Mercedes-Benz Canada continues to defy the recession and outperform its competitors. Sales for March were up 26% compared to last year, and sales for the first quarter of 2009 were up by nearly 20% compared to 2008. This is a remarkable performance for a luxury brand in these uncertain times. Reasons for this success appear to be the wide range of BlueTec diesel vehicles offered, which have struck a chord with buyers tired of gas-guzzling SUVs, and low finance and lease rates. Like in the U.S., E-Class sales are still strong despite the impending arrival of the 2010 W212. Dealers must be offering great deals on the remaining W211s.

Canadian March sales for Mercedes-Benz and its competitors were as follows:
Acura 1,211
Audi 979
BMW 1,711
Infiniti 581
Jaguar 57
Lexus 1,363
Mercedes 2,181
Saab 172
Volvo 491

Press release in full after the break.

April 1, 2009

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best March and strongest first quarter ever

TORONTO, ON- Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a record-breaking total of 2,393 Mercedes-Benz and smart units were registered for the month. This represents the best ever combined March sales for Mercedes-Benz and smart, and a 16.4% gain over last year. With 2,181 vehicles delivered to customers, the Mercedes-Benz side reported a record sales growth and an increase of 26.0%. A total of 212 smart fortwo units were retailed for the month.

At the end of the first quarter, combined sales for Mercedes-Benz and smart totaled a record-breaking 5,221 units making it the strongest first quarter ever, pushing year-to-date growth to 9.9%. Mercedes-Benz sales accounted for a 19.6% gain in the first quarter.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, SLK-Class, SL-Class, GLK-Class and M-Class model sales played a significant role in March’s overall success. With an impressive 736 vehicles retailed for the month, the C-Class continued to be a top pick for Canadian buyers. The SLK-Class and SL-Class March results were a clear indication that many customers are more than ready for open-top driving. Led by extraordinary interest in the all-new GLK-Class and sustained appeal in the M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class, the luxury light truck side also reported continued growth in March with 784 units or a 85.3% increase in sales.

The diesel sales ratio was 51.3% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 75.7% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart). On the pre-owned side, the company reported 661 vehicles delivered for the month of March, on par with last year’s March sales. Pre-owned sales for the first quarter amounted to 1,515 units. “The remarkable record-breaking first quarter results are directly and proportionately related to everyone’s hard work in our dealerships and corporate offices over the course of the last three months,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “I am extremely proud that we have been able to maintain last year’s exceptional momentum. The first quarter is usually the toughest of the year and to start 2009 on such a positive note is very rewarding on all fronts. We are grateful that Canadians continue to embrace Mercedes-Benz products with such enthusiasm and passion. As we enter the second quarter of 2009, we will continue to fervently promote our highly desirable products, our compelling value proposition and our very competitive offers. ”

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 1,050 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 36 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 24,117 vehicles in 2008, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Whoever thought that the economic fortunes of the U.S. and Canada were linked would be puzzled by the fortunes of Mercedes-Benz north and south of the 49th parallel.

While January sales plummeted by an horrific 42.9% compared to January 2008 in the U.S., sales for the same period in Canada grew by 10.3%.

The importance of all this may be insignificant for the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy in Germany, given that the U.S. market is nearly 10 times larger than Canada, but maybe the Canadian success story might help to lift the gloom a little.

The 2010 GLK got off to a very good start, and the E-Class continued to sell well. The E-Class is great value right now – it comes with many options as standard that were previously part of expensive packages, and if you don’t like the new-2010 E-Class, now is the time to buy the outgoing model.

Press release in full after the break.

February 3, 2009

Mercedes-Benz starts the year with a new sales record

TORONTO, ON (February 3, 2009) – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a total of 1,178 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered to customers in January, representing a 10.3% increase compared to January 2008 and the best January ever for the Mercedes-Benz brand. In addition, smart reported 90 vehicles sold throughout the month, pushing the total Mercedes-Benz and smart combined units registered to 1,268.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLK-Class and M-Class model sales contributed to January’s success. With 237 units delivered to customers, the all-new 2010 GLK-Class was an exceptional seller in the first month that it was available in Canada. The C-Class also continued its impressive run, with 432 units retailed throughout the month of January.

Overall, the luxury light truck side posted impressive growth; ahead 88.1% compared to January 2008. The diesel sales ratio was 36.8% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 77.9% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

On the pre-owned side, the company reported 426 Mercedes-Benz units delivered for the month of January.

“I am proud to see that our customers recognize the unmatched value, safety and prestige offered by Mercedes-Benz vehicles,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “Continued strong sales of the B-Class, C-Class and E-Class, and outstanding sales of our exciting range of premium SUVs, which has been further strengthened with the launch of the GLK-Class, shaped our sales story for this first month of 2009.”

Amid the doom and gloom affecting Mercedes sales in the United States, it isn’t all bad news in North America. Sales in Canada for 2008 were simply superb – an increase of 30% for Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, SLR and Maybach combined. Although the economy here has not tanked as badly as in the U.S. it is still an incredible effort to have increased sales, and by such a huge margin. As each month’s figures were published I expected to see sales fall away, but it just did not happen.

Sales for December 2008 were also impressive compared to the U.S. They increased 12.5% compared to December 2007 for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Press release in full after the break.

January 5, 2009

Mercedes-Benz Canada shatters numerous all-time sales records and reports 2008 to be the company’s best year ever with deliveries exceeding 24,000 units

• Best year ever Mercedes-Benz and smart combined sales with 24,117 units delivered

• Best year ever Mercedes-Benz sales with 20,368 units delivered, surpassing the 20,000 unit mark in Canada for the first time in the company’s history

• Best year ever Mercedes-Benz passenger cars sales with 15,293 units delivered

• Best year ever Mercedes-Benz light trucks sales with 5,075 units delivered

• Best year ever pre-owned sales with 6,879 units delivered

Toronto, ON – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today multiple all-time sales records for 2008 including its best full-year sales results ever with 24,117 units sold. This represents 5,570 additional units over the previous year, and an increase of 30.0% for combined Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, SLR and Maybach vehicles delivered this year.

Mercedes-Benz vehicle sales were up 4,254 units in 2008; a 26.4% gain which also amounted to an exciting best ever year-end total of 20,368 units. Passenger car sales also reported their best year ever with 15,293 units; accounting for 1,259 more units or an improvement of 11.7% over last year. The second generation smart fortwo was launched in December 2007 and a total of 3,749 fortwos units were sold since then; up 1,316 units, or 54.1%.

In December, a total of 1,588 Mercedes-Benz and 150 smart fortwos were registered. This was a 12.5% gain from December 2007 for Mercedes-Benz, and a progress of 4.9% on a combined brand basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class continued to do exceptionally well in December. These SUV’s reported a 46.0% gain for the month and finished the year 23.1% ahead with a total of 5,075 units delivered in 2008.

Pre-owned sales in December were tallied at 433 units. This brought the 12 month total to 6,879 units, up 8.4% from last year which also made it a record-breaking year for pre-owned Mercedes-Benz sales in Canada.

Overall, 2008 was another banner year for Mercedes-Benz Canada, and the consistent story was monthly sales records. The company’s continued sustained momentum can be partially attributed to the exciting range of segment-leading vehicles that offers customers unmatched value across the entire product portfolio. The year registered some important milestones including the launch of the new facelifted SLK-Class, SL-Class, and CLS-Class, the refreshed B-Class, and the introduction of the ML320 BlueTEC, R320 BlueTEC, and the GL320 BlueTEC models. BlueTEC’s cleanest diesel technology continues the company’s long and successful history with diesel, and offers customers 20 to 40 percent greater fuel efficiency than a comparable gasoline engine while still complying with the strict North American BIN5 and ULEV emissions.

The success of the all-new C-Class continued throughout 2008; more than 7,600 units were reported sold which by far eclipse any Mercedes-Benz individual Class record sales to date by a huge margin. The sporty and versatile B-Class also enjoyed record breaking sales with 3207 units, and the luxurious E-Class posted impressive sales results for the year. The flagship S-Class continued to outsell all of its competitors and rule in its respective segment, the CL-Class remained buoyant and the legendary SL-Class closed the year 39.2% ahead of 2007, allowing Mercedes-Benz to clearly maintain its significant lead in the high-end luxury category.

