link between the classic vehicle scene and Daimler AG. The latest figures reveal that altogether the clubs currently have around 80,000 members, in all corners of the world, and held more than 200 events of their own in 2011. The German clubs alone saw almost 1,400 new members joining. Some of the clubs had anniversaries of their own to celebrate, in Germany for instance the Mercedes-Benz SL Club Pagoda (30 years), the Mercedes-Benz Veteran Car Club of Germany (30 years), the Mercedes-Benz Model Car Club (25 years), and the Mercedes-Benz R 129 SL Club (10 years). But Mercedes-Benz Classic also held its own events: in the spring of 2011 a group under the heading “Mercedes-Benz & Friends” travelled to the Côte d’Azur, where they were able to retrace the early history of the brand. August then saw some 2,000 vehicles and 1,800 club members from more than 30 countries, along with 200,000 visitors, gather at the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin to mark the anniversary of “125 years of the automobile” in what was the biggest celebration of the Mercedes-Benz brand ever to have taken place.
The division’s activities in the area of new media have also proved extremely successful. Over 21,000 fans follow what the world’s oldest automotive brand is up to on Facebook. The new Mercedes-Benz Classic app for iPhone® and iPad® has also already been downloaded more than 200,000 times. The app provides a state-of-the-art way to find out more about the heritage and the legend of Mercedes-Benz.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
In 2011 Mercedes-Benz Cars sold more vehicles than ever before in a single year. A total of 1,362,908 vehicles of the brands Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach have been delivered to customers – around 77,000 units more than in the previous record set in 2007 (1,285,900 units).
2011 was also the best sales year in the history of the brand Mercedes-Benz Cars. With 1,260,912 units sold and an increase of 8.0% compared to the prior year the previous sales record of 2007 (1,185,200 units) was clearly exceeded. Since the beginning of the year sales of the brand with the star have been up every month. Particularly successful was the sales development in the fourth quarter. 341,624 delivered units made it the best-selling quarter in the company’s history. In December alone, worldwide deliveries rose by 15.1% to 124,387 vehicles despite the very good result achieved already in December 2010. Thus last month, more vehicles were sold than ever before in this period.
“We’re very satisfied with our sales development. In 2011 we sold more vehicles than ever before,” says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We also set the course for the future: The newly introduced generation of the C-Class, the C-Class coupe, the SLK, and the CLS are extremely popular among customers. The same applies to the new B-Class and new M-Class, which were introduced in Europe only recently. The full-year 2011 was also shaped by our strong development in important growth markets such as the BRIC countries and positive development in the U.S.”
Positive outlook for 2012 – new models to provide additional momentum
The year 2012 provides a good base to pursue last year’s success. Dr. Zetsche: “In 2012 we will consequently continue our product offensive and launch additional attractive vehicles on the market, which will give us a further boost. The vehicles will be spearheaded by the new A-Class, which will allow the brand to reach out more strongly to younger target groups. The new CLS Shooting Brake will underscore our leading role when it comes to innovative vehicle concepts and design.”
The new SL will also celebrate its market launch in 2012 just in time for the model series’ 60th anniversary. After the successful introduction of the new M-Class in 2011, additional demand will be generated in the SUV segment by the new GL, the new generations of the GLK and the time-honored G-Class.
Once again sales record in China, Russia, and India; dynamic development in Brazil
Mercedes-Benz continued to do outstandingly well in China (including Hong Kong) last year, where the brand surpassed its sales record of 2010 by 30.6%. The brand therefore substantially exceeded its full-year target of increasing sales in China by at least 20%. A total of 193,339 customers opted for a vehicle bearing the Mercedes star. In December alone, 23,227 people purchased a new Mercedes-Benz passenger car (+29.5%).
Over the past twelve months, Mercedes-Benz did also well in all other BRIC countries. The previous year’s record sales were substantially exceeded in both Russia (29,058 units; +47.3%) and India (7,089 units; +22.7%). In Brazil the brand built on the dynamic development of 2010, boosting sales by 35.3% in full-year 2011, to 10,197 vehicles. Summed up, Mercedes-Benz therefore reported a sales increase of 32.4% in the BRIC-countries in 2011.
Over the past twelve months, Mercedes-Benz also saw sales rise to all-time highs among others in Taiwan (+31.7%), South Korea (+18.8%), Mexico (+17.7%), Denmark (+15.0%), and Sweden (+12.2%). The development in Japan is also notable. Despite the strong earthquake in March and the serious consequences for the country, Mercedes-Benz sold 7.1% more vehicles in Japan last year (32,405 units) than in 2010.
Outstanding development in the U.S.; record sales in Canada and the entire NAFTA region
As in 2010, Mercedes-Benz posted double-digit growth in the U.S. and grew faster than the total market. From January to December 2011, sales rose by 13.3% to 245,231 units. Thus the United States were once again the brand’s second-largest market. Driven by the new generation of the C-Class and the new M-Class, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles rose to 25,701 units in December (+27.9%). In Canada a total of 28,584 (+1.8%) vehicles with the Mercedes star were sold during 2011. Following the record set in 2010, this result represents a new all-time high. Mercedes-Benz also achieved a record result in the entire NAFTA region in 2011, with sales amounting to 279,946 vehicles (+12.2%).
Mercedes-Benz leads Germany’s premium segment in 2011
In Germany Mercedes-Benz has been the Number One automaker in the premium segment since 1993. Despite the sometimes limited availability of the high-volume A- and B-Class due to the changeover of production to the new models, the brand’s sales in its home market totaled 262,256 vehicles in 2011, which was almost as high as in the previous year (2010: 265,000 units). In December sales of the brand with the star rose by 16.8% (25,290 units). In Western Europe (excluding Germany) deliveries also nearly matched the previous year’s level (2010: 291,853 units) at 289,285 units in the past twelve months. A sales increase was recorded among others in the UK (+10.1%).
New generation of the C-Class with outstanding customer response – sedan model leader in its segment
In 2011 the C-Class confirmed the vehicle’s standing as a very successful model also with its new generation. In the C-Class segment, Mercedes-Benz recorded growth of 16.8% over the past twelve months to 401,340 units. Very popular and once again the most successful model in its segment during the year as a whole was the C-Class sedan. A total of 270,968 units were delivered to customers (+8.1%). In the year of the facelift, deliveries of the C-Class estate rose to a new all-time high of 76,446 vehicles (+21.6%). Demand for the new C-Class coupe has also been very high ever since the vehicle was launched on the market last June. To date, 23,698 units of the sporty coupe have been delivered to customers. The SLK also did well last year, with 26,756 customers buying one of the roadsters from January through December 2011. This corresponds to an increase of 85.7%.
E-Class segment attains new record result in 2011
Following the record sales of the previous year, sales in the E-Class segment rose by 4.7% in 2011 to a new all-time high (338,386 units). Deliveries of the E-Class sedan and estate totaled 244,341 units last year (2010: 252,775 units). 32,533 customers opted to buy the CLS model, which was introduced in January 2011 (+210.4%).
Sales of S-Class sedan surpass previous year’s high level
Despite having to face much younger competitor models, the S-Class sedan once again increased sales compared to the prior year. Since the car’s market launch in 2005 more than 440,000 units of the brand’s flagship vehicle have been sold. Sales of the CL also rose, with deliveries increasing by 6.9%. The SLS AMG has also met with a great response from customers. More than 5,000 units of the super sports car have already been sold since the vehicle was launched on the market in March 2010.
At more than 200 units, sales of the high-end luxury sedan Maybach were higher than in each of the two previous years.
SUVs post monthly record sales from January through December
The SUVs from Mercedes-Benz enjoyed another great year in 2011. They achieved new sales records each month from January through December, enabling them to surpass last year’s record figure by 24.0% (248,574 units). More customers decided to buy a GLK than ever before in a single year (93,836 units; +24.0%). The compact SUV is also popular in China, where it has been produced for the local market since early December. All other model series did very well throughout the world in 2011, increasing sales substantially compared to the previous year. Sales of the R-Class rose by 45.5%, while those of the G-Class increased by 28.3%. The GL boosted sales by 28.2%, and deliveries of the M-Class increased by 17.9% despite the model changeover.
B-Class does well during phase-out
In spite of production changes resulting from the B-Class model changeover and the associated limited availability of A- and B-Class models, Mercedes-Benz sold 194,133 units in this segment last year (2010: 222,373 units). Sales of the B-Class even continued to increase until shortly before the new model was launched on the market.
Sales of smart fortwo pass 100,000 mark
The smart fortwo did extremely well in 2011. Sales passed the target of 100,000 units, rising to 101,996 vehicles (+4.6%). Dr. Dieter Zetsche: “The development of the smart fortwo last year by far exceeded our expectations. Also for 2012, all lights are on green. The third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive and the smart ebike are two genuine highlights that will be introduced in the coming twelve months. We expect them to give the brand another boost.” In full-year 2011 the innovative two-seater was especially popular in China (including Hong Kong), where a total of 11,045 buyers drove home from the dealership in a smart fortwo (2010: 3,900 units). The smart fortwo also posted very high growth rates in other countries, including Mexico (+57.1%), Poland (+50.7%), the Czech Republic (+26.6%), and Taiwan (+21.4%). In Germany the smart fortwo defended its segment leadership throughout the year, with customers buying a total of 29,005 units (+3.3%). More than 1.5 million units of the brand have been sold since the first generation of the compact urban vehicle was introduced on the market in 1998.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz’s SUV models are celebrating another milestone. Since the launch of Mercedes-Benz’s first sports utility vehicle – the G-Class – over 30 years ago, more than two million G-Class, M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class and GLK-Class models have been delivered to customers. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Our entire SUV family is extremely popular among our customers, particularly in the USA and in its second-largest market China. With the launch of our first sports utility vehicle – the G‑Class – more than 30 years ago, we entered a segment in which we are now very successful with a total of five models. The SUVs today are an important pillar of Mercedes-Benz’s growth and have achieved a new sales record in every month since July 2010. The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class, which has enjoyed fantastic customer response to date, will give sales a further boost.”
In November 2011, Mercedes-Benz SUVs achieved another monthly sales record with deliveries of 25,552 models (+23.4%). From January through November, a total of 221,518 sports utility vehicles have been delivered worldwide (+24.3%), more than ever before in this period. The successful run-out of the M-Class was particularly noteworthy, as was the excellent start of its new models in the U.S. A new peak was set by the GLK, whose deliveries are at a record high since the beginning of the year (+25.6%). To meet the strong demand on the Chinese market, the small SUV is being produced locally in China since early December. The other model series have also developed positively in the year to date with significant increases in sales. R-Class sales jumped by 50.3 per cent, the G-Class recorded growth of 30.9 per cent, GL sales climbed by 28.9 per cent, and deliveries of the M-Class were up 15.8% despite the model change. In the coming year, the new GL and the new generations of the GLK and the G-Class will generate additional demand in the SUV segment.
The SUV models account for around one-fifth of global Mercedes-Benz sales. By far the largest market for the SUV family as well as the M-, GLK-, and GL-Class are the United States. The second largest market for the SUVs is China, followed by Germany. The classic sports utility vehicle, the G-Class, is most popular in its domestic market Germany, while the R-Class is most in demand in China.
The latest star of the Mercedes-Benz SUV family is the third generation of the M-Class, which was launched last November. One of its strongest features is its outstanding energy efficiency. As the most fuel-efficient SUV in its segment, the M-Class became the first vehicle in its class to receive the prestigious TÜV (Technical Control Board) environmental certificate – just in time for its launch. The strengths of the permanent 4-wheel-drive premium SUV also include excellent safety features and well-balanced driving comfort with strong driving dynamics both on- and off-road. Thanks to its outstanding safety systems, the M-Class was recognized as the best vehicle in its segment and awarded the top five star rating under the European NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) for excellent occupant protection.
The new M-Class is the top model in its segment when it comes to value retention. Just recently it was recognized by “Focus Online” and “Bähr & Fess Forecast” as one of the best performers in terms of residual values in 2015. The ML 250 BlueTEC can still yield 55 per cent of its new value as a four-year-old used car. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class was also awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel 2011” by readers of German “Bild am Sonntag” and “Auto Bild”. The other SUV models are also extremely popular among customers. This year, the longest-standing Mercedes-Benz model series, the G-Class, was crowned “SUV of the Year” for the eighth time. This major award is voted by the readers of the German “Off Road” magazine. Meanwhile, the readers of “AutoBild Allrad” gave the G-Class the victory in the “Off-road vehicles and SUVs over €60,000” category, followed by the GL-Class.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
The total number of visitors to the Mercedes-Benz Museum rose once again in 2011, to 701,000. On the year marking the automobile's 125th anniversary, the visitors came from 175 countries worldwide. The newly designed Legend 6 exhibition room and the special 'Art & Stars & Cars' exhibition additionally attracted new target groups to the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Almost 4000 guided tours were conducted in ten different languages.
