Mercedes-Benz sales surpass 2008 year-end results with its best October ever

TORONTO, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported its best October ever today with a total of 2,427 Mercedes-Benz and smart combined units registered for the month. This is up 437 units or 22.0% compared to October 2008, and brings year-to-date growth for the group to 10.2%.

A total of 2,199 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered in October. This represents the best October ever, and a gain of 479 units or 27.8% compared to October 2008. Another month of strong sales results pushed overall growth to 18.9%, and allowed the Mercedes-Benz brand to shatter 2008 year-end results already this year with 20,386 vehicles retailed year-to-date.

smart reported a total of 228 smart fortwos sold throughout the month. Year-to-date, smart has retailed 2,272 units.

Particularly buoyant C-Class, E-Class Sedan, E-Class Coupe, CL-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to October's success. In addition, this month two important model lines celebrated significant milestones: the E-Class line-up performed better in October than any other month in the company's history, and the GL-Class had its best month ever with 156 units delivered - up an impressive 67.7% compared to October 2008.

Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales were up 2.1% for the month, totaling 1,272 units for October and 12,435 vehicles year-to-date.

Luxury light trucks also continued to perform extremely well with 927 units retailed throughout the month. This represents an increase of 95.6% compared to October 2008, and an overall increase of 96.8% for the segment with 7,951 units delivered year-to-date.

The company's diesel sales ratio was 74.5% for the month while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 82.5% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

The pre-owned side also had its best October ever with a total of 742 Mercedes-Benz units delivered. This is ahead by 270 units or 57.2% for the month, and up 19.2% for the year with a total of 6,966 units sold to date.

"Our fascinating product range continued to generate excitement among customers and impressive sales figures throughout the month," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "It is particularly gratifying to note that it is not just one product that is contributing to the brand's overall success in Canada. Strong performance across the entire model line-up, from the C-Class and the GLK-Class right through to the CL-Class and GL-Class, in combination with a dedicated team of professionals across the country, has propelled us to another consecutive month of sales growth."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 38 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 24,117 vehicles in 2008, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca

For further information: JoAnne Caza, (416) 847-7550, joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca; Michael Minielly, (416) 847-7509, michael.minielly@mercedes-benz.ca