Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported a record March with sales of 23,134 for its Mercedes-Benz models, a 7.7 % improvement over March 2011 leading to the highest first quarter volume on record with sales of 61,513, up 15.3%. Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled 25,508, up 13.1%, and for the year-to-date 66,906, up 19.5 %.“With the combination of strong sales performance in our volume model lines and a whole new generation of Mercedes-Benz products in the pipeline, we are ideally positioned to take advantage of the strengthening market and take the brand to new places,” said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA.
Sales for the month of March were led by the C-, E-, and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – took the lead with sales of 6,342 and the 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 5,570. MBUSA’s top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 4,070 up 45.8% compared to March 2011. Other strong performers were the company’s popular new CLS four-door coupe which saw 242.9% growth and the SLK roadster which increased 179.3% over March 2011.
The SLS AMG supercar retailed 123 for the month, up 20.6%.
On a year-to-date basis, top performers again were the C-Class with 18,107 (up 19.2%) the E-Class with 13,873 and the M-Class with 11,480 (up 59.4%).
Amidst rising gas prices, diesel sales increased to 1,601, up 55.6% over the same period last year (1,029) and up 65.4% for the year. On the other end of the spectrum, total AMG sales were 702, up 77.3% versus March 2011 (396) and up 62.2% for the year.
The company’s smart brand continued five consecutive months of sales increases with March sales of 999 vehicles, a 135% jump for the month (compared to the 425 vehicles sold in March 2011). The March volume is the highest on record for smart since MBUSA assumed responsibility in July 2011 and brings the year-to-date volume to 2,264, up 79 percent.
On the van side, sales of Sprinter Vans also saw strong momentum in March with sales of 1,375 – up 29.5% over last year and up 18.1% on a year-to-date basis.
Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,994 vehicles in March; a -3.3% decrease when compared to March 2011 (sales of 7,236 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 19,924 vehicles, an increase of 2.0% over the comparable period (with sales of 19,538).Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
With its best monthly sales in the company’s history and the third record month in 2012, Mercedes-Benz has recorded the strongest first-quarter result ever. In March, sales rose by 11.0% to 131,334 units. Thus, since the start of the year, a total of 313,902 vehicles were delivered to customers, an increase of 11.9%. Moreover, the Stuttgart based car manufacturer managed to gain market shares in numerous markets.In its Mercedes-Benz Cars division, the company sold as many vehicles as never before in a month and also set a new sales record in the first quarter. A total of 340,877 Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach vehicles (+11.6%) were delivered, including 142,278 units (+9.8%) sold in March alone.
Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes‑Benz Cars: “Following up on our record sales last year, we are also off to a highly successful start in 2012. To date we have recorded a new sales record in every month of this year and with 313,902 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars sold, we have set a new high for the first quarter. March was even the strongest sales month of the company’s history. Besides our excellent start to the year it is especially the great customer response on the new models which makes me very confident that we will achieve our goal to post a new sales record in 2012. With the start of production of the new B-Class in Kecskemét last week, we will have even more vehicles available to better meet the high demand.”
The first quarter saw strong sales among others in the SUV segment. Dr. Schmidt continued: “Driven by the new M-Class, SUV sales developed excellently in the first quarter as they already did in full-year 2011. Tomorrow for the first time we will present the completely new GL and the new generation of the GLK at New York International Auto Show. With our SUV offensive we will extend sales further in this segment.” Besides the GLK and GL also the SL 65 AMG has its world premiere at the auto show in New York.
In the whole NAFTA region deliveries have been very satisfying in the first quarter (70,259 units, +15.5%). In the first three months of the year, Mercedes-Benz set a new sales record in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Particularly noteworthy was the dynamic development in the U.S., where sales rose by 15.3% (61,513 units). Also in the month of March, the company achieved another sales record in the U.S.: 23,134 vehicles were delivered to customers (+7.7%).
The development of the Mercedes-Benz brand also had a successful first quarter in China (incl. Hong Kong). 51,328 customers (+19.5%) purchased a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle from January to March, setting a new sales record for this period. Record sales were also registered there in March (17,660 units, +16.1%).
In Russia and India, Mercedes-Benz also recorded its highest-ever sales for the first quarter and for the month of March. Since the beginning of the year, sales have climbed by 32.7% in Russia, and 6.9% in India. Sales development of Mercedes-Benz has been especially successful in Japan, where first-quarter sales grew by 44.0% compared to the same period last year.
In the first three months of 2012, Mercedes-Benz has enjoyed outstanding sales in Germany, with 56,552 units sold since the beginning of the year, an increase of 14.6%. Also in March, Mercedes-Benz successfully sustained its position on its homemarket with a growth rate of 10.5%, handing over a total of 25,932 vehicles. Thus, Mercedes-Benz is again the top-selling premium brand in the month of March as well as in the first quarter. Sales in the rest of the region of Western Europe also developed strongly in March and in the first quarter. From January to March the brand with the star increased its sales on the declining total market by 6.7% (78,135 units). During this period, demand for Mercedes-Benz was especially high in Switzerland (+37.3%), France (+29.0%), and Great Britain (+9.6%). In Great Britain as well as in Switzerland Mercedes-Benz posted new sales records in the first quarter.
Sales of Mercedes-Benz models have developed very dynamically since the start of the year, above all the models of the C-Class segment. Despite new competitors, sales rose by 27.0% to 99,660 units. The S-Class sedan also continues to enjoy strong demand. Since January, sales of the brand’s flagship rose by over a quarter (+27.5%, 21,507 units) compared to the previous year. The new B-Class received again excellent customer response, with more than 35,000 units sold since it was launched to the market in November. In the year of the introduction of its successor, the A-Class increased its sales by 17.0% (20,772 units) in the first quarter. The E-Class sedan and estate also continue to be popular, with a total of 57,980 units (+3.4%) delivered to customers. Mercedes-Benz SUVs were in continued demand with sales of 59,116 vehicles, which set yet another record, topping last year’s high for the same period. The greatest contributors to this success were the M-Class (+19.0%), the G-Class (+39.4%), posting a new sales record, and the GL-Class, whose sales put on by 9.9% shortly before the introduction of its successor.
The smart fortwo also joined in the success of the Mercedes-Benz models in the first quarter. Sales totaled 26,975 units, topping the previous year’s sales by 8.0%. Especially in China (incl. Hong Kong) demand for the innovative two-seater continues to be persistently high. The number of vehicles delivered since January has doubled (4,795 units, +105.1%), setting a new sales record. First-quarter sales of the smart fortwo were equally dynamic in the U.S. (+78.7%).Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars Credits: Daimler AGCopyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
It is no secret the R-Class is a big failure in the United States, the market this car was specifically designed for. Because of ongoing poor figures, MBUSA took the decision to axe the large crossover from the range beginning with the *2013 model year, company's PR manager Christian Bokich confirmed recently.
Released ahead of its time, the W 251 never managed to revolutionize the automotive industry, partly due to its awkward styling, the unappealing combination between an SUV, an estate and an MPV and the inefficient marketing strategy. Sales were sluggish right from the start and the situation became worse as years passed. The mid-cycle facelift from April 2010 didn't bring any ray of hope in the end, as the number of units sold merely rose in the U.S. only to begin dropping once again shortly after. In February 2012, the R-Class appealed to just 163 Stateside clients, which is 8.4% less than in February 2011. On a year-to-date basis, 2012 sales for the R-Class declined by almost 30% compared to the same period of 2011.
On the contrary, in emerging markets such as China, figures for the R-Class experience a constant growth trend. The crossover is also doing well in Canada and Mexico, so production of this model is planned to continue through 2015 at the Tuscaloosa plant, when a new generation is said to come into force.
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
In 2012 Daimler Trucks aims to build on the successes it posted last year. After sales and revenues had each increased by 20% in 2011, and the results even increased by twice this amount, the division aims to boost its unit sales further this year and achieve Earnings before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) that are at least as high as 2011.
Although the markets in NAFTA and Asia did very well in the first months of 2012, the market situation is rather difficult in Europe and in particular in Latin America. Daimler Trucks expects conditions to improve in the second half of the year. Daimler Trucks is on track to reach its strategic return on sales target of 8% as measured across the business cycle. The target figure is a sustainable average that the division aims to achieve from 2013 on.
