MERCEDES-BENZ REPORTS BEST MARCH AND FIRST QUARTER ON RECORD WITH SALES OF 22,546Sales Up 12.6% for the Month and 10.7% for the First Quarter

MONTVALE, N.J. – Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported March sales of 22,546 vehicles, a 12.6 % improvement over March 2010 and the company’s highest March volume and first quarter on record. On a year-to-date basis, the 55,995 vehicles sold represent a 10.7% increase.

The highest volume performers for the month were the C- and E-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – led the pack with sales of 6,542, up 8.9% over March 2010. The 9th generation E-Class continued its strong momentum with sales of 6,107, up 21.1% over last year.

MBUSA’s versatile SUV, the M-Class, finished third in volume with sales of 2,792, up 29.6% compared to March 2010. The R-Class crossover also made gains with sales up 76.7% year-to-date, followed by the commanding G-Class, up 59.7% over March 2010. The company also sold 102 of its supercar — the SLS AMG — bringing its year-to-date sales to 255.

Sales of Sprinter Vans increased by 175.1% for the month, with sales of 1,062 – bringing a year-to-date total of 2,649 – up 98.1%.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,236 vehicles in March, a 7.2% decrease when compared to March 2010. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 19,539 vehicles, a decrease of 3.2 % over the comparable period last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA Sales Figures by Vehicle Class: March 2011

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.