Best year ever for the group and record results in all of the following categories:
TORONTO, Jan. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada announced that the company and its national dealer network have surpassed several significant all-time sales records by delivering a grand total of 44,526 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, vans and smart units throughout 2015. This remarkable total represents the best ever yearly sales performance for the group and shows an overall increase of 9.8% or 3,971 units, when compared to 2014's record-breaking sales results.
Mercedes-Benz passenger car and luxury light truck sales in 2015 totaled 38,976 units. This exceeds last year's sales figures by 14.9% or 5,048 units.
Mercedes-Benz Canada retailed a total of 21,202 passenger cars which exceeded last year's sales figures by 10.2% or 1,968 vehicles. Luxury light truck sales amounted to 17,774 units, for a staggering increase of 21% or 3,080 units. These record-breaking numbers have maintained Mercedes-Benz' first place among the luxury manufacturers in Canada for the second consecutive year despite several unforeseen challenges.
The entire product portfolio posted consistently strong performances over the course of 2015, but there were some noteworthy accomplishments in the group. In its first full year on sale, the new generation C-Class sales resulted in 9,550 units retailed which represents an impressive 50.7% increase when compared to its build-out year in 2014. The GLA also proved to be a winner with 3,719 units retailed in its first full year on sale. In addition, the GLE, formerly known as the M-Class, achieved an increase of 6% year-to-date thanks in part to the SUV model refresh and the launch of its sibling, the GLE Coupe.
The diesel take rate for model lines available with diesel (E-Class, GLK, GLE, M-Class, GL-Class) was 66.1% in December and 71% overall in 2015, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 95.8% of passenger car and luxury light truck sales for the month and 93% for the year (excluding smart).
Mercedes-AMG continued its powerful ascent with a total of 3,076 units sold in 2015. This 51.2% increase or 1,042 additional units compared to 2014 is attributable in part to the introduction of new Sport Models such as the C 450 AMG and the GLE 450 AMG. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG now represents 7.9% of total Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle sales in Canada – up from 6% in 2014.
The Mercedes-AMG success story was also further embodied by the win of two Automobile Journalists Association of Canada 2016 Canadian Car of the Year awards. The Mercedes-AMG GT S clinched the Best New award in the Prestige/Performance category and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S won the Sports/Performance over $50K category. This double win for Mercedes-AMG represented an important validation by the top automotive journalists in Canada and helped reaffirm its steadfast commitment to offering the most fascinating performance products in the luxury automotive market.
In late 2015, smart began delivering the new generation coupe and ended the year with total sales of 716 units. For years, smart has challenged the status quo in the automotive world. The impressive new larger, bolder smart fortwo has been highly acclaimed and has every intention of continuing to meet the needs of a fast-growing faction of urban dwellers that require a safe and highly intelligent urban mobility solution for their everyday transportation needs.
The Mercedes-Benz Vans division achieved record sales in December with 401 units, up by a tremendous 35% when compared to last year. This helped boost overall growth for the division to 18.6% with a grand total of 4,834 vans sold in 2015. The new Sprinter 4x4 as well as the arrival of the new Metris mid-size commercial van certainly contributed to making it the best year ever for the commercial vans division.
Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned sales showed significant gains right through the year. With 1,193 vehicles delivered in December, Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned sales closed the year with a grand total of 15,689 vehicles retailed. This represents considerable growth for the Pre-Owned business in Canada, and by far its best year ever, with a noteworthy gain of 9.7% or 1,393 units over 2014. Furthermore, Certified Pre-Owned sales totaled yet another record of 12,660 units for an increase of 13.8% and accounted for 80.7 % of the yearly total volume of pre-owned sales.
Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network concluded once again another significant year of expansion on no less than six new dealerships. Through the development of brand new and/or pre-existing infrastructures across the country, Mercedes-Benz Canada has further solidified its enduring commitment to provide the best possible customer experience, in the best possible environment. The company heralded two new Mercedes-Benz facilities as Mercedes-Benz Montréal-Est (QC) and Mercedes-Benz Brampton (ON) were added points to the national network. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz Canada celebrated four openings of ground-up new dealerships namely Mercedes-Benz Heritage Valley (Edmonton, AB), Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg (MB), Mercedes-Benz Thornhill (ON) and Mercedes-Benz Rive-Sud (Greenfield Park, QC), all of which are now extremely well-equipped to tackle the requirements of the company's future growth.
Mercedes-Benz Canada reached two monumental milestones in 2015 as it celebrated 60 years in Canada and delivered its 500,000th unit sold in the country in late November. From the very beginning, Canadians have enthusiastically embraced the fascination afforded by the iconic three-pointed star. Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has work diligently to build a highly respected legacy in Canada that is poised to continue to flourish ever more passionately for the next 60 years and more.
"Mercedes-Benz Canada has capped off an excellent year, one that was truly record-breaking on so many levels. I wholeheartedly congratulate my predecessor Tim A. Reuss and his team for a job extremely well done," said Gareth T. Joyce, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "I could not ask for a more opportune moment to take over the helm and to build upon the proven success that has been achieved through the concerted efforts of all Mercedes-Benz employees, the Mercedes-Benz Canada national dealer network and the colleagues at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. I am truly excited and eager to lead this highly praised organization with a personal mission to delight every one of our highly valued customers. I also very much look forward to continuing the company's unrelenting quest to ensure that the consummate "Best or Nothing" commitment of our brand is guiding in all that we do as Mercedes-Benz Canada."
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,400 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 46 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 44,526 vehicles in 2015. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the second consecutive year.
SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
For further information: JoAnne Caza, 416-847-7550, joanne.caza@mercedes-benz.ca; Nathalie Gravel, 416-847-7509, nathalie.gravel@mercedes-benz.ca; Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca
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