Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA
Tuesday January 4, 3:43 pm ET

MBUSA Sales Achieves 11th Consecutive Year of Growth
December Sales of 26,607 Sets Highest Month Ever For MBUSA


MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported its highest sales month in the 40-year history of the company with 26,607 new vehicles sold in December, bringing the company to its all-time highest annual sales volume at 221,610 and marking its eleventh year of consecutive sales gains in the U.S. market.

In 2004, Mercedes-Benz introduced a variety of new models, from the all-new SLK roadster to the fuel-efficient E320 CDI diesel to four new high-performance AMG models and the 617-hp SLR McLaren supercar.

Running counter to a declining passenger car market, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars posted a 4.1 percent sales increase compared to 2003. Leading sales volume for the year, the C-Class model line posted an increase of five percent to 69,251. Sales for the model line were boosted by introductions of restyled vehicles and a new C55 AMG model. The E-Class model line continued to be one of the most popular and strongest performing of the Mercedes-Benz model lines with 58,954 units sold for the year, an increase of 5.9 percent over last year and setting the highest annual volume ever for the model line.

Combined sales of the brand's coupes and convertibles continued to increase year-over-year. As a group, the all new SLK roadster, sporty CLK, and top-of-the-line CL coupes and SL roadsters increased 8.4 percent for the year, marking the best year ever for sales of Mercedes-Benz coupes and convertibles.

Posting its best sales month with 26,607 units sold in December, MBUSA marked its strongest year-end finish with a 23.1 percent increase in December sales, breaking last December's record for best sales month. The E-Class led in sales volume with 7,576 units sold for December, up 21.1 percent over December 2003. Significant gains were also achieved in the C-Class model line (66.6 percent), the CLK-Class (20.7 percent) and the S-Class (3.5 percent). The popularity of the all-new SLK roadster continued since its introduction in September, as its sales more than tripled (1,701 vs. 371) versus last December.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA recorded its sixth consecutive year of sales growth with 55,208 pre-owned vehicles sold, a 4.1 percent increase over 2003.

Starting with the introduction of the highly-stylized four-door coupe CLS this month, MBUSA is preparing to launch its largest product offensive, further expanding its product portfolio in the luxury market. Highlights will include introductions of new products in new segments -- from the all-new M-Class SUV to offerings in the highly anticipated sport touring segment.


MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Sales -- December 2004


Model.........Dec '04...Dec '03..Monthly%..YTD 2004..YTD 2003...Yearly%
C-CLASS.......8,870.....5,325....66.6%......69,251.......65,982.......5.0%

E-CLASS........7,576.....6,254....21.1%......58,954.......55,683......5.9%

S-CLASS........2,378.....2,297.....3.5%......20,460........22,940....-10.8%

CL-CLASS.........255........257....-0.8%........2,683.........3,377....-20.6%

SL-CLASS.......1,081.....1,536....-29.6%....12,885........13,318.....-3.3%

CLK-CLASS.....2,115.....1,752....20.7%.....22,556........19,230.....17.3%

SLK-CLASS......1,701.......371...358.5%.....7,360...........6,023.....22.2%

M-CLASS.........2,458....3,599...-31.7%....25,681.........30,018....-14.4%

G-CLASS............173.......230...-24.8%......1,491...........1,980....-24.7%

SLR............................................................45..............n/a.......n/a

Maybach....................................................244.............166.....47.0%

GRAND TOTAL...26,607...21,621....23.1%...221,610.....218,717......1.3%