Mercedes-Benz USA Records Sales of 18,476 for April 2002 Best April Ever

MONTVALE, N.J., May 1 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported record sales of 18,476 new vehicles during the month of April 2002, an 11.7 percent increase over April 2001. The month represents the highest April retail sales ever in MBUSA history. Year-to-date sales of 68,694 demonstrated an 8 percent increase versus the same period last year.

Once again, the C-Class was the volume leader for the month, recording 5,887 sold, up 49.8 percent over C-Class sales in April 2001. Year-to-date, the C-Class also led with 21,020 vehicles sold, an increase of 40.8 percent. Following the C-Class, the M-Class posted year-to-date sales of 12,359, and E-Class recorded 12,300 units sold.

With its recent launch, the all-new fifth generation SL roadster sales continue to soar, advancing the model line to 5,125 units sold on a year-to-date basis.

Separately, through its Starmark pre-owned vehicle program, MBUSA recorded sales of 3,651, an increase of 21.1 percent over last April. On a year-to-date basis, Starmark sales increased 24.4 percent to 14,312 units sold.

    Mercedes-Benz USA
    April 2002 Sales Chart

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

    C-CLASS TOTAL    5,887     3,931     49.8%     21,020    14,929    40.8%

    E-CLASS TOTAL    2,904     3,944    -26.4%     12,300    14,228   -13.6%

    S-CLASS TOTAL    2,002     2,074     -3.5%      6,640     8,696   -23.6%

    CL TOTAL           394       372      5.9%      1,255     1,267    -0.9%

    SL TOTAL         1,474       459    221.1%      5,125     1,129   353.9%

    CLK TOTAL        1,460     1,552     -5.9%      6,210     6,334    -2.0%

    SLK TOTAL          915     1,052    -13.0%      2,780     3,393   -18.1%

    M-CLASS TOTAL    3,084     3,162     -2.5%     12,359    13,643    -9.4%

    G-CLASS            356       n/a       n/a      1,005       n/a      n/a

    GRAND TOTAL     18,476    16,546     11.7%     68,694    63,619     8.0%