Mercedes-Benz Canada continues strong sales momentum to report the company's best September and best third quarter results ever

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2012 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network reported today that the company has retailed 3,062 Mercedes-Benz and smart units in September. This represents an increase of 13.1% for the month and the best third quarter sales figures ever. Overall growth for the group this year has now reached 10.1%, with 26,461 units delivered at the conclusion of the third quarter.

A total of 2,407 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were sold in September. With 22,557 units sold year-to-date, Mercedes-Benz passenger car and luxury light truck sales show a gain of 8.3% or 1,720 units in 2012.

Passenger car sales totaled 1,279 units in September, which was fueled by impressive C-Class, E-Class, S-Class and SL-Class sales. The all-new SL-Class roadster continued to show impressive results, and the S-Class also posted a jump of 20.8% for the month.

On the luxury light truck side, a total of 1,128 vehicles were delivered. This represents a gain of 27.2% for the month, and helped push year-to-date growth to 26.7% or 2,081 units with 9,869 vehicles retailed. These record-breaking sales increases can be attributed to sustained interest across the entire model range, and particularly strong demand for the all-new GL-Class.

The diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 78.3% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 87.5% of overall passenger car and luxury light truck sales in September (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 386 vehicles sold. This represents an increase of 234 units compared to September 2011, and helped propel year-to-date growth to 29.3% with 1,868 smart fortwos retailed so far in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales reported a 26.9% increase in deliveries for the month with 269 units sold. A total of 2,036 Sprinters have been retailed year-to-date, which represents an increase of 15.6%.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division also achieved their best September results ever with 1,367 vehicles retailed. This represents an increase of 86 units or 6.7% on a monthly basis, and brings overall growth to 12.2% with a total of 11,202 Certified Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz units sold to date.

"We have closed a record-breaking third quarter and reported our best September ever. These outstanding sales results are directly proportional to the hard work and dedication of our employees and entire dealer network, and I would like to thank everyone for their continued unwavering support," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Last month, we underscored our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our customers receive the highest possible level of service by bringing together our top Service Advisors and Technicians for the annual TechMasters competition. This important training program provides us the opportunity to recognize and reward the outstanding achievements of an already distinguished group. It also demonstrates our steadfast commitment to training that will guarantee that our After-Sales staff is always equipped to best serve the needs of our valued customers."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,300 people in 19 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information:

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [e-mail]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [e-mail]

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