Mercedes-Benz Canada reports its best month ever and the best first quarter
results in the company's history

TORONTO, April 1 /CNW/ - With a total of 2,992 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles delivered to customers throughout the month, Mercedes-Benz Canada shattered numerous all-time sales records and reported March as the best month ever in the company's history. Overall, this represents a 25% increase compared to March 2009 and a gain of 28.3% or 1,475 units year-to-date. At the conclusion of the first quarter of 2010, combined sales for Mercedes-Benz and smart totaled a record-breaking 6,696 units - the strongest first quarter ever for the Mercedes-Benz Canada group.

A total of 2,692 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed in March. This represents the best all-time month for the Mercedes-Benz brand and the new benchmark for monthly sales results. With 1,672 units sold, total passenger car sales were up 19.7% or 275 units. Luxury light trucks also reported significant gains with an increase of 30.1% or 236 units with 1,020 units retailed for the month. On a year-to-date basis, passenger car and luxury light truck sales are ahead 19.3% and 43.1% respectively.

Strong C-Class, SLK-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales underpinned March's success. With 903 units sold, the C-Class maintained its extraordinary momentum and continued to be an outstanding seller. In addition, GL-Class sales were ahead an impressive 94.4% for the month, and the S-Class continued to dominate in the high-end luxury category with an increase of 40% month-over-month.

The diesel take rate was 74.2% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 77.7% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 230 vehicles sold in March. This is ahead 8.5% for the month.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales continued to grow on a monthly basis with a total of 70 units delivered in March.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-owned sales reported their best month in history with 884 vehicles delivered. This represents an increase of 223 units or 33.7% for the month, and propels first quarter total sales to 1,920 - an increase of 26.7% or 405 units over the first quarter of 2009.

"I am thrilled to report March as the best month ever in Mercedes-Benz Canada's history, and even more pleased to note that this sustained momentum has allowed us to close the first quarter of 2010 with our best results ever," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Our entire organization and national dealership network remains committed to making sure that in Canada the three-pointed star is synonymous with fascinating vehicles that offer the best overall ownership experience in the automotive industry."

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