C-Class/E-Class boost first half Mercedes-Benz Mid-East sales

Sales of the C-Class rose 30 per cent to 1145 from 882 vehicles in 2003 while E-Class sales were up 29 per cent from 1578 to 2029 with Dubai registering a massive 76 per cent increase and Kuwait following closely behind with a 48 per cent boost.

The popular M-Class off-roader showed a small two per cent increase while the luxury S-Class performed better than expected with a 41 per cent increase in Oman. However, both these models are due to be replaced next year and sales are forecasted to jump.

The increase was also helped by a 20 per cent rise in sales of AMG high performance vehicles and terrific country results from Dubai, Jordan and Lebanon.

"We are generally very pleased with the rise although sales of our premium class models have been affected by the political situation in Saudi Arabia," said Steffen Baumann, Sales and Marketing Director, Mercedes Car Group, Dubai. "The second half of the year looks positive with the new generation C-Class, the new SLK, the world's most popular sport s car, becoming a factor as will the introduction of the first four-door coupe, the CLS, towards the end of the year."