Mercedes-Benz kicks off fourth quarter with record sales and 15.3% growth

This October, Mercedes-Benz shipped 126,421 vehicles to customers (+15.3%), more than in any previous October. Since the beginning of this year, Mercedes-Benz has also achieved another record by selling a total of 1,189,059 passenger cars (+10.7%). Growth was particularly strong in the NAFTA region, Turkey and Japan. In Europe, Mercedes-Benz recorded a 6.9% rise in October, increasing its market share in almost every market. In Germany, Japan and the United States, Mercedes-Benz remains the most-registered premium brand. There was particularly high demand for the new E-Class models in October, but the new Mercedes-Benz compacts and SUVs also showed another significant increase.

�Our record sales in October have provided us with a strong start to the fourth quarter, and we have further increased our market share,� said Ola K�llenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. �In October we increased our sales in every key region. Since our goal is to achieve a new record for 2013 overall, we will continue to rigorously pursue our path of growth as we head towards the end of the year.�

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 55,235 vehicles in October (+6.9%), increasing its unit sales in almost every European market. The Stuttgart based premium brand showed particularly strong growth in the UK (+28.2%), Turkey (+63.1%) and Russia (+14.8%). In the German market Mercedes-Benz was able to almost match the previous year�s level with 22,758 units sold (py. 23,270 units). With a market share of 9.5% per October, the brand with the star remains the market leader among premium brands in its home market.

In the United States, Mercedes-Benz handed over 30,069 vehicles to customers (+25.4%) last month. With these record sales the company was once again the leading premium brand. In the growth market of Brazil Mercedes-Benz has recorded increases of over 40% since the start of the year. Daimler AG is investing in a first step around �170 million in a new Mercedes-Benz assembly plant, which will start production of passenger cars for the local market in 2016.

In the Asia/Pacific region the growth of Mercedes-Benz sales was driven primarily by new records in Japan. Since the beginning of the year, the brand has handed over 42,580 vehicles to customers there, about a third more than in the same period of the previous year. On the Indian market Mercedes-Benz has also increased its sales by a third. Also in China (incl. Hong Kong) the positive trend of the previous months continues: In October, Mercedes-Benz has raised the number of units sold in China by 9.1% to 17,348 vehicles. The most recent proof of Mercedes-Benz� positive development in China is the result of J.D. Power Asia Pacific�s recently released Initial Quality Study 2013, which ranks Mercedes-Benz as the brand with the highest initial quality among 65 international and domestic automakers in China. The locally produced long-wheelbase E-Class and C-Class as well as the imported S-Class come out top in their respective segment.

The new Mercedes-Benz compacts are still selling very strongly: 36,132 customers bought an A-Class, B-Class or CLA-Class model last month, raising the brand�s compact vehicle sales by 72.7%.

Sales of the new E-Class model segment rose strongly in October. A total of 21,996 customers opted for the sedan and estate models in October (+21.5%), while sales of the new coupe and cabrio increased by a third.

There continues to be strong demand for Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Since January more than a quarter of a million SUVs have been delivered, an increase of 16.1% on the same period of the previous year. The GLK alone has already sold more than 100,000 units this year (+18%) and the M-Class, also totalling 100,000 units since the start of the year, is the top-selling vehicle in its segment worldwide.

Last month, 5,240 S-Class sedans were delivered to customers worldwide (+6.1%). Since mid-October the new S-Class has been available in all key markets. In Europe and in the United States it is already topping registration lists in the premium segment. Mercedes-Benz has introduced its flagship model into the top three S-Class markets in less than twelve weeks.

Since the beginning of 2013, customers have taken delivery of 82,449 units of the compact two-seater smart (p.y. 87,961 units). Last month, the smart fortwo was extremely popular in China (+9.7%). car2go had a special cause for celebration in October: It was the fifth anniversary of the successful car-sharing scheme which also achieved two significant milestones: 500,000 customers around the world are using the more than 9,000 blue and white smart fortwos, which had been rented more than a million times until now.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz UK records best-ever October results as passenger car registrations hit an all-time high

October 2013 was a record month for all Mercedes-Benz UK divisions.

