Mercedes-Benz Canada surpasses previous all-time February sales records

TORONTO, March 2 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a record-breaking total of 2,011 Mercedes-Benz and smart units were registered throughout the month. This represents a 28.9% increase compared to February 2009, and the best February ever for the Mercedes-Benz Canada group. Year-to-date, sales for the group have increased 31% or 876 units with 3,704 vehicles delivered to customers.

A total of 1,840 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were delivered for the month. This also represents the best February ever and a gain of 421 units or 29.7% year-over-year. Total Mercedes-Benz passenger car and luxury light truck sales have increased 31.7% or 824 units on a year-to-date basis.

With 1123 units sold, total passenger car sales were up 25.8% or 230 units in February. Luxury light trucks also reported an increase of 36.3% or 191 units with 717 units retailed for the month. Passenger car sales are ahead 18.9% year-to-date, while the luxury light trucks side is up 53.8% so far this year.

Strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class model sales underpinned February's success. C-Class sales remained extremely buoyant, and were up an impressive 72.7% for the month. In addition, CLS-Class, M-Class and GL-Class sales were up 27.3%, 45.7% and 145.7% respectively in February.

The diesel take rate was 72.9% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 79.7% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

smart reported a total of 119 vehicles sold in February.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales totaled 52 units for the month.

Mercedes-Benz Pre-owned sales also reported their best February ever with 534 units delivered. This represents an increase of 111 units, or a 26.2% for the month. Year-to-date, Pre-owned results are ahead 21.3% with 1,036 units delivered to customers.

"We are particularly pleased that our entire product portfolio continues to perform very well with impressive growth on the passenger car side and double-digit sales increases across our entire range of luxury light trucks," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Our products offer unmatched value, while our entire organization and national dealer network remain committed to offering the best ownership experience in the industry as we serve our existing customers and welcome new owners to the Mercedes-Benz family."

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