Mercedes-Benz Mid-East hits new sales record

"This result confirms the position of Mercedes-Benz as the leading supplier of luxury vehicles in the region and proves that we have the right products with the style and performance to delight our customers," said Frank Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East and Levant.

Deliveries of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz C-Class rose by nearly 62 % in 2007 compared to 2006 ending the year at 3,363 compared to the previous year's total of 2,077. The region's favourite luxury premium S-Class range continued to be the region's favourites with sales up nearly 2% to 6,676 v 6,556 the previous year.

The mid-range E-Class also proved to be the family favourite with the Premium Edition introduced at the end of the year proving popular. The E-Class continues to outsell its German competitors across the region.

Other highlights included gains in the luxury SUV segment with the award-winning GL-Class full-size luxury SUV, the ground-breaking R-Class, the ML-Class and the legendary G-Class all performing well. Total SUV delieries were up nearly 9% to 1,785 v 1,630 in 2006.

"Last year the newly introduced C-Class proved a massive hit with our customers who love the choice of a traditional or sporty face," added Bernthaler. "We expect the mid-range E-Class to continue to sell strongly for a further 15 months before the new generation model arrives in 2009 and, with a raft of refreshed vehicles and a new compact SUV arriving in showrooms this year, I am confident that we can set another sales record in 2008."

With a 2% growth worldwide, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division set a new record for sales of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach, and smart passenger vehicles, with deliveries totaling 1,285,900 vehicles (2006: 1,260,600 units).