Mercedes-Benz Canada reports its best November ever and delivers the first
smart fortwo electric drive vehicles in Canada

TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that the group achieved its best November ever on record with a total of 2,631 Mercedes-Benz and smart units retailed throughout the month. This is up 17.5% compared to November 2009, and propels overall growth to 14.2% with a total of 28,428 vehicles delivered year-to-date.

A total of 2,383 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were retailed in November. This represents the best November ever, a gain of 15.1% compared to November 2009, and overall year-to-date-growth of 13.0% for the brand. Total passenger car sales are ahead by 9.7% or 1,326 units on a year-to-date basis, while luxury light truck sales are up by 18.2% or 1,600 units for the same period.

Strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to November's record-breaking results. Sales of the GLK-Class and M-Class were ahead by an impressive 41.0% and 28.9% respectively for the month.

The diesel take rate was 60.9% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 79.9% of overall passenger car and light truck sales in November (excluding smart).

smart Canada launched the first electric vehicle program designed specifically for automotive retail customers this month with Toronto Hydro, and was pleased to officially mark the beginning of this revolutionary new program by delivering the first smart fortwo electric drive vehicles in Canada. Overall, a total of 136 smart fortwos units were retailed for the month and 1,875 vehicles have been sold so far in 2010.

A total of 112 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter units were delivered to customers throughout November.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-owned sales reported 845 vehicles delivered for the month. This represents an increase of 28.4% or 187 units over November 2009, and overall growth of 27.5% or 2,090 vehicles for national Pre-owned sales year-to-date.

"Our versatile range of fuel efficient BlueTEC cleanest diesel vehicles is very well-suited to Canadian driving patterns and continues to be a popular choice right across the country. This month, we were also extremely proud to provide a glimpse into the future of intelligent, local emission free urban transportation by delivering the first smart fortwo electric drive vehicles to customers in Canada," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Our company's global vision for sustainable mobility encompasses a myriad of forward-thinking solutions and advanced technologies. We will continue to pursue innovation with a sustained, unrelenting focus to ensure that we remain at the forefront of advanced technology and design to offer our customers an unmatched range of fascinating, safe and environmentally responsible vehicles."

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  416-847-7550 joanne.caz[email protected]
Michael Minielly 416-847-7509 michael.[email protected]

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