• Mercedes-Benz delivered nearly 59,600 units for a sales increase of 122% in the first half of the year in Mainland China, where the three-pointed star remained the premium brand with the strongest growth
• More than 13,500 units sold in Mainland China in June, representing a sales growth of 164% year-on-year and Mercedes-Benz's highest monthly sales ever since entering China, as well as the third consecutive month of deliveries exceeding 10,000 units
• Leading the performance in the first six months was the all-new E-Class, contributing almost one-third of the three-pointed star's total sales with almost 18,020 units

Beijing, July 7, 2010 – Mercedes-Benz witnessed another record-breaking month in Mainland China, selling more than 13,500 units of Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach in June to achieve a sales growth of 164% year-on-year – marking its highest monthly sales ever since entering China and the third consecutive month of deliveries exceeding 10,000 units. With such relentless growth, the luxury automaker increased 122% in the first half of the year to total nearly 59,600 units. Leading this success was the all-new E-Class, contributing almost one-third of the three-pointed star's deliveries to help it remain the premium brand with the strongest growth in China –a key factor in the automaker's record-breaking global sales in June.

"With the summer months bringing with them the highest of temperatures, Mercedes-Benz has also been quickly heating up in China, as demonstrated by our exceptional growth and unprecedented sales achievements in the first half year." said Mr. Klaus Maier, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "Such outstanding sales performances time and time again reinforce our confidence in the market, and we believe we will witness continued success that goes above and beyond our initial expectations for the year in China."

Following an advanced upgrade of the new generation S-Class earlier this year, the model has retained its position as a leading vehicle choice among top elites. This flagship model's June sales exceeded 2,220 and grew 65%, which contributed to first half sales of more than 9,170 units and a growth of 41%. Such a strong performance further solidifies China as its largest market in the world.

The all-new E-Class was once again the automaker's top-selling model, with sales in the first half of the year totaling nearly 18,020 units – and almost 5,050 sold in June alone. Making up nearly one-third of Mercedes-Benz's total sales in the first half of the year, the "World's Best Business Sedan" demonstrated its popularity among Chinese business elites. The model is set to become even more successful with last month's launch of the new Long-wheel-base E-Class – locally-produced and tailor-made to reflect the automaker's awareness of the habits and needs of the Chinese market. Offering an extra 140 millimeters of legroom compared with the saloon model sold in the rest of the world, the new model will further satisfy China's business elites while demonstrating Mercedes-Benz's long-term commitment to the Chinese market.

Specially designed according to the unique demands of young elite customers, the locally-produced C-Class maintained its excellent sales performance with a sales growth of 65% in the first half of the year, further strengthening its leading position in the medium luxury car segment. C-Class just launched its newest family member in China with the C180 K Classic, this new model not only became the first vehicle offered by a luxury automaker with a 1.6-liter engine, but also the only luxury vehicle to enjoy both the RMB 3,000 cash subsidy for its low displacement and the existing purchase tax relief for 1.6-liter and below passenger vehicles in China – thus further demonstrating the eco-friendly and low-carbon leadership of the three-pointed star.

As always, Mercedes-Benz's SUV family played a pivotal role in Mercedes-Benz's performance in the first half of the year, with the entire lineup achieving a growth of approximately 80% year-on-year to mark total sales of 12,610. The M-Class led as the family's bestseller, with sales in the first half of the year exceeding 4,340 units. Additionally, mid-sized luxury GLK-Class maintained its growing momentum for the first half of the year with an increase of 116% to sell more than 4,010 units. The R-Class once again solidified China as its largest market in the world, with almost 3,070 units sold and a sales growth of 32%. The G-Class also remained popular among off-road enthusiasts, with a tremendous growth in June and the first half year, while the GL-Class saw a 25% increase in the first six months.

With summer cranking up the heat, the sports car family also posted a strong performance in June, helping the entire lineup achieving a two-fold sales growth year-on-year in the first six months. The all-new E-Class Coupé further demonstrated its success as the "World's Best Looking Coupé" to become the top-selling model in the entire sports car lineup, while the CLS-Class marked a sales growth of 184% year-on-year in the first six months. The exclusive two-seater roadster SLK-Class saw a growth of 42% in the first half year, and will surely experience added popularity with this month's launch of the eye-catching SLK Grand Edition. Meanwhile, the CL-Class and SL-Class also soared 64% and 52% year-on-year respectively.

Luxury sports tourer B-Class continued its steady momentum, selling more than 3,750 units for a growth of 226% 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.

Additionally, smart's confident lifestyle and eco-friendly technologies further appealed to stylish and passionate individuals, with a growth of 72% year-on-year in the first six months. Mercedes-Benz's high performance brand AMG tripled in growth and posted a record-breaking delivery of 131 units in June – its highest monthly sales ever since its entrance in the China market in 2007.