DaimlerChrysler Middle East still has the brands to beat

"Despite the level of instability in the region and a slight downturn in the luxury car market, we more than held our own with our Mercedes-Benz brand and landed three per cent over an already ambitious target," he said.

"Although Mercedes-Benz passenger cars sales were in total slightly down from a 2002 sales figure of 11,345, we remain the region's leading luxury car brand. Particularly pleasing was the S-Class performance where we were able to sell over 11 per cent more cars than our nearest German competitor," Speeks added. Nevertheless, performance with C-, E-, and ML-Class also contributed to this strong result.

The introduction of the Maybach Manufactur 57 and 62 ultra luxury saloons in 2003 was also a big success with the brand eclipsing new models from its competitors.

"Maybach is a unique product in the super luxury segment that combines the latest technology with the utmost refinement," said Speeks. "We delivered well over 100 of these superlative machines in 2003 making the Middle East a leading sales area worldwide and Maybach instantly the clear leader in this super luxury segment in the region."

Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge sales were down 10 per cent to 5,500 due to slack demand in the middle of the year. However, Q4 of 2003 saw sales bucking the downward trend with an increasing acceptance of the high quality range of award winning vehicles.

Demand for commercial vehicles grew dramatically with the launch of Actros II and a range of medium sized vehicles impacting significantly on market share across the region. Sales increased to 6,200 units - up 23 per cent on the previous year.

Last year also saw exceptional regional bus sale successes with a 30 per cent increase to 727 units. Bus sales outside Saudi Arabia rose a massive 353 per cent with significant orders placed in the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain.

After Sales continued to expand in 2003 with the successful integration of MOPAR® brand parts into the regional logistics centre in Jebel Ali, Dubai, for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. DaimlerChrysler Middle East's Jebel Ali facility now houses over 100,000 stock keeping units (sku's) giving the automaker the largest dedicated spare parts warehouse in the region."

Looking ahead, Speeks said 2004 promised to be a challenging year particularly with continued political tension in the region and a strong Euro.

"Last year we were cautious when we set our targets and have been realistic again this year," he said. "However, we can be confident that new Mercedes-Benz, Dodge and Chrysler brand vehicles will have a positive impact on 2004 sales."

Mercedes-Benz will launch the next generation C-Class and the exciting new SLK sports car in the first half of 2004. Chrysler and Dodge will introduce the segment-busting new Dodge Durango at the end of the first quarter and a top-of-the-range luxury sedan, the 300 C, in the second half of the year.

"The new 300C will underline Chrysler's ability to offer high quality vehicles that appeal to buyers looking for innovative designs, performance and an excellent ownership experience," he said.

"Last year, thanks to the performance, investment and commitment of our general distributors we over-achieved our targets," said Speeks. "This year will be tough but we have the strength and the will as well as the organisation and the products to maintain our leadership in this challenging and dynamic part of the world."