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.

New Mercedes-Benz Compacts Continue Course of Success: Mercedes-Benz Kecskem�t Plant Runs at Full Steam

Production of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars with the A-Class, B-Class and CLA model series is running at full steam in the production network of the two plants in Rastatt, Germany, and Kecskem�t, Hungary. The Hungarian plant, opened in March 2012, plays an important role in this: Together with the Rastatt plant, it produces the B-Class. In addition, it is the sole production location of the compact four-door coupe CLA.

Andreas Renschler, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Manufacturing and Procurement Mercedes-Benz Cars & Mercedes-Benz Vans, stroke a first balance after about 18 months of production on the occasion of a visit to the plant: "Here in Kecskem�t, we broke new ground with the construction of the first European Mercedes-Benz plant outside of Germany. It is obvious that you have mastered the construction of a new plant in a new country with a new team very well. Our investment of 800 million euros for a new compact car plant here in Hungary has founded another success story for Daimler and the Mercedes-Benz brand in every respect."

Underscoring the plant's importance for the further market success of the new compacts, Renschler said: "Especially with the CLA, for which this site has global production responsibility, the Kecskem�t plant is making a decisive contribution to our growth with new customers and in new markets along the Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy. Every single vehicle from this plant proves what we mean when we talk about Mercedes-Benz quality."

Renschler continued on the outlook for the employees: "Many of you are still rather young members of our global Mercedes-Benz production team. I am even more impressed to see you work in all areas of the plant with the highest commitment to learn and a great level of dedication. That's why the Kecskem�t plant today is already on a par with other Mercedes-Benz plants, and is globally recognized as a natural part of our global production network. Thank you � keep up the great work!"

Frank Klein, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Kecskem�t plant: "We will not rest on past achievements, but will continue to forge ahead for future success as well. That's why we are fully concentrated on our core task: to get the B-Class and the CLA on the road in top quality."

A success story: The new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars

Mercedes-Benz' attack in the premium compact segment continues: The Frankfurt Motor Show in September saw the presentation of the GLA compact SUV, which will roll to customers beginning in spring 2014. The GLA is the fourth of five new models that mark a significant expansion of the brand's product portfolio and appeal to new customer groups. As an example, the conquest rate of the new A-Class in Europe is at about 50 percent, the average age of the customers is 10 years lower compared to the predecessor model. Already introduced were the new B-Class, the new A-Class and the four-door compact coupe CLA. The new compacts have been a sales revelation over the past nine months: Worldwide, 267,467 customers bought an A-Class, B-Class or CLA-Class model (+68.3%). Further momentum is expected with continuously rising availability in further markets.

About the Mercedes-Benz Kecskem�t plant and the production locations of the new compacts

The Kecskem�t plant and the Rastatt plant together form the production network for the new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. That network significantly contributes to the overall economies of compact car production and allows the flexible and optimum management of both plants' capacity utilization. The Kecskem�t plant was opened in March 2012, less than four years after the initial decision for the location, and has since produced the B-Class, which is also built in Rastatt. State-of-the-art, environmentally sound technology is used at the plant. In January 2013, the new four-door compact coup� CLA was added as a second model, which the plant produces for all customers worldwide. With more than 3,000 staff in the meantime, the plant is the most attractive employer in the region, not least to due to the high attention given to the qualification of its employees. The pioneering efforts of the plant and its Hungarian partners to establish dual vocational and university education based on the German model further contribute to this. Daimler AG and the Hungarian Government in 2012 also signed a joint partnership agreement to establish and reinforce the region of Kecskem�t as a center of the Hungarian automobile industry on a long-term basis.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

BREAKING NEWS: The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) exposed for first time!

After last week's interior shots, which were released via the official channel, today came the not-so-official brochure pics which reveal the exterior looks of the new C-Class. As already expected, the new mid-class premium limousine from Mercedes-Benz can be worthily entitled "the baby S-Class".

