Beijing, September 09, 2011 – Mercedes-Benz continued its positive growth momentum in the first eight months of 2011, witnessing year-to-date deliveries of nearly 123,590 units of Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach in Mainland China and posting record August sales of more than 14,080 passenger vehicles.

"With solid growth of 41% over the first eight months of the year, which has been in line with our own market forecasts, we are confident of reaching our predicted sales target by year end," said Klaus Maier, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. "This favorable growth is expected to continue during the second half of the year, strengthened by our enhanced product portfolio, which includes the launch of four new models at the upcoming Chengdu Motor Show 2011."

Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan, the S-Class, continued to witness strong growth with deliveries of more than 2,200 units in August, contributing to total sales of almost 20,825 units in the first eight months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 48%. With an unwavering popularity amongst Chinese customers, China continues to be the biggest market worldwide for this timeless classic.

The "Best in its class" Long-wheel-base E-Class, posted a robust growth of 287% compared to the same month last year. Following its highly-anticipated launch in mid-July, the new generation C-Class is expected to see a boost in sales in the coming months due to its DNA of intelligence, dynamics and elegance, with a 15.3% month-on-month increase.

Sales of the SUV family continued to soar with a 153% year-on-year increase, led by a surge in sales for the M-Class, which posted deliveries of nearly 1,530 units in August alone, adding to year-to-date deliveries of around 8,980 units, up 72% over the same period last year. The GLK also maintained its position as one of the best-selling SUVs, with sales of over 16,210 units in the first eight months of the year, a growth of 128%. The R-Class also experienced an exceptional performance, with year-to-date deliveries of over 7,780 units, a year-on-year growth of 95%.

The Sports Car family continued its strong growth momentum with a remarkable performance by its best-selling sports car, the E-Coupé, through year-to-date sales of nearly 3,500 units, representing a year-on-year growth of 146%.

The Young Mercedes family once again experienced sales success in August, thanks to the strong growth of smart. With its diverse offering of individualized products, Mercedes-Benz's urban mobility solution once again experienced a solid year-on-year increase of 292%, through deliveries of 7,175 units so far this year, almost quadrupling sales over the same period last year. Sales of the C-Class Estate also swelled, as it posted a 200% growth over the same month last year, bringing total sales over the first eight months of the year to more than 1,980 units. The B-Class was another top-seller, with year-to-date deliveries of over 9,180 units, an increase of 43%.

The high-performance AMG brand once again witnessed another spectacular month of sales, through deliveries of nearly 180 units in August, contributing to year-to-date sales of over 1,280 units in the first eight months, a 50% year-on-year increase. With a more enhanced product portfolio, the three-pointed star looks set to continue its momentum of growth and bring even more customers into the Mercedes-Benz family.