Mercedes-Benz starts the year with a new sales record

TORONTO - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported that a total of 1,178 Mercedes-Benz vehicles were delivered to customers in January, representing a 10.3% increase compared to January 2008 and the best January ever for the Mercedes-Benz brand.

In addition, smart reported 90 vehicles sold throughout the month, pushing the total Mercedes-Benz and smart combined units registered to 1,268.

Very strong B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLK-Class and M-Class model sales contributed to January's success. With 237 units delivered to customers, the all-new 2010 GLK-Class was an exceptional seller in the first month that it was available in Canada. The C-Class also continued its impressive run, with 432 units retailed throughout the month of January.

Overall, the luxury light truck side posted impressive growth; ahead 88.1% compared to January 2008. The diesel sales ratio was 36.8% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 77.9% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart). On the pre-owned side, the company reported 426 Mercedes-Benz units delivered for the month of January.

"I am proud to see that our customers recognize the unmatched value, safety and prestige offered by Mercedes-Benz vehicles," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "Continued strong sales of the B-Class, C-Class and E-Class, and outstanding sales of our exciting range of premium SUVs, which has been further strengthened with the launch of the GLK-Class, shaped our sales story for this first month of 2009."