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Ahead of the curve: Canadian sales

Chris April 1, 2008


We have been hearing recently about numerous new and facelifted models coming for the 2009 model year, but Mercedes-Benz Canada has been going quietly about its business selling record numbers of 2008 models. The strength of the Canadian dollar, the ‘Loonie’, has enabled Benz to offer cash incentives and lower lease rates, although this is true for all manufacturers so these figures are still very impressive.

Press release in full after the break:

April 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz reports strongest 1st quarter in its history. Combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales up by 19.4 %

TORONTO, ON (April 1, 2008) – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today a total of 2,055 units registered for the month of March. On the Mercedes-Benz side, 1,731 units were delivered in March while we saw a year-to-date growth of 11.1%. A total of 324 smart fortwos were reported sold in March, up by 58%. At the end of the first three months of 2008, smart fortwo sales are up by 96.9%. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales showed an increase of 4.8% for the month and a record-breaking 4,749 units or a gain of 19.4% for the best first quarter.

Sustained and buoyant B-Class, C-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales were instrumental in making the month of March the success it was. The next generation All-New 2008 C-Class accounted for close to 700 units. The CLK-Class and the GL-Class retail deliveries were up respectively by 125% and 68.3% in March. The company’s diesel sales ratio was 51.3% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 62.9% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales were at 1,308 units for the month and ahead by 241 units or 8.6% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class continued their growth in March with 423 sales and a gain of 30.2% compared to March 2007 results; the light trucks have shown a development of 19.6% for the first quarter.

On the pre-owned side, Mercedes-Benz Canada also reported a best ever March with 688 Mercedes-Benz and smart units for the month. On a year-to-date basis, pre-owned results are pegged at 1,652 units for the first quarter which represents a year over year increase of 35%.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said,”The March results certainly did help generate the strongest first quarter in our company’s history. At the end of March, we are ahead by well over 400 units over any previous first quarter results recorded. Virtually every Class in our extensive product lineup is doing quite well. While the B-Class and C-Class account for an important share of our success, the E-Class and S-Class models continue to win the hearts of our customers. Our light trucks have fared extremely well in this first quarter and this is partially attributed to the three very successful diesel SUV models we have been offering for more than a year now. We are very pleased with our progress thus far.”

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