Mercedes-Benz Canada reports its best February ever

TORONTO, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network reported today that the company delivered a grand total of 2,393 Mercedes-Benz and smart units throughout the month. This represents the best February on record for the group, and an overall sales increase of 16.8% or 344 units compared to February 2011.

A total of 2,158 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed in February, which is ahead 18.4% or 336 units for the month and also represents the best February ever for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Passenger car sales totaled 1,025 units in February, which was fueled by impressive C-Class, E-Class family and CLS-Class sales. On the luxury light trucks side, a total of 1,133 units were sold. This represents an increase of 424 vehicles or 59.8% compared to 2011 sales figures, and can be attributed to strong performance across the entire luxury light truck vehicle range with particularly significant M-Class and GL-Class sales growth.

The diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 77.1% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 88.2% of overall passenger car and light truck sales in February (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 74 vehicles sold in February, which pushed overall sales growth to 3.2% on a year-to-date basis.

A total of 161 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters were delivered throughout the month. This represents a 5.2% gain for the month, and an increase of 53.6% year-to-date with a total of 358 units retailed in 2012.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division reported 969 vehicles sold, which is the best February ever for Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned sales. This represents an increase of 300 units or 44.8% for the month, and propeled overall growth to 41.3% for 2012 with a grand total of 1,828 Pre-Owned units delivered.

"February was another exceptional month for Mercedes-Benz Canada with continued strong sales momentum across our entire vehicle range, and plenty of interest and excitement regarding the 2012 ML 63 AMG and 2013 SL 550 as both models celebrated their national debuts at the Canadian International AutoShow," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "In addition, smart previewed another forward-thinking concept for urban mobility with the new smart electric bike, and also established a pre-ordering program for the ground-breaking 2013 smart fortwo electric drive due to keen interest in advance of its Canadian launch. The national auto show season continues this month, and we look forward to connecting with existing owners and potential new customers at shows across the country as we proudly display our Mercedes-Benz, smart and AMG product line-up."

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 1,300 people in 19 locations across Canada.  Through a nationwide network of 13 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 40 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 32,914 vehicles in 2011, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

JoAnne Caza  416-847-7550 [email protected]

Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 [email protected]

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca