Mercedes-Benz Canada achieves best half year results ever

TORONTO, July 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network announced today that the company has retailed a record-breaking total of 22,265 units so far in 2015, which represents the best ever first half of the year sales results in the history of the company. This remarkable performance is the result of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks sales being ahead by 14.9% and of the Mercedes-Benz Vans Division surpassing last year's sales by 16.7%. These results continue to place Mercedes-Benz in the number one position in the Canadian luxury segment.

With a total of 12,985 units retailed in the last three months ending June 30, Mercedes-Benz Canada also shattered its previously-established all-time record for second quarter sales. Exceptional June sales results further solidified this outcome with 3,671 passenger cars and luxury light trucks sold, which is ahead 14.7% when compared to June 2014. This performance was fueled by a sizeable increase in sales of the new generation C-Class, CLS, E-Class Sedan and Wagon, S-Class Coupe, GLA and GL-Class.

On the Mercedes-Benz Vans side, the division reported its best month ever with a total of 500 units sold in June, surpassing the existing all-time record of 479 units sold in May 2015. This represents a notable 40.4% increase when compared to last year. With a record-breaking six-month cumulative total of 2,425 units, the division stands ahead of last year's results by 16.7%.

In June, the diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 58.8%, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 91.6% of overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 63 vehicles sold in June.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division recorded a total of 7,774 units sold for an increase of 12.1%, which also represents the best first half year results for pre-owned sales in Canada. In June, the division reported strong sales with 1,416 units retailed, which is ahead 10.1% compared to June 2014. Furthermore, year-to-date Certified Pre-Owned sales in June totaled 1,147 units for an increase of 14.9% and accounted for 84.2 % of the total volume of pre-owned sales.

"This is an exciting time for Mercedes-Benz Canada, as once again the company has retained its top position in the luxury market and has proudly reported its best half year results ever", said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "These outstanding sales are a direct result of many moving parts working in complete harmony, including a stellar product portfolio coupled with a highly committed and dedicated dealer network and strong partners at Mercedes-Benz Finance. Several new models, namely the GLE Coupe, the facelifted GLE SUV, the Metris, the next generation smart and the GLC, which was premiered in June, will all be introduced in the second half of 2015 and will certainly contribute to keeping this positive momentum ‎flowing."

JUNE 2015	MTD			YTD
	2015	2014	%	2015	2014	%
Mercedes-Benz vehicles	3,671	3,200	14.7%	19,470	16,367	19.0%
smart	63	198	-68.2%	370	904	-59.1%
Mercedes-Benz vans	500	356	40.4%	2,425	2,078	16.7%
TOTAL	4,234	3,754	12.8%	22,265	19,349	15.1%

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 1,500 people in 23 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 44 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 40,555 vehicles in 2014. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada.

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

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

JoAnne Caza, 416-847-7550, [email protected]; Nathalie Gravel, 416-847-7509, [email protected]