TORONTO - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported that a total of 1,978 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were registered in July. This represents a 9.5% increase compared to the July 2008 sales of 1,807 units, and the best July ever for the Mercedes-Benz brand. Year-to-date, the Mercedes-Benz side is ahead 16.5% with a total of 13,947 units retailed. smart reported a total of 290 cars sold, pushing total Mercedes-Benz and smart combined units delivered to 2,268 for the month while combined year-to-date sales are ahead by 6.8% at 15,411 units.

Strong C-Class, E-Class Coupe, GLK-Class, M-Class and GL-Class model sales contributed to July's success. Sales of the sporty and luxurious C-Class continued to grow and were ahead 10.7% compared to July 2008. The GLK-Class also remained an outstanding seller with 432 units delivered throughout the month.

Overall, the luxury light truck side continued to build positive momentum in July with 756 units delivered to customers. This represents a 50.3% increase compared to the 503 units sold in July 2008, and 95.1% growth for the segment so far this year with 5,438 deliveries.

The diesel sales ratio was 69.2% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 70.5% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

A total of 768 Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered for the month of July. This represents an increase of 25.0% from July 2008, and brings total 2009 Pre-owned sales to 4,663 units, a 12.0% increase over this time last year.

"With another month of positive sales growth the Mercedes-Benz star continues to shine bright in Canada. We continued to build tremendous momentum as we started the second half of this record-breaking year, and our collective determination to exceed customer expectations in every way remains our clear focus for the remainder of the year and beyond," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "The launch of the striking new 2010 E-Class Coupe demonstrates the latest in technological innovation and the dramatic new design language for the brand. I am extremely pleased that this vehicle has been so well received by Canadians in its first month of sales."

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 1,050 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 38 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 24,117 vehicles in 2008, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.