Mercedes-Benz bags brace at Mid East car awards

The SLK, introduced into the Middle East earlier this year, was voted 'Best Roadster' and the S-Class "Best Luxury ' car by a panel of top automotive industry judges including the 'Voice of Formula One', Murray Walker.

Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, received the trophies at a glittering gala evening at the Madinat Jumeirah on Saturday (November 27).

Commenting on the S-Class, Autocar said that despite the arrival of new rivals, the sedan remained one of the finest luxury cars in the world and combined limousine splendour with executive saloon ability.

With more than 2.7 million S-Class sedans and coupes sold worldwide since its market launch in 1995, the flagship of the Mercedes Benz brand has been the perennial market leader, and currently holds a worldwide market share of more than 36 percent.

"Despite increasingly intense competition, the S-Class continues to be the Middle East's best-selling luxury sedan," said Fritz. "With sales of some 26,000 units since 1999, the S-Class is the region's favourite luxury sedan with a range from the new entry-level S280 to the powerful S600 AMG and continues to be a top contributor to our positive car sales results."

According to Autocar Middle East, the new SLK is as desirable as the old car but drives better, has far sweeter engines and a much smarter cabin.
"The new Mercedes compact two-seater boasts an exquisite overall design, taking several details from Formula 1," said Fritz. "It remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter in its sports car category."

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class was recently voted best German convertible by readers of "Auto Zeitung" receiving the "Auto Trophy 2004".