Mercedes-Benz Canada February sales on par with high expectations

TORONTO, March 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network are pleased to announce that the company delivered a total of 3,950 units, down 14 units or -0.4% over February 2017 results. The year-to-date sales of 7,536 units also show a small decrease of 2.3% over 2017 numbers.

A total of 3,501 luxury light trucks and passenger cars were delivered over the course of the month, representing a growth of 5.2% over February 2017. Year-to-date, the number of units retailed decreased by -1.4%.  In February, a small decline was seen across the passenger car segment, with 1,726 vehicles delivered for a reduction of 6.7% over the same period last year. The C-Class Coupe was up by 35.2% while the entire E-Class portfolio and the S-Class Sedan showed gains of 51.8% and 37.3% respectively. The new C-Class Wagon also did well.

In February, the number of luxury light trucks retailed grew by 20.1% month-over-month, for a total of 1,775 units sold. Year-over-year, the number of units retailed in the segment rose by 8.8% to 3,424. The GLC and the GLE continued to generate strong sales that grew by 16.8% and 35.3%. Year-to-date sales of the GLC are at 1,071 units while the GLC Coupe has shown a gain of 147.1% so far this year. The ever popular G-Class posted an increase of 80% in February.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans division reported sales of 436 units which fell short of the best month ever recorded with 602 sales in February 2017. The imminent arrival of model year 2018 Sprinters will close up this short lived gap. Buoyant Metris sales were up by 66.3% while 1,025 Sprinter and Metris vans were retailed year-to-date, down by only 73 units.

12 smart fortwo vehicles were delivered in February.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division reported a best February ever with 1,108 units, posting a 1.8% growth over 2017. The number of pre-owned units sold so far is 2,241 for an increase of 9.1% year-over-year. Overall Certified Pre-Owned penetration has increased by 4.8% year-over-year, from 1,651 units in 2017 to 1,731 units for this past month.

"I am very happy with our February results. It is traditionally a more difficult month for many obvious reasons but our employees, dealers and our colleagues at Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada have all worked hard to achieve our collective objectives," said Brian D. Fulton, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada. "We showcased many new models at the well-attended Canadian International Auto Show and received Canadian Black Book's Best Retained Value Awards for the CLA-Class, GLK-Class and the G-Class. Such an early strong start to the year is very encouraging for the entire Mercedes-Benz organization."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,700 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 48 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 52,298 vehicles in 2017. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fourth consecutive year.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.