"Another successful year is drawing to a close. Since the opening in May 2006, over 4.2 million people have visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum," says Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. "125 years after its invention, the automobile retains its special fascination to this day – the figures speak for themselves. We are particularly pleased about the high proportion of international visitors. Once again this year, almost a third of our guests came from abroad. This international appeal is attributable both to the anniversary year of the automobile and to our extensive programme in 2011."
People from all over the world flock to see the first ever automobile
The visitors from a total of 175 countries reflect the international character of the Mercedes-Benz Museum. In 2010 visitors came from 158 countries. The share of international guests has risen by almost half in recent years, to 27 percent. The majority of guests came from Germany, followed by China, USA, France and Switzerland. There has been a sharp increase in the number of Chinese guests since 2009, resulting in a steady climb for China from fourth to second place in the visitor rankings.
How did the visitors become aware of the Mercedes-Benz Museum? While almost 40 percent relied on recommendations from friends and acquaintances, 7 percent of visitors stated that they had been prompted to visit the museum by the increased media coverage in the anniversary year. Social networks such as Facebook and Twitter have given rise to a two-fold increase in awareness of the museum as a leisure destination.
Many of the guests visited the Mercedes-Benz Museum for the first time in the year marking the 125th anniversary of the invention of the automobile. The top rankings from regular visitor surveys in 2011 confirm the guests' satisfaction, with over 90 percent of all visitors stating that their expectations had been surpassed and 98 percent confirming that they would recommend the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Two thirds of all visitors spent more than three hours at the automobile exhibition covering 16,000 square metres.
Group visitors and children's programmes on the increase
Almost 4,000 guided tours in 2011 marked a new record for the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The classic Automobile guided tour, carried out in a total of ten languages, remains the leading attraction. Exclusive after-hours tours in the evening, guided tours of the Untertürkheim and Bad Cannstatt engine factories and the special guided tour of the 'Art & Stars & Cars' exhibition also proved very popular.
The Mercedes-Benz Museum has also become a yet more attractive destination for groups: over 5,000 groups comprising a total of over 100,000 persons visited the exhibition – more than ever before. In addition, over 1900 school classes took advantage of the educational programme in the GeniusCampus area for children and young people. Another programme offered by the GeniusCampus enjoyed particular popularity, with almost 1000 children visiting over 80 children's birthday parties held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The new programme "Motor mechanics for adults" also became firmly established, with over 100 workshops offering almost 850 participants an opportunity to lean more about present-day engine technology.
Outstanding exhibitions and events in 2011
For the inventor of the automobile, the anniversary marking 125 years of the automobile played a major role this year, as the Mercedes-Benz Museum is the only venue in the world where visitors can take in the entire history of the automobile – from Benz's patented motor car dating from 1886 to futuristic vehicle studies.
The year kicked off with the opening of the new exhibition room Legend 6, ‘New start – the Road to Emission-free Mobility’, which has since won various awards. The new exhibition room grants visitors an insight into the future and outlines the drive technologies of tomorrow. The future has already arrived for visitors arriving at the Mercedes-Benz Museum by e-vehicle, with six electric charging stations offering free electric power to replenish the vehicles' batteries during visits to the museum.