If you look at the images, the first argument that comes to ones mind is the completely dramatic similiraties this car has with the new S-Class. The new 205 generation approaches a new strategy, with more dynamic proportions and improved driving capabilities. The front end suddenly became even more striking compared to 204 series, while still displaying a different character throughout the specific grille: the lamella grille for the entry-level and ELEGANCE models and the Star grille for the Avantgarde and AMG Sport versions. The overall proportions scream sportiness in sheer balance, no matter which angle you choose to admire the car from.

The new C-Class sits on a new platform - the Mercedes-Benz Rearwheel Architecture, which was first introduced on the new S-Class. Furthermore, the 205 model is the first in its class to feature an adaptive, pneumatic suspension system in the form of the AIRMATIC, borrowed from the bigger brothers. The new COMAND Online can be fitted, for the first time, with a useful, sensitive surface called Touchpad which enables the driver to write down letters and digits in order to access various functions contained by the infotainment system. Furthermore, the new Head-Up Display celebrates its official introduction on the new C-Class.

More is yet to be known, but we believe the new C-Class will boast a wide range of highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, with the range-topping variants being mated with the new 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox. Until the future C 63 AMG arrives sometime towards the end of next year, the new C 400 will serve as the king of the lineup and powered by a twin-turbo, direct-injection V6 engine with a total displacement of 3.0 litres and a peak output of 333 hp. The sports model developed by the Affalterbach engineers will feature a brand new 4.0-litre V8 engine rated at around 485 - 500 hp and using high pressure direct injection and biturbocharging.

Image Credits: DIARIOMOTOR

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

S-Class market launch: New Mercedes-Benz S-Class is introduced in all key markets

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now available in all key markets. Following its launch in Europe at the end of July and in China at the end of September, it is also available at dealers in the USA since this week. This means that Mercedes-Benz has introduced its flagship model into the top three S-Class markets in less than twelve weeks, making the S-Class launch the fastest ever in the company's history.

This almost simultaneous launch in all key markets was only possible because production of the luxury saloon started up in record time at Mercedes-Benz's main plant in Sindelfingen. All S-Class vehicles for global distribution are rolling off the production line in Sindelfingen in a two-shift operation. So far, more than 30,000 customers have ordered the luxury sedan.

"Since its launch three month ago, the new S-Class has already jumped back into the lead in terms of new vehicle registrations in Germany and its neighbouring European countries, seamlessly building on the success of its predecessor," says Ola K�llenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Marketing & Sales. "Our customers around the world are raving about the cutting-edge design, the exemplary efficiency and the groundbreaking safety systems of the new S-Class."

For customers and automotive experts alike, the S-Class has long been the yardstick for advanced engineering and luxury driving. The innovative safety systems featured in the new S-Class include the DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, which help the driver to stay in lane and even enable the car to drive itself in a traffic jam with only minimal intervention. The sensors of the MAGIC BODY CONTROL are another highlight: They make the new S-Class the first vehicle worldwide that is able to detect surface undulations in the road ahead and prime the suspension accordingly � offering an unparalleled level of driving comfort.

The new S-Class achieves fuel-consumption figures that were unimaginable in the mid-range series only a few years ago. Mercedes-Benz's new flagship model uses around 20 percent less fuel than its predecessor, making it the most economical sedan in the luxury segment.

In 2012, Mercedes-Benz delivered over 65,000 vehicles of the S-Class. After China, the USA is the second-largest market for the S-Class. Last year, more than two thirds of all luxury sedans sold worldwide went to customers in these two countries. A feature of vehicles sold there is the extended wheelbase: The vehicles of the S-Class in China and the USA are 20 centimetres longer.

In the mid-1950s, the 220 model laid the foundation for the S-Class series. Since this time, Mercedes-Benz has delivered over 3.5 million S-Class vehicles to customers all over the world. The preceding generation alone sold over half a million units.

The launch of the new S-Class extends the Mercedes-Benz model range in the luxury segment to a total of six variants: There will now be three new models in addition to the short wheelbase and extended wheelbase variants and the S-Class coup�. To achieve this, Daimler is investing heavily in the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen. Between 2011 and 2014, around �350 million is being pumped into the S-Class bodyshell, around �130 million into the vehicle press shop and around �70 million into assembly. This year alone, investment in the Sindelfingen plant is set to total around �1 billion.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Exclusive model joins market launch line-up: The Mercedes-Benz GLA to launch with Edition 1 model too

Following the successful world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz GLA at the IAA in Frankfurt, many customers are already eagerly anticipating the launch of the new compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz. Now the anticipation is being cranked up a notch to an even higher level. This is because at the time of the market launch in March 2014 there will also be an exclusive Edition 1 variant. It will be available to order from the end of November for approximately one year after market launch.

"With the new GLA we are opening up the compact SUV segment for Mercedes-Benz," said Ola K�llenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes?Benz Cars Marketing & Sales. "The GLA adds a new emotional variant to the comprehensive SUV range from Mercedes-Benz with which we aim to win over numerous new customers to our brand. Our exclusive Edition 1 is a particularly alluring proposition to boost the market launch."

The Edition 1 of the GLA impresses with exclusive details both inside and out. The exterior is based on the Urban line with simulated underguard and roof rails in chrome. Further features include bi-xenon headlamps, 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels finished in high-gloss black, a black radiator grille louvre with chrome inserts, black-painted exterior mirrors, black waistline trim strips and dark-tinted glass starting from the B-pillars. The Edition 1 will be available exclusively in the paint finishes cirrus white, orient brown metallic, mountain grey metallic and designo magno mountain grey (from autumn 2014). The special model is recognisable thanks to the "Edition 1" lettering on the front wings.

Interior highlights include the DESERT DUST interior with

- seats which are only available in the Edition 1 upholstered in nut brown leather and Alvorada fabric with striking moccasin stitching
- 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in leather, with perforated grip area and flattened bottom section
- sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs
- aluminium trim with trapezoidal grain
- air vents with nozzle ring and cross element in silver chrome
- cover over the stowage compartment in the centre console
- cord floor mats with stitching in the appointments colour
- black roof liner
- Light and Sight package (single-tone ambient lighting; illumination of the stowage compartment in the centre console; illuminated make-up mirror for driver and front passenger; illuminated front door sill panels with Mercedes lettering; front and rear footwell lighting; interior mirror with additional lighting; rear lighting with integral reading lamps and locator lighting; windscreen wipers with rain sensor, courtesy and warning lights for driver and front passenger doors).

With its exclusive appointments, the GLA Edition 1 underscores the strengths of the first compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz: progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and with an off-road capability - as a wanderer between automotive worlds, the Mercedes-Benz GLA impressively reinterprets the compact SUV segment. It lightfootedly masters all day-to-day challenges and is also robust enough for off-road excursions.
The first Mercedes-Benz in the fast-growing compact SUV segment is highly manoeuvrable around town (length x width x height: 4417 x 1804 x 1494 mm), lively on country and pass roads and dynamic and efficient on the motorway (Cd figure 0.29).

The GLA is available with the new generation of 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution as an option.

As a serene day-to-day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior. The rear seat backrests can not only be folded down completely, but are also adjustable for angle if required. The large luggage compartment (421 - 1235 litres) is well-presented and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which opens automatically as an option.

The particularly rigid body structure provides a reliable basis for a wide range of applications. Initially the power range of the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol engines will extend from 115 kW (156 hp) in the GLA 200 to 155 kW (211 hp) in the GLA 250.

The two diesel engines excel with dynamic torque and outstanding efficiency: The GLA 200 CDI develops 100 kW (136 hp), has a displacement of 2.2 litres and maximum torque of 300 Nm. It emits only 114 g of CO2 per kilometre. The GLA 220 CDI likewise has a displacement of 2.2 litres and develops 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm.

Credits: Daimler AG

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