Mercedes-Benz Canada shatters existing sales thresholds to report the company's best June ever and record-breaking half-year results

TORONTO, July 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network reported today that the company has retailed a total of 3,586 Mercedes-Benz and smart units in June. This represents an increase of 9.1% for the month, and propels year-to-date growth to 9.0% with an impressive 18,273 units delivered throughout the first half of 2012. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Canada also celebrated the best second quarter results in the company's history with 10,020 units delivered in the last three months.

A total of 3,035 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were sold in June, which is ahead 8.9% for the month. With 15,944 units delivered year-to-date, overall sales showed a gain of 9.9% or 1,441 units.

Passenger car sales added up to 1,749 units in June, which was ahead 2.4% for the month and fueled by strong C-Class, E-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class and SL-Class sales. An impressive total of 1,126 C-Class Sedans and Coupes were retailed in Canada in June, while S-Class sales were also up a notable 17.6% for the month.

On the luxury light truck side, a total of 1,286 units were delivered. This is up a noteworthy 19.1% for the month, which pushed year-to-date growth to 31.6% or 1,702 units, with 7,092 vehicles sold in the first half of 2012. These record-breaking sales increases can be attributed to particularly strong and sustained demand for the GLK-Class, GL-Class and the all-new M-Class.

The diesel take rate for luxury light trucks was 80.6% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC™ units accounted for 86.6% of overall passenger car and light truck sales in June (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 241 vehicles sold in June, which represents an increase of 12.1%. A total of 957 smart fortwos have been retailed so far in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales posted gains of 9.5% in June with 310 units retailed throughout the month. A total of 1,372 units have been delivered year-to-date, which equates to an increase of 11.4% or 140 units so far in 2012.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division reported 1,417 vehicles retailed, which is the best June ever and equates to a month-over-month growth rate of 5.7%. With full dealer engagement, Certified Pre-Owned sales finished with not only the best June ever recorded, but also the best quarter ever achieved. At the conclusion of the first half of 2012, Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned sales in Canada were ahead 20.2% or 1,234 units with 7,358 vehicles delivered.

"As we look back on the first half of 2012, we are all extremely proud about our many significant accomplishments. Together with our hard-working and incredibly supportive dealer network, we continued to launch fascinating new products and consistently surpassed many sales milestones that were achieved last year," said Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "With 2013 models arriving in dealerships in greater numbers soon coupled with competitive offers from our partners at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, we are entering the second half of the year with continued determination to sustain this exciting momentum."

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.

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

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