Mercedes-Benz Cars delivers 90,900 vehicles to customers in April

    *      Mercedes-Benz sells 80,700 passenger vehicles
    *      Best monthly sales figure of all time for Mercedes-Benz in China
    *      New E-Class is market leader in Germany in April
    *      Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID: the luxury segment’s CO2 emissions champion


In April, Mercedes-Benz Cars delivered 90,900 Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles (April 2008: 119,000, minus 24 percent) to customers worldwide

The Mercedes-Benz brand sold 80,700 vehicles in April (April 2008: 105,400). This represents a 23 percent decline from the same month last year, which was the brand’s all-time sales record for the month of April. The decline in April was due to the ongoing weakness of nearly all markets. In addition, the new E-Class is not yet available in all markets. Furthermore, the month of April had two fewer working days this year because of Easter.

Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Thanks to the E-Class, we achieved first positive sales effects in April. The new E-Class is being very well received by our customers, and in April it was the market leader in its segment in Germany. Following its introduction in important markets such as the U.S. and China, we expect the vehicle’s greater availability to generate an additional sales boost in the coming months.

” In April, Mercedes-Benz also presented the facelifted S-Class and the new S 400 HYBRID, which have been available for ordering since the beginning of the month. Dr. Klaus Maier: “The S 400 HYBRID is not only the first series-produced Mercedes-Benz passenger car with a hybrid drive but also the CO2 champion in the luxury class. Even prior to its facelift, the S-Class sedan was the market leader in the luxury segment in April.”

In China, Mercedes-Benz sold more vehicles in April than ever before. Deliveries of the brand rose by 59 percent to 5,600 units (April 2008: 3,500). As a result, Mercedes-Benz continues to be the fastest-growing premium brand in China. In Brazil, Mercedes-Benz recorded a sales increase of 48 percent in the first four months of the year, delivering 1,500 passenger vehicles to customers (same period of 2008: 1,000). Despite a rapidly contracting market (minus 34 percent), Mercedes-Benz was again able to gain market share in the U.S. in April, selling a total of 14,600 vehicles (April 2008: 20,300, minus 28 percent). In Canada, the brand boosted sales by 21 percent in April, and the resulting record level of 2,300 vehicles (April 2008: 1,900) put it ahead of its competitors in the premium class.

The CLC sports coupé continued to sell very well in April. Deliveries totaled 2,000 units, representing a more than fivefold increase in sales of the CLC. The current generation of the C-Class sedan continues to lead its market segment in the third year of its lifecycle. The customer response to the new GLK has been very positive, and 25,600 units have been delivered to customers worldwide since the compact SUV was launched on the market in fall 2008. The new fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel engine has been available in the new GLK since the end of March.

Another new model will be hitting showrooms in Western Europe this weekend. The new E-Class coupé will be available shortly after its market launch with Mercedes-Benz’ new fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel engine in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY variant. With fuel consumption of only 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers and emissions of just 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is one of the most economical automobiles in its class.

Since the beginning of the year, customers have bought 39,000 smart fortwos (same period of 2008: 42,500, minus eight percent). The smart fortwo is now in the third year of its lifecycle. Last month the innovative two-seater celebrated its market launch in China at the Shanghai Auto Show. The smart fortwo is now available in a total of 41 markets.


Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars
   
April 2009* Change in % January–April 2009 Change in % Mercedes-Benz
   
80,700 -23.4 296,700 -24.9 smart**
   
10,200 -25.2 39,100 -8.4 Mercedes-Benz Cars
   
90,900 -23.6 335,800 -23.3 Western Europe
   
53,300 -27.2 194,700 -25.8 of which Germany
   
25,000 -29.6 85,700 -21.7 NAFTA
   
18,800 -27.1 70,700 -24.3 of which U.S.
   
15,900 -30.7 61,100 -27.4 Asia/Pacific
   
12,500 +3.8 46.800 -8.5 - of which Japan
   
1,300 -50.2 9,200 -33.9  of which China
   
5,600 +58.9 17,400 +32.3

* In 2009, April had two fewer working days than in the previous year
** smart brand sales include the smart roadster and the smart forfour



-  Verena Müller -