- Best October results for new car registrations � 8,275 new cars, up 28 per cent
- Best-ever UK YTD results for new cars, beating all previous year-end results
- Best October for van registrations � 2,849 units, up 86.7 per cent
- Best October results for truck registrations � 924 units, up 60.7 per cent
- Best October results for Fuso Canter registrations � 96 units, up 92 per cent

Mercedes-Benz has achieved record-breaking registration performances across the board in October 2013, according to figures released by SMMT. Best-ever results were recorded in new car, new van, new truck and new Fuso Canter ranges, further reinforcing the company�s year to date (YTD) records.

Mercedes-Benz remains the UK�s fastest-growing premium car brand, with YTD registrations up 19 per cent to 94,231 new cars. With two months left in the year, the company has already passed last years� total results of 91,006 cars, and has beaten 2003�s previous year-end record performance of 93,634 car registrations. October�s growth was 28 per cent, with 8,275 new Mercedes-Benz cars taking to Britain�s roads.

High-performance AMG models continue to power ahead in the sales charts, up 58 per cent YTD with 2,767 cars registered. Over 300 A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMGs have already been registered so far this year.

The New E-Class Saloon retains its position as the UK�s favourite executive saloon, with 13,538 registrations YTD; the CLS four-door coup� heads its sector with 3,779 new cars; and despite deliveries of the new S-Class only just beginning, it still leads the luxury saloon segment � 1,200 new cars.

Commercial vehicles

Registrations of new vans were at record levels in October 2013, with Vito reporting a monthly increase of 22.3 per cent (423 vans) and New Sprinter boosting Sprinter�s performance by 112.1 per cent (2,206 vans).

Strong performances from Atego (up 56 per cent) and Actros (up 81 per cent) for the month contributed to the Trucks division�s best October. Two axle rigid registrations increased 42.6 per cent (378 new trucks) and 60.1 per cent more tractor units were registered in October 2013 compared with the same month last year.

Topping off the divisions� success was Fuso Canter, up 92 per cent on October 2012�s performance to 96 new trucks. This all contributes to YTD growth of 7.6 per cent (725 units).

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: �Last month, Mercedes-Benz UK broke 24 records for best-ever performance across its divisions, and I didn�t doubt for a minute that we�d follow that extraordinary record with a record-breaking October.

�We�ve broken another record in some style, too, with our UK passenger cars business beating a sales record that has stood for almost a decade. It�s a really significant milestone and a fantastic moment for everyone in the company.

�The fact that every division reported its best-ever October results is another perfect home run of records. It�s a great reward for the hard-working teams in our showrooms around the country who take enormous pride in serving more new and returning customers than ever before.

�We�re now set for an exciting November and December, and we look forward to rounding off our record-breaking year with a fast finish� Watch this space!�

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz USA Launches Into Fourth Quarter of 2013 with Highest October on Record at 30,069 Units

In the 10th consecutive month of its 2013 sales streak, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported total October sales of 32,620 units for the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 22.4% increase from the 26,642 vehicles sold in the same period last year. Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone broke October records at 30,069, up 25.4%, while year-to-date sales rose 13.7% to a landmark 245,125 units. Adding year-to-date volumes of 16,978 for Sprinter Vans and 7,450 vehicles at smart, MBUSA�s year-to-date totals reached 269,553 units, making this the best October in the company�s history.

�It�s been an extraordinary year for the brand, embodied in two cars� the CLA and the S-Class �as stunning as they are technologically fit,� said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. �More importantly, October sales show they�re resonating with customers. The recently-launched CLA is already one of the top volume models and our flagship S-Class, just rolling into dealerships, is up 75%. With sustained momentum and compelling product across the model range, we�re looking toward a record finish in the final stretch of 2013.�

Mercedes-Benz October sales were led by the C-, E- and CLA-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class came in first at 6,548 units, followed close behind by the E-Class with sales of 6,456�an increase of 22.6% from October 2012. Sales of MBUSA�s newest star, the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe, rounded out the top three at 4,895.

The Sprinter model line posted month-to-date gains of 22.3% at 2,038 units, driven by the popularity of its redesigned 2014 lineup on sale since September. Month-to-date sales at smart totaled 513 units.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz�s BlueTEC diesel models were 1,536 for the month, up 60% versus October 2012 (960) and up 10.1% for the year at 13,368. The company�s high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 729, an increase of 49.4% from last October.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales of 7,612 vehicles in October, an increase of 13.1% when compared to October 2012 (sales of 6,732 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 80,502 vehicles, an increase of 21.4% over the 66,318 vehicles sold during the comparable period last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA October 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz USA Delivers Banner Q3 Finish with September 2013 Sales of 24,697 Units

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported the highest September sales in its history with 27,474 units sold across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines�an increase of 5.8% from the 25,980 vehicles sold in September 2012. Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand rose 6.7% over the same period last year to 24,697, while year-to-date sales hit a benchmark 215,056 units, up 12.2%. Adding year-to-date sales of 14,940 for Sprinter Vans and 6,937 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date total reached 236,933 units, marking a best-ever third quarter for both the Mercedes-Benz brand and MBUSA.

"We're making history this month and not just in terms of our record sales pace," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "September marked a recalibration moment for Mercedes-Benz as we began delivery of our new gateway, the CLA, to dealerships across the country. After just over a week on the market, this car sold more than 2,300 units. We're confident the CLA will be a driving point of our success as we head toward another banner sales year."

September sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class took the top spot at 6,389 units sold, followed by the E-Class with sales of 5,647 vehicles, up 17.0%. MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three at 3,180 units, a 30.4% increase over the same period last year.

In total, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars climbed 10.9% compared to the first three quarters of 2012, increasing to 138,282 from 124,637. Likewise, the brand's light truck offerings were up 14.6% from the 66,981 units sold in the first nine months of 2012 to 76,774 in 2013.

The Sprinter model line posted a month-to-date increase of 20.0% to 2,152 units, boosted by sales of the redesigned 2014 lineup which began rolling into dealerships at the beginning of September. Month-to-date volumes at smart reached 625 units.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,364 in September, up 193.3% from the 465 vehicles sold during the same period last year. The company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 675, up 48.4% from September 2012.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,649 vehicles in September. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 72,890 vehicles, up 22.3% over the 59,586 units sold during the comparable period in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA September 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Eighth Record-Breaking Month Of 2013 As Sales Top 200,000 Units

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported August sales of 27,144 units, an increase of 15.8% from the 23,439 vehicles sold in August 2012 including Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart models.

Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone reached 24,761 for the month, up 20.5% from the previous year, while year-to-date sales climbed 13.0% to hit a record 190,359 units. Adding in year-to-date sales of 12,788 for Sprinter Vans and 6,312 units sold at smart brought MBUSA's year-to-date grand total to 209,459 vehicles, its highest on record.

"The market is continuing to pick up steam, our sales momentum is on record pace and we have two major new products hitting the market in the next few weeks," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "At $29,900 the CLA will open a whole new gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand, and our next generation S-Class will redefine the standards of luxury and innovation for the entire industry. We're looking at a record year not only in terms of sales but also for recalibrating the Mercedes-Benz model lineup to lead the industry."

August sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class�the current gateway to the brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers�took the lead at 6,701 units sold, up 2.8% from the same month in 2012. The E-Class followed with sales of 6,523 vehicles, jumping 44.5%, while MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,816, up 70.1%. Strong performers at the high end included the company's legendary SL-Class roadster, posting an increase of 18.5% from August 2012.

The Sprinter model line, which receives a comprehensive redesign for the 2014 model year arriving this fall, delivered month-to-date volumes of 1,390 units, while smart sales vaulted 31.9% to 993, boosted by the growing popularity of the 2013 electric drive.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,556 in August, increasing 104.7% from the 760 vehicles sold during the same period last year. The company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 732, up 14.9% from August 2012.

