Mercedes Reports 10 Percent Rise in 8-Month Sales

09/11/96

Reuters has reported that Mercedes-Benz AG of Germany sold 10 percent more cars in the first eight months of 1996 than it did a year earlier, during the same period. According to Mercedes, the most rapid sales growth it has seen has come during the last few months.

Mercedes CEO Helmut Werner said the carmaker sold 423,000 between January and August. The carmaker saw only a seven percent rise in sales over the first half of the year. Sales of Mercedes passenger cars alone also showed improvement year-on-year, increasing by 15 percent over the first eight months. Sales of Mercedes transport vehicles in Europe rose 26 percent through the end of August (year-on-year), hitting 81,000 vehicles.

Werner said he expected the positive developments at Mercedes to continue in the year's second half. He foresees little change in the truck market, but said he expected the company's new "Actros" heavy truck to drive the European market.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel