Mercedes-Benz 2010 Prestige Market Leader In Australia

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – January 10, 2011: Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific reported today that the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and SUV range set a new sales record in 2010 with combined sales of 18,464 representing a 22.4 % increase over 2009. This significant achievement represents by far the best ever result for Mercedes-Benz in the company’s 52-year history in Australia. .

A total of 2,119 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and SUV’s were sold in December. This represents the best December ever, and a gain of 29 % or 478 units compared to December 2009. Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales totaled 1,641 vehicles in December, which is ahead 25 % or 340 units. SUV reported a gain of 45.0%.

Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific consistently surpassed previous monthly and quarterly sales records through out the year, with the company reporting a number of new sales records during 2010. Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific continued to dominate a number of segments during the year...

While each model range performed exceedingly well, there were some exceptional results that stood out.

A and B-Class tied for segment leadership. B-Class recorded a 184% sales increase over 2009 whilst recording its best ever sales year result since launch.

C-Class recorded its best ever year and finished with a commanding 33% market share to retain segment leadership for the third successive year. A record 494 C-Class estates were sold in 2010.

C-Class was the third biggest selling medium sized car in Australia in 2010.

CLC-Class recorded a 26% sales increase and finished a strong second in its segment.

E-Class sedan recorded a 26% sales increase over 2009 and secured segment leadership with a commanding 45% share of segment. 2010 was also the best ever sales year for E-Class in its Australian market history. E-Class is in the top five selling large sedans in Australia regardless of segment.

E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet recorded a 138% sales increase and 28% of its segment which it won and led all year.

M-Class recorded a 48% sales increase over 2009 and secured a very strong second place in its segment.

R-Class recorded a 13.5% sales increase in 2010

GL-Class despite a stock shortage increased its sales over 2009.

Every single Mercedes-Benz passenger car and SUV recorded strong sales increases in 2010 #

The Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Mr. Horst von Sanden said

“It is tremendously satisfying that the long-term planning and overall strategy we commenced in Australia several years ago has provided the blueprint for us to achieve our targets. We have consistently exceeded our internal targets and set new sales benchmarks for the prestige segment.

We have built a stronger business foundation and relationship with our dealer partners and this has enabled us to report our best ever year in Australia. I am also extremely proud that our performance in Australia is in the top quartile globally. This is due to our product strategy, customer and dealer relationships and the very hard and focused work of all the team at Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific.

“The 6 corporate passenger car and SUV retail facilities we own and operate give Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific the largest manufacturer owned retail presence in the country. This unique combination of corporate stores and a focused, committed and professional private dealer network has proven very successful and gives us we believe a unique insight into our customers.

We continue to invest in our facilities, and we continue to develop and improve processes to provide the customer experience expected of the worlds oldest prestige automotive manufacturer.”

Von Sanden continued, “Our 2010 record-breaking results and strong profitability can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of each and every corporate and private dealership employee, the strength of our network and our extremely compelling vehicle portfolio. This powerful combination is the reason why Mercedes-Benz is the prestige leader in Australia. I want to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all of our customers, dealers and employees.”