After record sales in January, Mercedes-Benz reached new heights in February, to which all regions have contributed, as well . The brand with the star delivered a total of 95,647 units to customers. With an increase of 20.3%, February was the highest-growth month since January 2011. Since the beginning of 2012 sales have risen by 12.6% to 182,568 passenger cars. The company also saw more sales in the Mercedes-Benz Cars division than ever before in the month of February, handing over a total of 104,073 Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach brand vehicles (+20.3%) to their new owners. The sales increase in the last two months amounted to 12.9% (198,599 units).
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In February we have further improved the good result of the previous month and again had a record month with a sales increase of 20.3%. Thus, we are well on track to achieve our objective of a new sales record in the first quarter. Particularly well is the development of the new B-Class, which again met excellent customer response in February. Since market launch we have already recorded 100,000 orders. Further momentum will also be gained from the new model series in the coming months.”
Mercedes-Benz enjoyed a strong February with record unit sales in China (incl. Hong Kong). A total of 19,205 customers (+57.5%) in the “Middle Kingdom” opted for a new car with a star. Mercedes-Benz also posted a new sales record (+30.1%) in Russia in February. Particularly dynamic was the growth in Taiwan (+24.9%) and Japan (+31.4%).
In the US, Mercedes-Benz continued its excellent performance of recent months in February. With 18,080 vehicles delivered, unit sales rose by 16.9%. Thus, Mercedes-Benz sold more vehicles than ever before in this period. Also in the rest of the NAFTA countries Mercedes-Benz is on a success track. New sales records were set both in Canada (2,158 units; +18.4%) and Mexico (533 units; +22.8%) in February.
The February performance was also excellent in the Middle East region, with a 17.9% rise in unit sales.
As in January, Mercedes-Benz continued its double-digit sales growth on its domestic market in February with a total of 17,993 customers in Germany choosing a car with a star (+21.6%). Thus, the brand is still the leading premium automaker on its biggest market. With sales growth of 9.3% and unit sales of 19,668 vehicles, Mercedes-Benz also sported a winning performance in Western Europe (excluding Germany) in February. Especially in France (+36.9%) and Switzerland (+46.2%) the Stuttgart car manufacturer saw excellent growth rates. Thus, the brand’s sales in Switzerland have been at a record high since the beginning of the year. Mercedes-Benz also posted a positive trend in the UK (+12.6%).
The new B-Class was especially popular among model series in February with a 8.2% sales increase to 9,902 units. Sales of the C-Class sedan together with the C-Class estate amounted to 22,881 models (+15.2%) in February. The SLK also posted an extremely positive performance in February, more than tripling its unit sales. In the same month, the E-Class sedan and its estate stepped up their sales by 22.0% (19,011 units). The February development of the S-Class was outstanding as well: With a total of 9,482 units (+89.4%), almost twice as many models of the brand’s flagship as in the same month last year were handed over to customers. Thus, the S-Class achieved record sales in February as well as since the beginning of the year.
After the record year 2011, Mercedes-Benz SUV sales are also developing excellently in 2012. Sales were at a record high in February (16,679 units; +3.0%) and since the start of the year (34,856 units; +2.2%). The G-Class climbed by 33.1%, while GL sales rose by 9.2% and the M-Class by 20.5%. Considering that the M-Class is not even fully available on all markets yet due to its gradual launch.
The smart fortwo continued its brilliant start into the year in February. With 8,426 vehicles sold, unit sales again saw double-digit growth (+19.9%). The two-seater continues to attract a great deal of attention, especially among Chinese customers who bought with1,459 units twice as many (+103.2%) vehicles as in February 2011. The smart fortwo was also very popular in the US (+58.9%), in France (+44.3%), and in Italy (+18.5%). The same is true for Germany, where February sales surged by 13.2% to 2,122 units.
Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
Mercedes-Benz models up 16.9%, smart up 58.9%, Sprinter up 16.6%
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported February sales of 19,679 vehicles, a 21.7 % improvement over February 2011 and the highest February volume on record with strong sales across all model lines to brand new customers. On a year-to-date basis, the 41,398 vehicles sold represent a 23.8% increase.
The company reported sales increases over virtually all its model lines from the entry point to the high-end. "With all of our new model launches over the past year bringing new buyers to Mercedes-Benz and prompting our loyal owners to reinvest in the brand, we’re ideally positioned to take advantage of the strengthening market," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA.
Sales for the month of February were led by the C-, E-, and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class - the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers - took the lead with sales of 5,240 up 17.0% over February 2011. The 9th generation E-Class came in right behind with sales of 4,206 and MBUSA’s top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,408, up 77.1% compared to February 2011.
Other strong performers were the company’s flagship S-Class which saw its sales increase by 20.3%, the new CLS up 411.2%, and the SLK roadster which increased 108.8% over February 2011.
Amidst rising gas prices, diesel sales increased to 1,415, up 81.9% over the same period last year (778).
The company’s smart brand continued four consecutive months of sales increases versus last year with February sales of 769 vehicles, a 58.9% jump for the month (compared to the 484 vehicles sold in February 2011). The February volume is the highest on record for smart since MBUSA assumed responsibility in July 2011.
On the van side, sales of Sprinter Vans also saw strong sales in February with sales of 830- up 16.6% over last year.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 5,985 vehicles in February; a 2.2% increase when compared to February 2011 (sales of 5,859 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 12,930 vehicles, an increase of 5.1% over the comparable period (with sales of 12,302).
Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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.
Mercedes-Benz has started 2012 with record sales for the month of January. The brand sold a total of 86,921 units worldwide, thus exceeding the previous year’s record by another 5.1%. Sales in the Mercedes-Benz Cars division also reached a new high in January by handing over 94,526 passenger cars of the Mercedes-Benz, smart and Maybach brands to customers (+5.8%).
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “We continued the positive development from the record year 2011 in January and started successfully into the new year. We intend to maintain this pace over the coming months and are expecting substantial sales growth in the first quarter. The new B-Class in particular is getting an excellent response from customers. The imminent production start-up in Kecskemét means that we will have even more vehicles at our disposal, which will allow us to even better accommodate the high demand.”
In addition to the B-Class, in 2012, the company is expecting further tailwind among others from the sustained high demand in the C-Class segment, continued growth in SUV sales and the launch of the new A-Class and the CLS Shooting Brake.
Dr. Schmidt continued, “This year, we want to exceed our record sales from 2011 and once again plan to achieve the best year in the company’s history.”
In the USA Mercedes-Benz achieved a very strong start into the year with record sales in January. With 20,306 units sold, sales increased by 23.8%. Thus, Mercedes-Benz was the most successful premium brand in January in the U.S. The brand also enjoyed a very positive performance in Canada, where it was the market leader in the premium segment in January. After record sales in the full year 2011, deliveries in January reached a new monthly high with1,773 units (+26.5%). Mercedes-Benz repeated this success in Mexico (+22.4%) and the entire NAFTA region, where the brand increased its sales by 24.0% in January to 22,660 units.
Mercedes-Benz also started with an excellent performance into the new year in its home market. With brand sales of 12,627 vehicles, corresponding a growth of 14.0%, Mercedes-Benz underlined its position as the strongest premium brand in Germany as it did in 2011 as a whole. This development was driven in particular by the high demand for the new B-Class, which led its segment in the new vehicle registration statistics of Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) in January. At 21,578 units, Mercedes-Benz’ sales in Western Europe (excluding Germany) were over previous year’s level (+1.4%).
Due to the excellent sales performance in December 2011 as well as the capacity expansion at BBAC and the associated production downtime, in China some models were just partially available in January. Overall sales (incl. Hong Kong) totaled 14,463 units (-7.0%). As in full-year 2011, Mercedes-Benz generated record sales in the growth markets Russia (+41.7%) and India (+17.0%).
