Mercedes-Benz Continues to Post Strong Growth, with Sales up 18 Percent in May

In May, Mercedes-Benz continued the dynamic sales growth of the prior months, increasing sales by 18 percent to 101,400 vehicles (May 2009: 86,300).

"Mercedes-Benz was able to grow faster than the overall market in May," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. "This excellent sales result keeps us on course for a strong second quarter, in which we will post double-digit growth. The success of our E-Class and S-Class models allows us to continuously improve our product mix and further improve our position in many markets. In May, our sales in all regions were above the level of the same month last year."

Mercedes-Benz posted the greatest increase in sales in China (including Hong Kong), where the upward trend continues with record sales. Customers bought a total of 11,500 units in May, more than double the figure posted in the same month last year (May 2009: 5,200, plus 121 percent). Sales were also up in other markets in the Asia/Pacific region, with deliveries increasing by 21 percent in Japan and by 13 percent in Australia, where Mercedes-Benz was the market leader in May. Mercedes-Benz posted significant growth in all BRIC countries, with growth particularly strong in Russia (plus 101 percent). In South Africa, Mercedes-Benz was the premium brand with the highest market share and increased sales by 34 percent.