Mercedes-Benz Canada shatters the 3,000 unit mark in May for the first time
and reports the best month in the company's history

TORONTO, June 1 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a record-breaking total of 3,109 Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles were retailed in May. This represents the best combined sales of any month on record, and an increase of 23.3% compared to May 2009. Year-to-date, combined sales are ahead 24.6% or 2,527 units.

A total of 2,750 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were delivered to customers throughout the month, representing a month-over-month increase of 17.3% and the best month ever for the brand. On a year-to-date basis, Mercedes-Benz passenger car and luxury light truck sales are ahead 2,146 units or 22.6%. Passenger car sales were up 25.4% for the month with 1,728 vehicles sold, and luxury light trucks reported an increase of 5.8% in May with 1,022 units delivered. Year-to-date, passenger car and luxury light truck sales are ahead 22.1% or 1,257 units and 24.0% or 889 units respectively.

Strong C-Class, E-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales underpinned May's successful sales results. With 921 units delivered, C-Class sales were ahead an impressive 35.2% for the month and are up 26.0% year-to-date. In addition, a notable jump in SL-Class sales and excellent numbers for the first month of E-Class Cabriolet sales are clear indicators that the open-top motoring season is in full swing.

The diesel take rate was 77.9% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 74.4% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales in May (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 244 units delivered in May, which represents a 37.1% increase on a monthly basis and the best month for the smart brand year-to-date.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales continued to grow across Canada with a total of 115 units sold for the month.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-owned sales celebrated an important achievement this month by surpassing the 1,000 unit mark for the first time ever. With 1,027 vehicles sold, Pre-owned deliveries were ahead 262 units or 34.2% for the month and 883 units or 29% year-to-date.

"Unprecedented sales momentum and strong performance across our entire product portfolio has helped us to surpass existing sales milestones and set new benchmarks," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "With the introduction of the E-Class Cabriolet and the SLS AMG this month, there is a genuine excitement in our dealerships across the country. The elegant new E-Class Cabriolet features the world's first AIRCAP air deflector that significantly reduces wind turbulence inside the luxurious cabin at the touch of a button, and the SLS AMG features a breathtaking design, unmatched handling and the hallmark gullwing doors. Both vehicles are shining examples of how the three pointed star continues to push innovation while offering some of the best and most advanced technologies in the 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