The S-Class sedan was the best-selling vehicle in its segment in 2011. In January, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz brand developed excellently, too. A total of 5,302 units (+0.4%) were delivered to customers. Also a very positive start to the year saw the C-Class sedan. With 18,235 units sold, deliveries were up 4.3% compared to the first month of the previous year. On the road to success is also the C-Class estate, whose sales in January rose by 10.8%.
The new B-Class also enjoyed a strong January with sales rising by 7.8%. The company expects to see a further sales boost over the coming months with the first of a total of five new compact models. From the second quarter, the B-Class will be fully available in other markets as a result of the additional production in Kecskemét.
Among the SUVs, the new M-Class (+15.2%), the G-Class (+17.1%), and the GL-Class (+9.6%) enjoyed especially positive development. There was even more reason for the new M-Class to celebrate at the start of the year: It was chosen best in its category within the “Best Cars of 2012” awards voted by readers of the German car magazine “auto, motor und sport”. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class took second place.
The smart fortwo started the year with a brilliant increase in its January sales by 13.7% to a total of 7,605 vehicles. Once again, the two-seater was particularly successful in China (incl. Hong Kong), where 1,464 vehicles were handed over to customers. Sales in the U.S. also developed very positively, rising by 38.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. The smart fortwo also enjoyed increased demand in the UK (+52.8%), Spain (+47.4%), and Mexico (+9.0%). In 2012, the smart will get further positive momentum from two highlights: the smart ebike and the third generation of the smart fortwo electric drive.
Mercedes-Benz Cars: Sales at a Glance
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.
Following last year’s production record, Mercedes-Benz is again heading toward a new all-time high. The brand expects to produce more than 1.25 million units in 2011 - representing another record result in the company’s 125-year history.
“Mercedes-Benz is going on the attack,” says Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Daimler Board of Management, Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans. “We are securing our path to the top by extensively investing in the expansion of our high-performance production network.”
Mercedes-Benz’ production plants continue to operate at near full capacity, thanks to an ongoing positive sales trend. It is already evident that the brand will reach its target of selling more vehicles in 2011 than ever before. The high production output was also made possible through the introduction of additional shifts, which were agreed with the works council. In addition, the plants continued to operate worldwide throughout the summer months so that all customer requirements could be met, and production lines will be shut down as briefly as possible during the holidays at the turn of the year.
Expansion of the international production network
One of the key elements of the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy is the targeted expansion of the brand’s international production network. At the same time, by investing substantial amounts in its German plants, Daimler is underscoring that Germany will remain the core of the production network.
To enable the company to fully utilize the enormous growth potential of the Chinese market, it will further expand cooperation with its partner, Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC). About 2 billion euros will be invested into the joint venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC). In this context, production capacity for the C-Class and the long-wheelbase version of the E-Class will be expanded in line with market developments. The GLK compact SUV was recently added to the local production portfolio for the Chinese market. Beginning in 2013, three models of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars will further be added step by step. Also in 2013, a new engine plant will begin to produce four-cylinder gasoline engines. In addition, a new R&D center will be established at BBAC.
Between 2010 and 2014, Daimler will also invest a total of 2.4 billion US dollars in its U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa / Alabama. The plant has been the traditional production site of the brand’s M-, GL-, and R-Class SUVs and will also build the C-Class for the North American market beginning 2014. As of 2015, an entirely new Mercedes-Benz model will roll off the production line as its fifth product.
For the production of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz premium compact cars, Daimler invested 600 million euros in the Rastatt, Germany, plant and 800 million euros in a new plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. The Rastatt plant started production of the new B-Class in September 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, the Kecskemét plant will also start operations in a production network with Rastatt.
Due to the many production launches and the medium-term production targets, Mercedes-Benz is also investing more than 1.5 billion euros in 2011 and 2012 in order to modernize and expand the manufacturing of engines, axles, and transmissions at its main powertrain plant in Untertürkheim, Germany.
And the Mercedes-Benz plants continue to turn out top-quality products: For example, the facilities in Bremen, Germany, and East London, South Africa, received this year’s J.D. Power Gold Plant Quality Award for being the best production plants in Europe and Africa respectively.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