“In 2012 we will once again prove that our Global Excellence Strategy is working well. We operate worldwide, our by now five truck brands offer the right products for every region, and we are now just hitting our stride in the growth markets of India and China”, said Andreas Renschler, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Daimler Buses, in Stuttgart. The division aims to increase its market share in all regions.
A few weeks ago Daimler Trucks presented the wide range of products offered by the new truck brand BharatBenz in India. These “Made in India” trucks are manufactured in Chennai in the southern part of the country. A total of €700 million was invested in the facility, where the first series-produced vehicles will begin leaving the plant this fall. In the medium term up to 70,000 units can be produced in India each year, and the brand’s product lineup will cover the entire range of vehicles, from light-duty to heavy-duty trucks. At the same time as the subsidiary Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) makes its preparations for the launch of series production, it is also setting up a sales network, which will consist of around 70 dealerships this year.
In December 2011 the Chinese government gave its final approval for the Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co., Ltd., Daimler’s joint venture with the local truck manufacturer Foton. The two companies will cooperate on producing medium and heavy-duty trucks for the world’s largest commercial vehicle market. These trucks will be sold under the well-established Auman brand. The joint venture will have an annual production capacity of 160,000 units, and the first jointly manufactured truck is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in the third quarter of the year. The Chinese market for medium and heavy-duty trucks is expected to grow to around 1.5 million units by 2020, compared to around 1.2 million units in 2010.
The outlook for the Indian and Chinese truck markets is therefore very promising for the years ahead. This applies especially to the modern domestic segment, in which both BharatBenz and Auman trucks are offered. According to experts, this segment will account for around half of the global truck market in 2020. The quality of modern domestic trucks is much higher than that of the “low cost” vehicles that are still common in many growth markets. Although the new trucks are more robust than these “low cost” vehicles, their technology is not comparable to that of the premium vehicles from the triad markets. “The rise in truck standards in the growth markets is opening up new opportunities for us — not only for our existing vehicles and components, but also for our new, locally manufactured products,” Renschler said.
The product offensive in the modern domestic segment is meant to help Daimler Trucks attain its medium-term sales targets, amounting to about 500,000 trucks worldwide in 2013 and more than 700,000 units per year by the end of the decade.
In another BRIC country, Russia, the cooperation between Daimler Trucks and the local market leader for heavy-duty trucks, Kamaz, is going well. Sales of Mercedes-Benz truck and Fuso Canter models rose sharply in Russia after the Chelny plant in the Russian republic of Tatarstan began assembling these vehicles in 2010. As a result, more than 1,200 Fuso Canter and around 2,800 Mercedes-Benz trucks had been sold in Russia by the end of 2011.
In order to offer customers in Europe’s largest truck market a customized product bearing the familiar Kamaz brand, the partners presented their first joint truck in Moscow last fall. The vehicle is a Kamaz that contains Daimler components which enable it to comply with the Euro V emissions standard. The truck will be launched on the Russian market in 2014.
The expansion of the division’s global presence and the massive increase in local manufacturing operations are rounding out Daimler’s global truck organization, and the advantages of this arrangement are becoming more apparent day by day. An example of this is the division’s new Global Powertrain, Procurement and Manufacturing Engineering Trucks unit, which bundles the worldwide activities in these fields.
Because the powertrain accounts for more than half of the total costs of a truck, the synergy benefits are obvious. An example of this is the new heavy-duty engine family, in which Daimler invested more than €1 billion. This new generation of engines has streamlined the previous portfolio of four engine families from four plants down to just one global engine platform for four displacement variants, which is manufactured at two locations.
After the engines were introduced at Fuso in Japan and Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA), a European adaptation of this engine is now also used to power the new Actros. Mercedes-Benz’ new OM47x engine generation, which is already available in the new Actros, meets the Euro VI emissions standard, which will go into effect in 2014. The engines share more than 80% of their components worldwide. This results in corresponding benefits due to economies of scale.
The division’s platform and module strategy will extend beyond the powertrain, affecting many more components than just the engines, transmissions, axles, and exhaust treatment systems. The Axor cab, for example, will also be installed in the Indian BharatBenz models in the future.