Mercedes-Benz luxury light truck sales continued to expand in Canada, and were up a notable 23.1% for the year. R-Class deliveries remained strong, and M-Class and GL-Class sales grew 31.1% and 22.7% respectively for the year. Diesel SUV sales totaled 3,449 units in 2008. The exciting roster of Mercedes-Benz light trucks will be further enhanced with the launch of the GLK-Class in early 2009 as a 2010 model. The GLK350 4MATIC will offer customers the perfect balance of style, versatility and performance with a powerful 3.5-litre, 268 horsepower V6 engine and generous list of standard safety and convenience features.

Mercedes-Benz models continued to earn numerous prestigious awards throughout the year. At the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s (AJAC) annual Canadian Car of the Year “TestFest”, the CL550 4MATIC and SL63 AMG tied for first place in the Best New Prestige Car category while the M-Class BlueTEC diesel was named Best New SUV / CUV (over $60k). Motoring 2008 also named the M-Class SUV / CUV of the Year (over $60k), and selected the S-Class as their pick for Prestige Car of the Year. World of Wheels presented their Editors choice awards to the E-Class, S-Class and CL-Class. L’AUTO 2009 awarded the C63 AMG, E-Class BlueTEC, S-Class, GLK-Class, ML320 BlueTEC and the GL-Class the “Best New” title in each of their respective categories, and also named the BlueTEC clean diesel system their pick for Technology of the Year. L’Annuel de L’Automobile named the S-Class the Best Luxury Car over $100k and the C-Class as best luxury car under $50k.

It was another exciting year for smart. The brand celebrated its tenth year anniversary since its global market launch and its 4th successful year in the Canadian marketplace. Natural Resources Canada presented the smart fortwo an ecoENERGY for Vehicles award for being the most fuel efficient vehicle in the two-seater category. smart also continued its Test Drive Tour in Eastern Canada with a three city program in Qu©bec, Montreal and Ottawa.

The award-winning 4MATICâ„¢ permanent all-wheel-drive system was added as standard equipment to the CL550 4MATIC for 2009, replacing the rear wheel drive model. Now available in four passenger car Classes (C-, E-, S-, and CL-Class), and across the entire luxury light truck vehicle range in all SUV classes, (M-, R-, GL-, G-Class, and for 2010 the GLK-Class), the 4MATICâ„¢ system offers drivers maximum confidence and handling control by delivering optimal traction on any road condition. A ratio of 75.6% C-Class, 84.4% E-Class, 93.1% S-Class were sold as 4MATICâ„¢ models. Total 4MATICâ„¢ volume represented 65.6% of overall 2008 sales across all model lines this year, excluding smart. Customer Satisfaction remained a key focus area for Mercedes-Benz Canada in 2008. The Mercedes-Benz Excellence Program was launched in 2007 to maximize an all-encompassing ownership experience for customers, and this important program was continued through 2008 to ensure satisfaction at every level of the corporate and dealership organizations.

Several new dealership facilities were opened including: Duval Mercedes-Benz in Boucherville, QC, Franke Ste-Agathe in Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, QC, Mercedes-Benz Durham in Whitby, ON, M-B Oakville Autohaus in Oakville, ON, and Mercedes-Benz Saskatoon in Saskatoon, SK. In addition, the complete rebuilding and expansion of the flagship Mercedes-Benz Downtown store on Dundas Street East in Toronto was completed. In Vancouver, the Richmond and the North Vancouver dealerships are in the midst of overall facelifts. Construction has also started for the new dealerships of Van Herpt Motors in Kingston, ON, Garden MotorCar in Burlington, ON, and Performance Cars Ltd. in St. Catharines, ON.

President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Marcus Breitschwerdt, remarked: “Our whole team looks proudly back at 2008; it was another exceptional year for Mercedes-Benz Canada, but one that will definitely be remembered in the company’s history for setting an historic milestone with more than 20,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold. My sincere thanks and appreciation go out to our entire dealer network and to all the employees who worked tirelessly to exceed customer expectations throughout the year in order to achieve these outstanding results.”