The special exhibition 'Art & Stars & Cars' shows the museum in a similarly pioneering and innovative vein. This first art exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum was conceived in collaboration with the Daimler Art Collection. A highlight of the exceptional exhibition comprising over 120 works was Andy Warhol's legendary Cars series, which was produced 25 years ago on the occasion of the car’s centenary. The Mercedes-Benz Museum also celebrated its fifth birthday in the middle of the anniversary year, on 22 May 2011. This proved one of the busiest days of the year, drawing over 5000 guests. The museum's summer season revolved around firm favourites such as the jazzopen stuttgart, the Mercedes-Benz Lounge and the Open Air Cinema programme – this year featuring the drive-in cinema event for the first time, which sold out in next to no time. Families with children were able to take part in Universal Children's Day at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in September, while the collectors' fair in November offered brand aficionados another opportunity to pick up some gems. This year, the Mercedes-Benz Museum once again offered events tailored to visitors with special needs – most recently on the Day of People with Disability in December.
2012 – spotlight on the Mercedes-Benz SL
"It will be a challenge to top 2011," observes Michael Bock. "But we have ambitious plans for 2012 and some great exhibitions in store. For the Mercedes-Benz brand, the first half of the year will centre on the new SL. At Mercedes-Benz Classic and at the museum we will be highlighting the 60-year history of the legendary SL series with special events and a major exhibition. All the models in one room – that will be a spectacle not to be missed. I am also looking forward to the 2012 Stuttgart Festival of Animated Film. As a partner to the festival, we will be presenting a special award – again focusing on the topic of 60 years of the SL. The special exhibition 'Timeless – 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL' will begin on 24 January 2012 and run until 2 September 2012.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
In November, Mercedes-Benz sold more cars than ever before in this month. With 113,859 units, the brand surpassed the previous record result, which was set last year, by 8.3%. Mercedes-Benz has delivered a total of 1,136,525 (+7.3%) units to customers since the beginning of the year — which also represents a new sales record.
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With record sales in November, we have sold more cars than in the same months of last year for over two years in a row. This shows that Mercedes-Benz is on the right track and that our products are very popular among customers. Further evidence is provided by the outstanding customer response to the new B-Class and
M-Class models, which were launched on the European market at the end of last month. Already now it is certain that we will reach our target of selling more cars over the entire year than ever before.” From January through November, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division sold 1,230,863 (+7.1%) Mercedes-Benz and smart fortwo vehicles, which is a new record, as well.
As many cars as never before in a month, Mercedes-Benz sold in China (including Hong Kong) in November. In total 18,067 units were delivered to customers (+24.1%). Since January sales in China now total 170,112 cars (+30.8%), after the brand had already surpassed last year’s sales total in October. Mercedes-Benz is also reporting record sales during the year to date as well as in November in Russia (+18.2%), Mexico (+17.6%), and South Korea (+10.4%). Since January, more vehicles than ever before have also been delivered to customers in Taiwan (+38.0%), India (+23.6%), Sweden (+13.1%), Denmark (+12.2%), and Turkey (+8.5%). With a 30.8% increase in sales, the Japanese market remained very dynamic in November — as did the market in Brazil (+49.3%).
With a new sales record, November was also a very successful month for Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. Sales grew by 47.2% to 26,796 units. As in October, Mercedes-Benz was therefore the best-selling automotive premium brand in the United States. The brand delivered 219,491 vehicles (+11.8%) to customers in the U.S. during the last eleven months. In Canada, Mercedes-Benz reported another record month in November, with sales totaling 2,685 units (+12.7%). Sales are also at a record level in Canada for the year to date (26,078 units; +2.7%).
As in the previous months, Mercedes-Benz was Germany’s leading premium car manufacturer in November. Deliveries totaled 24,326 vehicles (November 2010: 27,731; -12.3%). Toward the end of the month, the new models of the high-volume
B-Class and the new M-Class celebrated successful market launches in Germany. Altogether, dealers welcomed around 300,000 visitors to the models’ premieres in their showrooms. The company expects sales to get a further boost by these models in the months ahead. According to the new vehicle registration statistics of Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the CLS as well as the E-Class coupe, followed by the SLK, were once again at the top position in their respective classes in November. Since the beginning of the year, 236,966 vehicles have been delivered to customers in Germany (January-November 2010: 243,728; -2.8%). For the year to date, sales in Western Europe (excluding Germany) have remained at last year’s very high level. A total of 265,549 units were delivered to customers between January and November (-0.8%). During this period, Mercedes-Benz sales developed particularly well in the UK (+10.3%).
