Mercedes-Benz USA Records Sales For March

MONTVALE, N.J., April 2 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported record sales of 20,230 new vehicles during the month of March 2002, a 5.6 percent increase over last year's March 2001 sales record of 19,166. The month represents the highest March sales volume ever and the second all-time best month in MBUSA history. Year-to-date sales demonstrated a 6.7 percent increase in volume.

Boosted by this month's launch of the all-new fifth generation SL roadster, sales of the SL-Class increased to 3,167, establishing a March sales record for the model line. On a year-to-date basis, sales of the SL-Class were 3,651.

Sales for the month were led by the C-Class, which recorded its best March sales ever with 5,831 sold, up 20.9 percent. Year-to-date, the C-Class was also the volume leader with 15,133 vehicles sold, an increase of 37.6 percent. Following the C-Class, the E-Class posted year-to-date sales of 9,396, and M- Class sales recorded 9,275 units.

Separately, through its Starmark pre-owned vehicle program, MBUSA recorded sales of 3,867, an increase of 19.7 percent, achieving the best month ever for Starmark. On a year-to-date basis, Starmark sales increased 25.6 percent to 10,661 units sold.

Mercedes-Benz USA
    March 2002 Sales Chart

                         March   March
    Model                 '02     '01   Monthly %  YTD 2002  YTD 2001 Yearly %

    C-CLASS TOTAL         5,831   4,822    20.9%    15,133    10,998    37.6%

    E-CLASS TOTAL         3,102   4,384   -29.2%     9,396    10,284    -8.6%

    S-CLASS TOTAL         1,952   2,594   -24.7%     4,638     6,622   -30.0%

    CL TOTAL                318     401   -20.7%       861       895    -3.8%

    SL TOTAL              3,167     209  1415.3%     3,651       670   444.9%

    CLK TOTAL             1,499   1,819   -17.6%     4,750     4,782    -0.7%

    SLK TOTAL               811   1,026   -21.0%     1,865     2,341   -20.3%

    M-CLASS TOTAL         3,269   3,911   -16.4%     9,275    10,481   -11.5%

    G-CLASS                 281     n/a      n/a       649       n/a      n/a

    GRAND TOTAL          20,230  19,166     5.6%    50,218    47,073     6.7%