He adds, “Our entire product lineup continues to be well-positioned in the market and is supported by competitive programs that offer exceptional value for our customers. As 2008 draws to an end and we start another exciting year, I’d like to express my gratitude to all of our valued customers and reiterate my commitment to all existing and potential customers that our focus for 2009 and beyond will be to offer the highest level of customer satisfaction possible in every aspect of the purchase and ownership experience. With our industry leading product portfolio and unwavering focus on excellence at every level, I am truly excited at the prospect for 2009.”

Mercedes-Benz sales for 2008 in Canada have already beaten the sales total for the whole of 2007 – and there is still a whole quarter to go.   We have already heard that sales south of the border in the U.S. have slipped slightly, but in the Great White North the record run has continued.

Diesel sales were very strong, reflecting continuing concerns about gasoline prices. 4-Matic sales were also impressive, perhaps helped along by memories of last winter’s atrocious weather conditions.

Press release in full after the break.

October 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best September, best third quarter and surpasses 2007 year-end sales results

TORONTO, ON – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today its best September ever with a total of 2,101 Mercedes-Benz and smart combined units registered for the month. This is up 741 units or 54.5% compared to September 2007, and brings the year-to-date total to 18,573 units; an increase of 33.3% compared to this time last year and enough to already surpass total year-end sales results for 2007 with one quarter still remaining.

A total of 1,800 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered in September. This represents the best September ever, a gain of 471 units or a 35.4% increase compared to September 2007 and pushes the year-to-date growth to 30.9%.

smart also reported its best September ever with a total of 301 smart fortwos delivered in the month. Year-to-date smart has sold a total of 3,152 units, up 45.9% from this time last year.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and R-Class model sales contributed to September’s success. The award-winning C-Class continued to be an outstanding seller, ahead 388 units for the month of September. Retail deliveries of the B-Class were up an impressive 56.3% for the month, and sales of the luxurious M-Class and spacious R-Class remained strong and showed a gain of 21.4% and 30.8% respectively for the month. The company’s diesel sales ratio was 43.0% for the month while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 61.2% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales of 1,391 units were ahead by 430 units, a 44.7% gain for the month and up 35.3% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class continued to perform very well with 409 units sold in the month of September. Light trucks have grown 18.4% so far this year with 3,567 units delivered.

On the pre-owned side, the company reported 648 Mercedes-Benz units delivered for the month of September, up 141 units from September 2007 and bringing the year to date total to 5,519 units which represents an increase of 17.6%.

“To surpass last year’s total sales by the end of the third quarter is an exciting accomplishment and another milestone in what has already become a banner year for Mercedes-Benz,” said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. “Our strong sales results and steady momentum demonstrate that Canadians are continuing to put their confidence in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and this is something that our dealerships and each and every employee across Canada has contributed to and should be very proud of. From our advanced BlueTEC clean diesel SUVs to the host of face-lifted models and the unprecedented value offered in all of our 2009 vehicles, there has never been a more exciting time for our existing and potential customers to visit a Mercedes-Benz dealership.”

Mercedes-Benz Canada reached the half-way point of 2008 by beating the best first half ever, the best second quarter ever, and the best June ever. As their rivals falter, the three-pointed star continues to surge ahead.

Press release in full after the break.

July 2, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best June, best second quarter and strongest first half year sales ever

Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today its best June ever with a total of 2,516 units registered for the month. Second quarter results were also the best ever with 7,376 units delivered, up 1,645 units or 28.7% compared to second quarter 2007. The June results bring the year-to-date total to 12,125 units; an increase of 24.9% compared to last year at this time and the best sales for the first half of any year in the company’s history.

A total of 2,105 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered in June, representing a gain of 669 units or a 46.6% increase compared to June 2007 and bringing year-to-date growth to 25.8%. A total of 411 smart fortwos were sold in June, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,964 units, up 20.2% from last year at this time. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales of 2,516 units represents an increase of 613 units or gains of 32.2% for the month.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to June’s success. The next generation All-New C-Class accounted for an impressive 845 units. The M-Class and the GL-Class retail deliveries were up respectively by 36.5% and 54.2% in June. The company’s diesel sales ratio was 61.2% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 61.9% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales of 1651 units were ahead by 566 units, a 52.2% gain for the month and up 28.6% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class performed very well again in June with 454 sales and a gain of 29.3% compared to June 2007 results. Light trucks have shown a growth of 17.1% so far this year with 2,285 units delivered.

On the pre-owned side, the company reported 604 Mercedes-Benz units for the month of June. For the first half of 2008 3,681 pre-owned units have been delivered to customers. This represents an 18.8% increase against year-to-date June 2007 results and is another record for Mercedes-Benz Canada.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said,” We’ve reached the half way point of 2008 and Mercedes-Benz Canada continues to break records. Selling over 12,100 units in six months is a significant accomplishment that we should all be very proud of. These results speak volumes to our exciting product range and also our dedicated team of professionals who have worked hard to achieve these remarkable results. It also shows the tremendous positive impact of the huge investments into the dealerships and the network that our dealers and Mercedes-Benz Canada have made over the last year. The year-to-date accomplishment augurs well as we enter the second half of this very exciting year.”

Unfortunately the actual report is subscription only, but Mercedes-Benz UK summarized the findings. The official press release is after the break.

E-Class and C-Class score well in satisfaction poll
June 27th, 2008
The latest reliability poll from Which? magazine revealed that the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was the best luxury car on the market.

According to the poll, 89 per cent of customers owning an E-Class were pleased with the model and the brand.

Owners of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class were particularly pleased with their car.

A total of 91 per cent said they were happy with the model, which is unsurprising, considering its exceptional sales record and five-star Euro NCAP safety rating for adults.

Overall, the Which? revealed that the brand has shown great improvement in sales and servicing.

The survey asks 90,000 drivers what they think of their new cars and a total of 78 per cent of Mercedes-Benz drivers said the brand was dependable.

Customers are becoming increasingly pleased with the service they are receiving from the brand and with new models and technological innovations arriving on the market, this is likely to continue.

After 4 months of record-breaking success, one might have expected sales to slow a little given the price of fuel and worries over the economy. Not so in Canada. In fact, May was yet another record breaking month.

May 2008 was the best ever month for Mercedes-Benz in Canada. The new-for-2008 C-Class beat the May 2007 sales by an astonishing 350%. Overall, Mercedes-Benz car sales were up by 45% compared to the previous May.

Press release in full after the break.

June 3, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best month ever with 2, 632 units

TORONTO, ON – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that an all-time record-breaking total of 2,632 units were registered for the month of May. It is the first time in Mercedes-Benz Canada’s history that it reports more than 2,000 Mercedes-Benz units in a month and also the first time that the group sells more than 2,500 combined Mercedes-Benz and smart models in one month.

On the Mercedes-Benz side, a monthly record of 2,192 units were delivered, representing a gain of 678 units or a 44.8% increase compared to May 2007 while we saw a year-to-date growth of 21.3%. A total of 440 smart fortwos were reported sold in May which brings the year-to-date total to 1,553 units, up by 33.1%. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales at 2,632 units represents an increase of 586 units or gains of 28.6% for the month and an impressive five month cumulative total of 9,609 units or an increase of 23.1% on a year-to-date basis.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to this May’s success. The next generation All-New 2008 C-Class accounted for more than 900 units, up by almost 350%. The B-Class and the M-Class retail deliveries were up respectively by 16.7% and 27.9% in May. The company’s diesel sales ratio was 59.8% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 63.2% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales were ahead by 622 units, a 55.5% gain for the month and ahead by 23.5% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class performed again very well in May with 450 sales and a gain of 14.2% compared to May 2007 results; the light trucks have shown a growth of 14.4% so far for the year with 1,831 units.

On the pre-owned side, the company reported 707 Mercedes-Benz units for the month. For the first five months of this year, 2,768 pre-owned units have been retailed which represents a 21.8% increase against year-to-date May 2007 results.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said, ” It is the first time in Mercedes-Benz Canada’s history that we break the 2,000-unit monthly threshold for the Mercedes-Benz brand and also the first time that we surpass the 2,500-unit mark for the group. To say that we are pleased would be an understatement; 2,632 units including smart is a significant achievement. I would like to thank once again every single member of our organization – in every dealership, retail store, regional office, and also at our headquarter; I know how hard everyone has worked this month to make these results come to fruition. I also want to thank our customers for the confidence they expressed by buying our product. We will live up to their expectation and do everything we can to satisfy every single one of them.”

Much of this success was due to strong diesel sales. If Benz would just roll out diesel across all their models….

How long can the growth continue?  Ontario, Canada’s largest market, may be heading into recession so it can’t last forever, but so far so good for 2008.

Press release in full after the break:

May 1, 2008

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports best month ever

TORONTO, ON (May 1, 2008) – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today two milestone records in the company’s history. April 2008 results accounted for the best month ever reported for Mercedes-Benz sales with 1,869 units and combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales were tallied at a record-breaking best ever level of 2,228 units.

On the Mercedes-Benz side, a monthly record of 1,869 units were delivered, representing a gain of 339 units or a 22.2% increase compared to April 2007 while we saw a year-to-date growth of 738 units or a gain of 14.4%. A total of 359 smart fortwos were reported sold in April, up by 42.5%. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales at 2,228 units showed an increase of 446 units or gains of 25% for the month and 21.1% on a year-to-date basis.

Not surprisingly, the entire product portfolio performed extremely well in April. More than 800 C-Class were delivered in April, up by 126.8% against last year’s April sales. Mercedes-Benz Canada dominated once again the high luxury segment with a solid growth rate of S-Class, SL-Class and CL-Class sales that also contributed to a balanced model mix for the month.

The company’s diesel sales ratio was 53.6% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 65.8% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales were ahead by 28.6% or 323 units for the month and ahead by 564 units or 14.4% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, brisk M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class sales were an important factor in the month’s overall success story and also surpassed April 2007 sales levels by 4%; the light trucks showed a growth of 14.4% in the first trimester.

The company also reported a best ever April with 718 pre-owned Mercedes-Benz units for the month, an increase of 101 units or an increase of 16.4 %. On a year-to-date basis, pre-owned deliveries were up by 28.6%.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said, “It is extremely rewarding for all of us to see monthly sales levels in excess of 2,200 units for the first time ever. While our product portfolio is certainly a key factor in our success, it is important to mention that our competitive sales programs combined with very keen dealer personnel across the country have been instrumental in helping us achieve these significant record-breaking results. It is also important to note that our extensive “green” line-up, namely the smart fortwo, the E320 BlueTEC and our M-Class, GL-Class and R-Class CDI diesel models continue to perform at an outstanding rate, month after month. “

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.”

Here is the official press release:

Mercedes-Benz reports best February ever

Combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales up by 28.9%

TORONTO, ON (March 3, 2008) – Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a record-breaking total of 1,390 units were registered for the month of February. On the Mercedes-Benz side, a monthly record of 1,196 units were delivered, representing a gain of 212 units or a 21.5% increase compared to February 2007 while we saw a year-to-date growth of 23%. A total of 194 smart fortwos were reported sold in February, up by 106.4%. The combined Mercedes-Benz and smart sales showed an increase of 312 units or gains of 28.9% for the month and 33.5% on a year-to-date basis.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to this February’s success. The next generation All-New 2008 C-Class accounted for 460 units, up by 51.3%. The S-Class and the M-Class retail deliveries were up respectively by 24.6% and 51.3% in February. The company’s diesel sales ratio was 57.6% for the month while the permanent all-wheel drive 4MATICâ„¢ units accounted for 66% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car sales were ahead by a 20.5% for the month and ahead by 364 units or 26.8% on a year-to-date basis.

On the luxury light truck side, the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class continued to perform very well in February with 316 sales and a gain of 24.4% compared to February 2007 results; the light trucks have shown a growth of 12.4% so far for the year.

The company also reported a best ever February with 523 pre-owned Mercedes-Benz units for the month, an important gain of 152 units or an increase of 41 % compared to the first two months of 2007. These results corroborated consumer confidence in the company’s competitive pre-owned programs.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada said, “It is encouraging to see that our 2007 growth is already being trumped by some stunning sales numbers in early 2008. The B-Class starting at $29,900 and the All-New C-Class starting at $35,800 accounted for almost 650 units this month. The impressive standard features of these two models coupled with their aggressive pricing have certainly contributed to driving new well-informed consumers into our dealerships as they seek a combination of quality, performance and outstanding value. We continued to see strong results in E-Class, S-Class and SUVs in February. The smart fortwo sales more than doubled this February. All in all, I am pleased with this early report card and yet another month of several all-time records.”