Mercedes-Benz Cars Worldwide Sales Increase 13 Percent In June 2010

Last month, Mercedes-Benz recorded the best month of June in the history of the company: With 113,300 units delivered (2009: 100,300), sales increased 13 percent worldwide, surpassing expectations. In the first half of the year, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were up 15 percent compared to the result in the same period last year, with 556,700 vehicles (2009: 483,300) handed over to customers.

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In June we succeeded in boosting our sales by a double-digit percentage for the eighth time in a row. With growth of 15 percent, we successfully mastered the first half of the year. Compared to last year, our sales were up in every region, the main growth drivers were the E- and S-Class. We are also in an excellent position to do well in the months ahead and plan to continue Mercedes-Benz’ success with a significant increase in the third quarter.” The basis for this remains above all the E-Class and S-Class as well as the positive development of Mercedes-Benz in its two biggest foreign markets, the United States and China.

A key factor for the record-breaking sales in June was the rapid growth in China, where Mercedes-Benz was the premium brand with the strongest growth. Last month 13,700 passenger cars (June 2009: 4,900) were sold in the country, a sales increase of 177 percent. During the first six months of the year sales rose by 120 percent to 60,500 units (2009: 27,500). In the other BRIC countries – Brazil (plus 73 percent), Russia (plus 76 percent) and India (plus 83 percent) – a growth rate in the high double digits was recorded last month. This applies accordingly for the first half of the year. In the Asia/Pacific region, sales in Japan climbed by 27 percent last month, and by 15 percent in the first half of the year. In South Korea, Mercedes-Benz was able to more than double sales in June (plus 174 percent) and also during the first half of the year. Since the beginning of 2010, Mercedes-Benz has also posted strong sales increases in Australia (plus 22 percent) and in the World Cup host country, South Africa, (plus 23 percent).

Also contributing greatly to the improved sales results was the continuing strong demand in the U.S., where Mercedes-Benz was the fastest-growing premium brand in June. Sales rose by 21 percent to 18,300 units (2009: 15,200). Sales in the first half of the year totaled 103,700 passenger cars (2009: 85,100), an increase of 22 percent. Mercedes-Benz has thus been the German premium brand with the highest sales volume in the U.S. since the beginning of this year. In Canada, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars totaled 14,300 units (2009: 12,000) since the beginning of this year, a 19 percent increase on last year’s result.

In Western Europe (not including Germany) sales in the first half of 2010 were up seven percent to 152,300 units (2009: 142,900). Sales growth was for example recorded in the UK (plus nine percent), Spain (plus 12 percent), the Netherlands (plus 26 percent), and Portugal (plus 42 percent). Sales figures in June were particularly positive in Italy, where sales increased by 18 percent.

In June, Mercedes-Benz increased its market share in Germany. With the highest market share in the premium segment, it remains the strongest brand on the domestic market. In the first half of 2010, in a sharply decreasing overall market, a total of 122,500 passenger cars (2009: 131,000) were delivered to customers (minus seven percent).

Among the model ranges, growth in the first half of 2010 was driven mainly by the E-Class and S-Class. The E-Class sedan continues to be the Number one in its segment, posting a 62 percent increase in sales during the first six months of 2010, to 101,700 units. Compared to the same period last year, more than twice as many units of the new estate were delivered to customers (plus 124 percent). Thanks to growth of 29 percent, sales of S-Class sedan reached 30,500 units. In June, the sedan was the market leader in its segment, and posted a 51 percent sales increase. With the market launch of the new generation of the CL-Class at the beginning of July, the S-Class adds an attractive member to its model family. Sales of the C-Class sedan and the estate rose by five percent in the first half of the year. The C-Class sedan also led the way in its segment in June. In the SUV segment, Mercedes-Benz increased its sales by ten percent in the first six months of the year.

A total of 9,600 (June 2009: 11,000) smart fortwo were delivered worldwide in June (minus 13 percent). The company expects that the model update, which will be presented to the media for the first time in July, will give sales a boost.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars