• Mercedes-Benz delivered 74,070 units for a sales increase of 134% in the first seven months of the year in Mainland China – already surpassing its total sales for 2009.
• July marked the fourth consecutive record-breaking month for Mercedes-Benz, with total deliveries of nearly 14,500 units, representing a sales growth of 201% year-on-year.
• Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class delivered over 11,600 units in the first seven months, which once again positions China as its largest market worldwide.
• The "World's Best Business Sedan" E-Class sold more than 5,155 units in July, tallying its total sales in the first seven months nearly 23,190 units.
Beijing, August 9, 2010 – Following remarkable first-half achievements, Mercedes-Benz once again set a record-breaking sales performance in July, delivering nearly 14,500 units Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach units to represent an astounding year-on-year growth of 201%. With four consecutive months of record-breaking sales, the luxury automaker has accumulated total sales of 74,070 vehicles in the seven months of the year, soaring by 134% compared to the same period last year. Always contributing to Mercedes-Benz's success, the S-Class and E-Class once again played pivotal roles in the automaker's achievements in July as both models factored in nearly half of the automaker's total sales during the month.
"We are extremely encouraged that our strong sales momentum has given us a promising start to the second half of the year," said Mr. Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "Our continued record-breaking performances have allowed us to surpass our total sales for 2009, giving us stronger confidence of even more success as we progress into the year, especially as we are set to further enrich our product portfolio to meet the discerning customer needs."
With an illustrious heritage of nearly 60 years, Mercedes-Benz's flagship model S-Class has always been a major contributor to the automaker's success. The S-Class retained its popularity among China's top-elites, as 2,440 units of the model were sold in July alone to represent a 218% growth over the same period last year. To date, the S-Class has garnered total deliveries of over 11,600 units, which once again positions China as its largest market worldwide.
The all-new E-Class also maintained its strong performance, with deliveries of more than 5,155 units in July, tallying its total sales in the first seven months nearly 23,190 units – to maintain its role as Mercedes-Benz's volume leader so far in the year. The recent introduction of the long-wheel-base E-Class, which is specifically tailor-made for Chinese customers, has also been well-received by business elites. With its signature design, comfort and safety features, the locally produced E-Class is set to further lead the "World's Best Business Sedan" to even greater success in the highly competitive segment.
As the main car-of-choice among China's youth elites, the locally produced C-Class extended its domestic prowess with total sales of 2,236 units in July with a growth of 53%. With such relentless growth, the C-Class has risen by 63% in the first seven months to deliver 13,766 sedans. The C-Class is set to continue its growth, especially with the launch of the 1.6-liter C 180K, which has been popular in the mid-luxury segment for its unique combination of luxury and low emissions. Furthermore, C180 K has been given a favorable financial scheme, which will allow more customers to realize their dreams of owning a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, thus further ensuring greater success for the model.
With one of the richest lineups in the segment, Mercedes-Benz's SUV family continued to muscle its way in Mainland China, delivering nearly 15,190 units in the first seven months with a growth of 81% compared to the same period last year. The GLK-Class led the lineup with over 5,400 units to represent a growth of 157% to become the biggest contributor to the SUV lineup. The M-Class also posted a strong year-on-year growth of 103% to 4,870 units, and the R-Class delivered 3,570 units, which once again positions China as its largest market worldwide. The GL-Class maintained its steady growth, while the G-Class continued its appeal to on- and off-road enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz's sports car family also extended its accelerated sales, led by the world's first four-door coupe CLS-Class, which garnered total sales of nearly 1,380 units in the first seven months, trebling its growth compared to the same period last year. The exclusive two-seater roadster SLK-Class also experienced impressive year-on-year growth of 42% so far in the year. Meanwhile, CL-Class and SL-Class continued its momentum with growths of 50% and 46% respectively in the first seven months. As the "World's Best Looking Coupé", the E-Class Coupe maintained its popularity among customers for its unparalleled design and sporty performance. The recently introduced E-Class Cabriolet has also shown its strong potential with its novel "four seasons, four people" concept.
The B-Class experienced an impressive month with close to 1,050 units delivered in July, accumulating its total in the first seven months to nearly 4,800 units for a growth of 193% year-on-year. Meanwhile, following the launch of China's first luxury station wagon last month, the C-Class Estate has already enjoyed success among customers desiring a stylish car that allows for a most leisurely lifestyle.
As the trend of environmentally friendly lifestyle continues to take precedence, smart has also witnessed increasing popularity as the model grew by 65% year-on-year in the first seven months. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz's high performance brand AMG also maintained its appeal among racing enthusiasts with continued growth.