PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-Benz Announces January 1997 Sales

5 February 1997

    MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 5 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America,
Inc. reported sales of 7,143 new vehicles during the month of January 1997, a
28.5 percent increase over the 5,557 new vehicles sold in January 1996.  This
represents the highest January sales volume since 1986.  For 1997, Mercedes-
Benz expects to break the 100,000 sales mark in the U.S. for the first time in
its history.
    January 1997 results are attributed to across-the-board increases in all
Mercedes-Benz model lines.  Leading the way was the award-winning E-Class with
sales of 2,766 vehicles, an increase of 24.4 percent over the 2,223 vehicles
sold in January 1996.  Much of this increase is due to the strong sales of the
V-8 powered E420 (1,082) which competes against such sedans as the Audi A8 and
the BMW 540.  Mercedes' flagship S-Class increased 29.5 percent to 1,340
(vs. 1,035); C-Class sales increased 21.7 percent to 2,300 (vs. 1,890) and SL
coupe-roadster sales increased 8.8 percent to 445 (vs. 409).
    The much anticipated SLK and winner of the 1997 North American Car of the
Year award, also contributed to January's increase with 292 vehicles sold.
The SLK went on sale in mid-January with a suggested price of $39,700.
Mercedes-Benz expects to sell approximately 6,000 SLKs in 1997.
    The SLK is powered by a 185-horsepower supercharged engine and features
the industry's only automatic retractable hardtop which can transform the car
from a closed coupe to an open-air-roadster in 25 seconds.  The SLK is also
the first-ever vehicle equipped with BabySmart -- a new safety system which
can automatically turn off the passenger airbag whenever a special child seat
is belted in to the car.

SOURCE  Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc.