Mercedes-Benz Canada reports continued growth with record-breaking February sales

TORONTO, March 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network reported today that a total of 2,641 Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart units were delivered to customers in February. This represents the best February on record for the group, and an overall sales increase of 13.4% or 313 units compared to last year. These sales figures have pushed overall growth so far this year to 11.5% with 5,136 vehicles delivered so far in 2015.    

A total of 2,295 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed in February, which is ahead 17.5% or 342 units for the month and makes it the best February ever for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Passenger car sales amounted to 1,380 units in February. This is ahead 36.8% for the month or 9.3% for the year. The sizeable increase can be attributed to very good sales numbers for the new generation C-Class, the CLA, CLS and the SL.  The C-Class results were up 92.3% while the CLA showed a gain of 103.9% in February.

On the luxury light trucks side, a total of 915 units were sold.  The entire SUV line up performed well, more or less on par with last February.  The GLA as well the M-Class and GL-Class already account for more than 1,400 units sold so far this year and the light trucks are up 17.7% collectively.  

The diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 62.2% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 93.2% of overall passenger car and light truck sales in February (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 43 vehicles sold in February.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans Division retailed a total of 303 Sprinters in February. This represents an 8.2% gain for the month, and an increase of 17.6% year-to-date with a total of 614 units retailed in 2015.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division also held a strong performance for the month with 915 vehicles delivered. This is an increase of 91 units or 11% compared to last year. Furthermore, year-to-date Certified Pre-Owned sales have increased by 10% and account for 79.9% of the total volume of Pre-Owned sales.

"Despite the record freezing temperatures in some parts of the country and the impact they had on our logistic channels and overall consumer purchasing behaviour, we nonetheless saw positive growth throughout the month of February", said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Temperatures were however on the rise as we generated plenty of excitement with the reveals of the brand new Mercedes-AMG GT S, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 and the GLE 350 Coupe at the Canadian International AutoShow. We look forward to continue connecting with existing owners and potential new customers at the upcoming auto shows across the country as we proudly showcase our newest Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Mercedes-Benz Vans product line-up". 

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 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]