Beijing, January 9, 2013

Mercedes-Benz Wraps up 2012 with New Sales Record of 206,150 units in China

  • China remains the biggest market globally for Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class, accounting for over 50% of its total worldwide sales. In 2012, over 33,140 units were sold in China, a 7% year-on-year improvement. 

  • Sales of LWB E-Class and C-Class models saw their sales go up 4% and 9% year-on-year respectively. The GLK-Class achieved a 27% growth rate for the year. 

  • Mercedes-Benz's sports car lineup continues its positive performance exemplified by robust sales of its SLK and CLS models which posted year-to-date growth figures of 137% and 93%, delivering 6,800 and 3,010 units respectively. 

  • smart tallied a record number of units sold in 2012 at 15,680 with impressive growth of 45% over the same period last year.

Mercedes-Benz in China posted an all-time sales record high of 206,150 units including Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach vehicles through the end of December 2012, a year-on-year growth rate of 4%. A multitude of new products introduced into the Chinese market this year has helped and continues to help build momentum for the brand in its pursuit of sustainable development in the future.

The S-Class remains the overwhelming first choice for Chinese consumers who seek a top premium limousine that combines classic design, advanced technology, and power and elegance in a single package. Mercedes-Benz's flagship model completed the year with total sales in China of over 33,140 units, a year-on-year growth of 7% in 2012.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, the mid-size premium SUV that received a mid-term facelift in October this year continues to win the hearts of China's young trendsetters by offering them an exciting but practical choice, achieved a 27% growth rate for the year.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a representative of the "Young Mercedes" family, was also well received by young customers with 9% year-on-year growth in 2012. The Mercedes-Benz LWB E-Class attracted social elites by offering a premium driving and riding experience, posted an increase of 4%.

Since the launch of the new M-Class in April 2012, consumer demand for the SUV has regularly outpaced supply, resulting in extended lead times for consumers. Yet, the M-Class had a remarkable year for sales and growth, underlined by a December that saw nearly 1,910 deliveries, a 19% increase.

As the first model from Mercedes-Benz's next generation compact car family offered in the Chinese market, the new generation B-Class demonstrated fast-growing popularity with nearly 2,760 customers discovering the compact model since its introduction in August this year.

smart continued to fascinate young urban Chinese with a range of stylish models in 2012. The micro compact model tallied a record number of 15,680 units sold with an impressive growth rate of 45% over the same period last year; almost 985 units were delivered in December alone, representing a monthly growth rate of 158%.

For the complete IR Release including tables please download the provided PDF file.

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