Mercedes-Benz Canada kicks off 2015 with January record-breaking sales

TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2015 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network reported today that a total of 2,495 Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart units were delivered to customers in January. This represents the best January on record for the group, and an overall sales increase of 9.5% or 217 units compared to January 2014.

A total of 2,154 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed in January which translates into an 8.1% gain for the month.

Passenger car sales totaled 1,145 units in January. Not surprisingly, the newly arrived C-Class accounted for almost 50% of the month's sales while the CLA, B-Class and E-Class also yielded very good numbers.

The important story for January happened on the luxury light trucks side where a total of 1.009 units were sold for the month. This represents an increase of 46% compared to 2014 sales figures, and was fueled by particularly buoyant M-Class, GLA and GLK-Class sales.   

The diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 58.5% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 91% of overall passenger car and light truck sales in January (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 30 vehicles sold in January.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans Division reported sales of a total of 311 Sprinters were delivered throughout the month, which is ahead 28.5% compared to January 2014.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division also recorded an excellent start to the year with 870 vehicles delivered for the month. This is an increase of 71 units or 8.9% compared to the same time period last year.  The CPO volume accounted for 79% of the sales and smart pre-owned sales were up 112% in January.

"I am pleased that we are off to a great 2015 start," said Tim A. Reuss, President and

CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "We kicked off the year at the Montreal Auto Show with two important Canadian premieres, namely the all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 – a high-performer equipped with a V8 biturbo that is unique to its segment and we also officially launched the new Sprinter 4x4, the only 4x4 commercial van in Canada.   In addition to starting the year on a positive note with a record-breaking sales month, I am very happy to say that we finally have solid inventories on ground and in the pipeline; this will be a welcome reprieve for both our dealers and our customers."  He further added, "Our huge 4MATIC all-wheel drive portfolio is growing yet again with the recent addition of the B 250 4MATIC which will be tested firsthand this week by the Canadian press in this perfect inclement weather." 

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 12 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 43 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.

For further information: JoAnne Caza, 416-847-7550, [e-mail]; Nathalie Gravel, 416-847-7509, [e-mail]