Since the beginning of this year the C-Class sedan is the top seller in its respective segment. Combined, the C-Class sedan and estate set a new sales record for the month with a sales increase of 14.3%. The E-Class segment also achieved a new record with sales of 27,209 vehicles (+4.0%) in November. In addition, deliveries reached a new peak for the year to date, totaling 306,763 units (+4.3%). The Mercedes-Benz flagship, the S-Class sedan, developed also positively with sales of 61,808 units (+3.5%) during the last eleven months of the year. At 25,552 units (+23.4%), Mercedes-Benz’ SUVs achieved another monthly sales record in November. The successful run-out of the M-Class was particularly noteworthy, as was the excellent start of its new models in the U.S. In total, M-Class sales rose to a new November-record by +43.3%. Also new peaks in the previous month were set by the GL (+38.0%) and the GLK, of which deliveries are also at a record high since the beginning of the year (+25.6%). From January through November, Mercedes-Benz delivered a total of 221,518 SUVs (+24.3%) to customers — more than ever.
Following the positive development in October, sales of the smart fortwo developed excellently in November. Totaling 8,466 units, sales rose by 18.2% last month. Since the beginning of the year deliveries have risen by 4.9% (94,338 units). Developments continue to be particularly positive in China (including Hong Kong), where smart sold 1.142 units in the previous month. As a result, the brand has delivered more than 10,000 smart fortwo to Chinese customers during the year to date. In November, the two-seater also posted strong growth in Mexico (+171.2%), Austria (+122.9%), the U.S. (+96.2%), Spain (+51.1%), and Italy (+10.8%). A total of 27,156 smart fortwo have been delivered to customers in Germany since January — an increase of 5.5%. Therefore the car continues to lead its comparative segment. For full-year 2011, the smart continues to be on track to meet the sales target of 100,000 units.
Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Readers of MODELL FAHRZEUG, Germany's leading magazine for model cars, have declared miniature versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles the winners in no less than eight categories. Two awards went to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 1:12 scale model from model-car maker Premium Classixxs: the gullwing model from the Mercedes-Benz Collection won the overall award "Super Model Vehicle 2011" as well as achieving first place in the 1:12 category. Readers voted on a total of 162 models (including 31 Mercedes-Benz models) in 22 categories.
In addition to these accolades, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH won the award in the new category "Premium brand 2011 auto industry". For this award, which was given for the first time this year, the readers had to decide which car maker had made the best policy for model cars in 2011. "We are naturally very pleased to receive this recognition," says Christian Boucke, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH. "Model cars that remain faithful to the original and are produced with great attention to detail have always had a special importance – both in our Collection and in the case of our licensed products. Over 350 models bearing the Mercedes star currently arouse the passion for perfection and design common to collectors all over the world. And models from around 130 licensed partners allow Mercedes-Benz to widen its range of products at specialist retailers."
The table below highlights the winning Mercedes models as voted for by the readers of MODELL FAHRZEUG magazine:
For collectors: Mercedes miniatures displaying great attention to detail
Since the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has built its vehicles out of conviction and passion. Such is the extent of this passion that even the miniature vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz Collection are produced with enormous attention to detail – so much so that they even stand up to comparison with their larger role models. As soon as you see a new Mercedes-Benz on the road, you can be sure that a miniature version – available in a range of almost 100-percent genuine colours and a choice of scales, of course – will be waiting for enthusiasts at Mercedes-Benz outlets.
Numerous model cars produced in collaboration with licensed partners widen the range of model cars sporting the Mercedes star – not only collector's models but also miniatures in categories not currently covered by Mercedes‑Benz Accessories GmbH, such as RC cars or slot cars. When it comes to the licensed products, too, Mercedes-Benz naturally attaches great importance to attention to detail and high value: hence the developers have access to either CAD data or digitalised design data from the original. Or they are given a vehicle for photographic purposes. Aspects checked before approval is given include design, quality and logos.
Source: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
JENSON BUTTON
- MP4-26A-03
- Started: 3rd
- Finished: 3rd
- Fastest lap: 1m15.580s (+0.256s, 2nd)
- Pitstops: Three: laps 15, 31 and 52 (Op-Op-Pr-Pr)
- 2011 points: 270 (2nd)“I couldn’t really get the soft tyre working around here – we had massive degradation on each set – and that prompted the decision to run two sets of Primes in my final two stints. My pace on the Prime was great – and using two sets really meant I could find a good balance and work out where the grip was.
