Mercedes-Benz has reported its highest February on record with sales of 1,080 new vehicles, an increase of 12.7 per cent over the previous February. The record month brings year-to-date total sales for Mercedes-Benz in Australia to 2,146 new vehicles, an increase of 20 per cent over last year.

Stronger customer demand for Mercedes-Benz products in the small car segment, such as the recently released compact sports tourer B-Class, and luxury four wheel drive segment, for the new ML-Class off-roader, helped push the brand into record territory last month.

Sales of the ML-Class jumped 218 per cent last month (+131 units) as the company worked to meet growing demand for its popular model in the luxury four-wheel drive segment, particularly with diesel customers. Over forty per cent of ML-Class customers opted for the new diesel-powered ML 320 CDI last month.

The all new B-Class, which brings Mercedes levels of safety, refinement and design to the growing small car segment, was the second major contributor to the brand’s sales increase last month (+79 units). Not to be outdone, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class continued its growing appeal in the small car segment increasing sales (+55 units) by 137.5 per cent over last February.

Mercedes-Benz has witnessed a 335 per cent increase in customer demand for its products in the small car segment over last February, thanks to the introduction of the new A-Class and B-Class.

In volume terms, the stylish CLS-Class four door coupe introduced mid way through last year (+44 units) and new Viano large people mover (+13 units) were also welcome additions to the Mercedes-Benz model family. The CLS-Class helped Mercedes-Benz increase sales by 20 per cent last month in the large segment (over $80,000), over last February.

February also saw the launch of the all-new S-Class with the first customers taking delivery mid-month. Sales of the Mercedes flagship vehicle were up 32.3 per cent over last February and will continue to rise as vehicles arrive from Germany. Compared to January, S-Class sales were up by 412 per cent.

The strong February sales performance comes off the back of a successful 2005 for the company. In 2005, for the fourth straight year, Australians bought more Mercedes-Benz luxury cars than any other luxury brand, according to official industry VFACTS sales figures. The Stuttgart manufacturer delivered 12,090 passenger cars in Australia during 2005, compared to 11,473 passenger cars for its nearest competitor. In addition to passenger car sales, Mercedes delivered 1,240 luxury four-wheel-drives. Total Mercedes-Benz brand sales of 13,330 vehicles during 2005 represented 615 additional deliveries compared to 2004; a 5 per cent growth in sales.

2006 Mercedes-Benz ML-Class

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