Daimler Trucks’ platform and module strategy allows it to generate extensive synergies, which will help the division to reach its margin goals. “The message is clear: We aim to become the regional champion wherever we enter the market, and thus also become Number 1 worldwide in our industry,” said Renschler. “Ultimately we want to achieve a sustained average return on sales of 8% per year beginning in 2013 and extending across the business cycle.”
In 2011 Daimler Trucks made considerable progress toward achieving this goal. The return on sales rose to 6.5% from 5.5% in 2010. The return on sales would have even risen to 6.9% had it not been for €32 million in write-offs from the involvement in Kamaz and one-time expenses of €70 million caused by the natural disaster in Japan.
However, Daimler Trucks significantly increased sales, revenues, and earnings compared to the prior year. Vehicle sales substantially exceeded the prior year’s figures in the division’s core regions (NAFTA, Europe, Asia, and Latin America). Total sales worldwide rose by 20% to 425,800 units. Revenues also increased by 20%, to €28.8 billion, while earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) jumped twice as much, or over 40%, to €1.9 billion.
All of the division’s operating units contributed to these good results, with Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) providing the biggest boost. DTNA’s sales skyrocketed by 50% to 118,800 units last year. Demand was particulary driven by the need to renew the aged truck fleets. For the past three decades, the average age of trucks in North America has not been as high as it is today. Thanks to the outstanding market response to its product lineup, DTNA was able to further strengthen its leading position in the segment of vehicles in Classes 6 to 8, where it now has a market share of 31.9% (2010: 31.6%).
Total sales of Trucks Europe/Latin America rose substantially once again, climbing to 159,300 units (2010: 135,200). Sales were therefore back up to the high pre-crisis level achieved in 2007. Western Europe contributed considerably to sales growth. Daimler Trucks once again led the market for medium and heavy-duty trucks there, boosting sales by 14% to 57,100 units. Although the division’s market share dropped slightly in Europe, the full availability of the new Actros “Truck of the Year 2012” in all of the key markets will once again push up market share this year.
Fuso’s performance is particularly impressive. Contrary to the expectations that still prevailed in mid-2011, Fuso was able to increase sales throughout the year by 5% to 147,700 units, despite the disruptions resulting from the natural disaster in Japan in March 2011. The increase was due to the rapid progress of reconstruction work in Japan after the natural disaster, which led to increased transportation needs and thus to a greater demand for commercial vehicles. In Japan itself, Fuso increased truck sales by 9% to 27,000 units.
At 61,900 vehicles, Daimler Trucks achieved a new sales record in Latin America. Despite intense competition, sales remained at the previous year’s high level of 44,100 vehicles in the region’s biggest market, Brazil. Vehicle production in the region was also at a record level.
Daimler Trucks has no intention to slacken its efforts after achieving these successes. The division’s Shaping Future Transportation initiative brings together a wide range of technologies and services that not only make commercial vehicles safer, more economical, and more environmentally friendly, but will also contribute substantially to Daimler Trucks’ future success. The CleanDrive concepts, for example, help to drastically reduce commercial vehicles’ fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions.
Daimler Trucks has already put more than 500,000 environmentally friendly BlueTec trucks featuring SCR technology on the road. In addition, it has delivered more than 8,000 vehicles with alternative drive systems, including around 2,700 hybrid trucks. What’s more, the new, fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz Actros is the world’s first long-haulage truck to rigorously meet the future Euro VI emissions standard. Despite the fact that this standard represents a big technological challenge, the new truck also consumes far less fuel than its predecessor.
Fuel consumption isn’t the only important issue for truck customers, however; the total cost of ownership is also a primary concern. These costs can be reduced by a number of truck-related services, including customized financing offers (Daimler Trucks Financial), the renting of trucks at short notice to cover peaks in transportation demand (Mercedes-Benz CharterWay), electronic assistance systems that make workshop stays as short as possible, and technology for managing entire truck fleets (FleetBoard).
These services become especially important for customers in times of economic uncertainty. Services, after-sales activities, and telematics systems now account for around 20% of Daimler Trucks’ revenues.
Credits: Daimler AG
Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
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 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.
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.
