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Mercedes-Benz Retails its 100,000th U.S. Vehicle Within a Calender Year

26 November 1997

Mercedes-Benz Shatters Previous Annual Sales Records With Sale of 100,000th U.S. Vehicle

    MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 26 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America
(MBNA) announced that it set an all-time sales milestone yesterday in the U.S.
market by retailing its 100,000th vehicle within a calendar year.  The
company's highest annual sales volume had previously been 99,314 in 1986.
    "The ongoing Mercedes momentum was created and fueled by the extraordinary
efforts and enthusiasm of our dealer network and MBNA employees," said Michael
Bassermann, chairman and CEO of MBNA.  "It was that combined effort that will
catapult our annual U.S. sales volume to roughly 115,000 for 1997 and set the
stage for additional growth in the years ahead."
    Bassermann noted that the mainstay of MBNA's sales volume continues to be
its core model lines: the mid-size C-Class sedans, the full-size E-Class sedan
and wagon models, the flagship S-Class sedans and CL coupes and its renowned
SL coupe/roadster.  "Our core model lines will anchor our sales going forward
while an overlay of exciting new products -- such as the SLK roadster, the
stylish CLK coupe and the much-acclaimed M-Class all-activity vehicle which
was just named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 1998 -- will push us to new
sales levels."
    The record-setting 100,000th vehicle was a Calypso Green 1998 C280 sedan
purchased by Nancy Casavant of Somersworth, New Hampshire by Dreher-Holloway,
Inc. in Exeter.  In recognition of the milestone event, Mercedes-Benz awarded
the vehicle to Ms. Casavant -- free of charge -- during a reception at the
dealership yesterday.

SOURCE  Mercedes-Benz of North America

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