Separately, the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program accomplished the best sales month in its history with volumes of 9,261 in August, an increase of 33.8% when compared to August 2012 (sales of 6,921 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 66,241 vehicles, rising 25.3% over the comparable period (52,859 vehicles) in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA August 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Mercedes-Benz USA Sales Jump 22.5% in July for Seventh Record Month of 2013

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported July sales of 26,423 units, an 18.5% boost over the 22,294 units sold in July 2012. Retail volumes at Mercedes-Benz reached 23,648 for the month�gaining 22.5% over the previous year�while year-to-date sales hit an all-time high of 165,598 units. Sprinter Van sales totaled 1,915, combining with 860 units sold at smart to bring MBUSA's grand total to 182,315 vehicles year-to-date. This makes July the seventh consecutive month of record-breaking sales at MBUSA for 2013.

"July delivered double-digit gains for both our passenger cars and light truck offerings, as our sales momentum shows no signs of slowing down," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "We have two major product launches�one at the high-end and one at the entry�around the corner. This will be a banner year for the brand, bringing a whole new level of quality and innovation to Mercedes-Benz and the luxury market."

Mercedes-Benz saw growth across its product portfolio, with July's top sellers comprised of the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class�the current gateway to the brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers�was the volume leader at 7,604 units for the month, up 34.3% from July 2012. The E-Class was a close second at 5,605, up 10.1%, while sales of MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, soared 72.7% from the 1,790 units sold in July 2012 to 3,092.

The Sprinter model line, which receives a comprehensive redesign for the 2014 model year arriving this fall, posted sales of 1,915 for the month, while smart volumes grew 10.3% to 860 vehicles sold.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 879 for July while the company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 464.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,976 vehicles in July, an increase of 22% when compared to July 2012 (sales of 6,519 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 56,980 vehicles, rising 24% over the comparable period (45,938 vehicles) in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA July 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

ProProduction Record: Mercedes-Benz builds more cars than ever before

In the first half of 2013, over 700,000 passenger cars rolled off the production lines at Mercedes-Benz plants � more than ever before in the same period. For 2012 as a whole, Mercedes-Benz had already reached a production record of more than 1.34 million vehicles. "We are planning for further growth. With an attractive offering of models and higher flexibility in production, we managed to build more vehicles in the first half of the year than ever before. We are also very optimistic for the year as a whole", said Andreas Renschler, Management Board Member of Daimler AG responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement, Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans. In the first half of 2013, Mercedes-Benz posted yet another new record with sales of 694,433 vehicles (+6.4%). The brand with the star plans to sell over 1.4 million vehicles by the end of the year.

The Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy has arrived at the plants. This year has already seen launches of numerous new vehicles: in January, the Kecskem�t plant began production of the new CLA coup�, the new E-Class sedan and estate have been rolling off the lines in Sindelfingen since March, and the team in Bremen has brought the new coup� and convertible of this model series on the road. In mid-June, the production start of the new S-Class in the Sindelfingen Plant achieved yet another milestone in the product campaign of Mercedes-Benz.

To accommodate customer demand, this year 21 special shifts have been agreed for the production of the A- and B-Class at the Mercedes-Benz Rastatt plant, among others. The Tuscaloosa plant worked on 10 Saturdays and thus increased the production of SUVs. The powertrain plants are also running at full speed: workers of the Untert�rkheim plant have been working special shifts every weekend this year to enable the construction plants to be supplied with engines, transmissions, axles and components.

Production has been running non-stop at most locations during the summer months. Around 4500 vacation workers were hired as additional manpower for the vacation months, and the preparations for further launches are running at full speed, for example at the Rastatt plant, where the first GLA will be rolling off the production line later this year. In September, the compact SUV will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show. The plants in Bremen, Tuscaloosa, USA, East London, South Africa and Beijing, China are making intensive preparations for the new C-Class, which will be on the roads in 2014.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.