“Earlier in the race, it was disappointing to be passed by Fernando [Alonso]. Out of Turn Five, I saw lots of debris on the circuit, and I didn’t know what it was. I didn’t want to drive over it, and I couldn’t pull to the left because Fernando was there, so I had to back out of it and fall behind. It was a pretty easy move for Fernando to make after that.
“But the Prime was working really well and that helped me chase Fernando down in the final stint and pass him out of Turn Three. Ideally, I wanted to get him into Turn One, because it’s more fun to pass someone without using DRS, but I set him up and got him out of Turn Three after getting a good run along the straight.
“We gave it everything today – and a podium is a great way to end the year. I’ve had 12 podiums from this season’s 19 Grands Prix – and I didn’t finish two of them due to reliability issues. All in all, it’s been a good, consistent season for us.
“There are a lot of positives to take away from this year. We’ll have a strong winter and come out fighting from the first race. We’ve just got to start the season a bit more strongly, that’s all, and that’s what we’ll be aiming to do. We want to make it hard for Red Bull in 2012.
“Finally, I want to say a big thank-you to the whole team – we’ve really grown together this year. I really feel like I’m part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes family now: there’s an awful lot of passion in our organisation, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
LEWIS HAMILTON
- MP4-26A-04
- Started: 4th
- Finished: Ret, 46 laps – gearbox
- Fastest lap: 1m17.209s (+1.885s, 11th)
- Pitstops: Three: laps 16, 33 and 44 (Op-Op-Op-Pr)
- 2011 points: 227 (5th)
“At the start I wanted to avoid any aggro, and that meant I lost a position to Fernando. After that I had reasonably decent pace, and I was able to stay close to Fernando and Jenson until I encountered a gearbox problem.
“It occurred quite early on – I was having problems with first and second – and it meant I started losing quite a lot of time and Fernando and Jenson were able to pull away from me. The problem meant I stopped being able to make good, clean gearshifts. Then I lost seventh, and then the whole thing just let go.
“Of course, it’s not the way I’d like to have ended the season, but it wasn’t so bad. I enjoyed my race while it lasted. I was challenging Felipe and I was hoping I’d get him, but then the gearbox failure stopped me.
“It’s been a long year, and I want to say a huge thank-you to the team. They’ve never given up, and they’ve worked incredibly hard all season. We didn’t get the ultimate result we wanted, but we had some great times along the way.
“I’ll be attacking next season; 2012 will be my year.”
MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Today we saw yet another brilliant performance from Jenson, who has driven magnificently all season but particularly in the second half of it. It was his eighth podium finish in the past nine grands prix – and the odd race out in that splendidly consistent sequence was the Korean Grand Prix, in which he finished a fighting fourth.
“Today he drove cleanly, shrewdly and patiently – but forcefully too – and the way he optimised his pace on the Prime tyre was masterful. He drove his two final stints on the Prime, in fact, which enabled him to hunt down Fernando’s Ferrari in the closing stages of the race to take a beautifully judged third place.
“Lewis drove extremely well today too, but unfortunately he was let down by gearbox failure. Quite early on, we noticed a loss of oil pressure, then he lost seventh gear, and then he lost all drive and was forced to call it a day. But prior to that he was improvising intelligently and never gave up. Moreover, his typically combative approach played a significant part in the afternoon’s entertainment, and surely thrilled TV viewers worldwide.
“Lewis has had a challenging year – but his gutsy performances here and, in particular, in Abu Dhabi, where he took his third win of the season, represent an eloquent testimony to an emphatic return to form on his part. He’s already focusing on 2012, and I’m sure he’ll prepare for the new season with his customary determination and will to win.
“The same can be said for all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, in fact. We’ve been concentrating our energies on MP4-27 for some time now, and we’ll maintain that intensive effort throughout the winter months.
“All things considered, 2011 was a pretty decent year for us – we finished second in the constructors’ world championship, 122 points ahead of the third-placed team and 332 points ahead of the fourth-placed team – but we aim to win outright.
“Next season we intend to do just that.”
* Official photos and report courtesy of VODAFONE MCLAREN MERCEDES *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
