Mercedes-Benz Vans Continues To Gain Market Share Despite Difficult Market Conditions

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM – February 1, 2010: Mercedes-Benz has seen market share increase - despite the worst UK recession for 60 years – in the 1.8-3.5 tonne segment. Following a strong 2009 sales performance by the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito model range, the brand secured market share of 14.96%, increasing its five year market share average by a remarkable 3.4 percentage points.

Although not immune to the falling market (Mercedes-Benz experienced a drop in new van sales of 27% in 2009), the brand still registered over 20,000 vans, an outstanding result in view that the 2009 Total Commercial Vehicle market saw a downturn of 36% compared to 2008.

Mercedes-Benz Vans’ resilience in sales and market share performance, even in the most difficult market conditions, can be attributed to the brand’s continual focus on offering class-leading vehicles, a premium customer service and attractive finance offers.

One such finance offer that boosted sales success during 2009 was the Mercedes-Benz Swappage scheme. The initiative – that ran during Q3 and Q4 - provided customers the chance to make significant savings on the cost of a new Mercedes Vito and Euro 4 Sprinter. This successful campaign has been enhanced for 2010 with the news that Mercedes-Benz is continuing to offer affordable finance, along with savings on the five-year maintenance and servicing package, Service Package Plus.

Steve Bridge, Sales and Marketing Director - Van explained: “Our aim is to provide total peace of mind when owning a Mercedes-Benz Van. Not only do we offer customers the chance to acquire a new Sprinter or Vito at a highly attractive monthly cost, and without having to put down a sizeable cash deposit at a time when for many, capital is very hard to come by; but we also provide significant savings on Service Package Plus ensuring the customer is firmly in control of their service budget.

With the growing trend by van operators to choose alternative means to fund their new vehicle acquisition, Mercedes-Benz CharterWay, the commercial vehicle finance arm, enjoyed record lending during 2009. On average one in three customers chose to take advantage of the competitive finance offers available through the company.