Mercedes Car Group: Worldwide sales increase by seven percent through April 2006
  • Mercedes Car Group posts record sales of 395,800 units through April
  • Mercedes-Benz presents new generation of the E-Class
  • Demand for S- and M-Class vehicles remains at an all-time high
Stuttgart, May 04, 2006
The Mercedes Car Group sold 100,800 passenger cars of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands in April 2006 (April 2005: 105,700; minus five percent). During the first four months of 2006, deliveries of the Mercedes Car Group rose by seven percent to the record figure of 395,800 vehicles (January-April 2005: 368,600).

In Western Europe, sales increased through April by two percent to 248,100 units. In the U.S., sales rose by 16 percent during this period, reaching the record figure of 72,500 units. The Mercedes Car Group also set a sales record in the Asia/Pacific region, with sales increasing by 23 percent to 44,000 units.

At 91,300 units, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were slightly lower in April than in the same month last year (April 2005: 92,400 units; minus one percent). During the first four months of the year, deliveries of Mercedes-Benz vehicles rose by 12 percent to 357,300 units (January-April 2005: 318,800). Sales are expected to get a further impulse this summer, when the new generation of the E-Class hits European showrooms on June 10.

The S-Class has meanwhile strengthened its position as the world’s best-selling luxury sedan. A total of 32,600 units have been delivered to customers since the beginning of the year, with sales totalling 8,500 vehicles in April alone. During the first quarter, the S-Class also took the lead in the respective diesel segment.

With the launch of the new CL-Class this autumn, Mercedes-Benz will further strengthen its position as the world’s leading supplier of premium and luxury-class coupes. A total of 11,500 CLK coupes have been delivered to customers worldwide since the beginning of the year, making it the most sought-after model in its segment.

The new M-Class also continues to post high growth, with sales of 33,300 units worldwide since January 2006. In Western Europe, the premium off-roader has again been the best-selling vehicle in its class since September 2005.

The two models manufactured at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Rastatt have also been doing very well. While about 100,000 customers have opted for the B-Class since it was introduced in June 2005, almost 300,000 units of the second-generation A-Class have been delivered to customers since fall 2004.

In April, sales at smart amounted to 9,500 vehicles. As a result, smart delivered a total of 38,500 vehicles to customers during the first four months of the year.

Overview of Mercedes Car Group Sales

  April 2006* Change in % Through April 2006 Change in %
Mercedes-Benz 91,300 - 1.2 357,300 + 12.1
smart 9,500 - 28.4 38,500 - 22.7
Mercedes Car Group 100,800 - 4.7 395,800 + 7.4
of which Western Europe (excl. Germany) 37,000 + 1.9 147,700 + 8.0
Germany 25,000 - 29.3

100,400

 - 6.3
United States** 21,300 + 13.1 72,500 + 15.9
Asia/Pacific 9,700 + 15.1 44,000 + 23.4

* April 2006: 18 working days (April 2005: 21 working days)
** Mercedes-Benz passenger cars