Mercedes-Benz Canada reports its best April ever

TORONTO, May 3 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a total of 2,982 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles were delivered to customers in April. This represents the best April ever, a month-over-month increase of 18.5%, and a gain of 25.1% or 1,940 units on a year-to-date basis.

A total of 2,672 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed throughout the month, which is also a best April ever and propels year-to-date growth to 24.7%. Passenger car sales were up 25.4% for the month at 1,586 vehicles, while luxury light trucks showed an 8.4% increase on a monthly basis with 1,086 units sold. Year-to-date, passenger car and luxury light truck sales are ahead 21.1% or 907 units and 30.4% or 833 units respectively.

Strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales underpinned April's success. The E-Class and GLK-Class both recorded significant milestones in April by each reporting its best all-time month. In addition, C-Class sales remained extremely buoyant with 772 units retailed, and GL-Class sales were ahead 41.6% for the month and by an impressive 89.9% year-to-date.

The diesel take rate was 73.3% in April, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 76.8% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 205 deliveries in April.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales continued to show positive momentum with a total of 105 units sold for the month.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-owned sales reported their best month ever with 972 vehicles, which represents an increase of 223 units or 30% for the month and a gain of 28% or 636 units year-to-date.

"Our BlueTEC cleanest diesel engine is well-suited to Canadian driving patterns, and the sustained, significant retail numbers for this advanced powerplant demonstrate that our customers continue to recognize the myriad of benefits it offers including: excellent fuel economy, exceptional range, low emissions and high output and torque," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "In addition, another important ratio to note is the percentage of Mercedes-Benz vehicles that are equipped with our award-winning 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system. In April, over three-quarters of the Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold were equipped with 4MATIC, and the fact that this ratio remains relatively consistent throughout the year emphasizes that the advantages of this sophisticated, light weight system extend well beyond one season to deliver optimal traction and handling control any time of the year."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 26,942 vehicles in 2009, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For further information: JoAnne Caza, [phone], [email protected]; Michael Minielly, [phone], [email protected]; Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca