Mercedes-Benz Canada reports the company's best July on record

TORONTO, Aug. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network reported today that the company has retailed a grand total of 2,633 Mercedes-Benz and smart units in July. This represents an increase of 15.7% for the month, and brings overall growth to 9.8% with 20,906 units delivered year-to-date.

A total of 2,189 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were sold in July, which is ahead 11.1% for the month. Overall sales for 2012 show a gain of 10.1% or 1,660 units with 18,133 units delivered so far this year.

Passenger car sales totaled 1,289 units in July, which was ahead 10.8% for the month and fueled by strong C-Class, E-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class and SL-Class sales. The fascinating new SL-Class roadster continued to record impressive demand, with sales ahead 54.5% compared to last July.

On the luxury light truck side, a total of 900 vehicles were delivered. This is up a notable 11.5% for the month, and helped push year-to-date growth to 29.0% or 1,795 units with 7,992 vehicles sold in 2012. These record-breaking sales increases can be attributed to outstanding demand for the all-new M-Class and the sustained popularity of the GL-Class with Canadian customers.

The diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 82.4% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 88.0% of overall passenger car and luxury light truck sales in July (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 239 vehicles sold. This is ahead of last July's results by 73.2% or 101 units, and helped bring year-to-date growth to 2.8% with 1,196 smart fortwos retailed in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales reported a 22.0% increase in July with 205 units delivered throughout the month. This equates to an overall sales increase of 12.6% with 1,577 Sprinters retailed year-to-date.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division reported 1,149 vehicles retailed throughout July. This brings year-to-date growth to 15.1% with 8,507 Certified Pre-Owned units delivered by dealerships across the country.

"It goes without saying that Mercedes-Benz Canada and all of our dealers are absolutely committed to providing a superior customer experience from the initial purchase stage through to every subsequent phase of ownership. With this in mind, we organized a National After-Sales Conference in July that specifically focused on further improving service excellence and highlighting the reliability and quality of Mercedes-Benz Service and Genuine Parts," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Representatives participated from coast-to-coast, and the level of interest and engagement was truly inspiring. Participants left with an even deeper understanding of how crucial After-Sales is for continued customer loyalty, and a clear appreciation regarding how this integral part of our business provides yet another opportunity to differentiate the three-pointed star as a benchmark in our customers' eyes."

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.

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