0 Mercedes-Benz USA Launches Into Fourth Quarter of 2013 with Highest October on Record at 30,069 Units

In the 10th consecutive month of its 2013 sales streak, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported total October sales of 32,620 units for the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines, a 22.4% increase from the 26,642 vehicles sold in the same period last year. Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone broke October records at 30,069, up 25.4%, while year-to-date sales rose 13.7% to a landmark 245,125 units. Adding year-to-date volumes of 16,978 for Sprinter Vans and 7,450 vehicles at smart, MBUSA’s year-to-date totals reached 269,553 units, making this the best October in the company’s history.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for the brand, embodied in two cars— the CLA and the S-Class —as stunning as they are technologically fit,” said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. “More importantly, October sales show they’re resonating with customers. The recently-launched CLA is already one of the top volume models and our flagship S-Class, just rolling into dealerships, is up 75%. With sustained momentum and compelling product across the model range, we’re looking toward a record finish in the final stretch of 2013.”

Mercedes-Benz October sales were led by the C-, E- and CLA-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class came in first at 6,548 units, followed close behind by the E-Class with sales of 6,456—an increase of 22.6% from October 2012. Sales of MBUSA’s newest star, the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe, rounded out the top three at 4,895.

The Sprinter model line posted month-to-date gains of 22.3% at 2,038 units, driven by the popularity of its redesigned 2014 lineup on sale since September. Month-to-date sales at smart totaled 513 units.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz’s BlueTEC diesel models were 1,536 for the month, up 60% versus October 2012 (960) and up 10.1% for the year at 13,368. The company’s high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 729, an increase of 49.4% from last October.

Separately, Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) recorded sales of 7,612 vehicles in October, an increase of 13.1% when compared to October 2012 (sales of 6,732 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 80,502 vehicles, an increase of 21.4% over the 66,318 vehicles sold during the comparable period last year.

Mercedes-Benz USA October 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz USA Launches Into Fourth Quarter of 2013 with Highest October on Record at 30,069 Units

0 Mercedes-Benz USA Delivers Banner Q3 Finish with September 2013 Sales of 24,697 Units

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported the highest September sales in its history with 27,474 units sold across the Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart model lines—an increase of 5.8% from the 25,980 vehicles sold in September 2012. Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand rose 6.7% over the same period last year to 24,697, while year-to-date sales hit a benchmark 215,056 units, up 12.2%. Adding year-to-date sales of 14,940 for Sprinter Vans and 6,937 vehicles at smart, MBUSA's year-to-date total reached 236,933 units, marking a best-ever third quarter for both the Mercedes-Benz brand and MBUSA.

"We're making history this month and not just in terms of our record sales pace," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "September marked a recalibration moment for Mercedes-Benz as we began delivery of our new gateway, the CLA, to dealerships across the country. After just over a week on the market, this car sold more than 2,300 units. We're confident the CLA will be a driving point of our success as we head toward another banner sales year."

September sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class took the top spot at 6,389 units sold, followed by the E-Class with sales of 5,647 vehicles, up 17.0%. MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three at 3,180 units, a 30.4% increase over the same period last year.

In total, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars climbed 10.9% compared to the first three quarters of 2012, increasing to 138,282 from 124,637. Likewise, the brand's light truck offerings were up 14.6% from the 66,981 units sold in the first nine months of 2012 to 76,774 in 2013.

The Sprinter model line posted a month-to-date increase of 20.0% to 2,152 units, boosted by sales of the redesigned 2014 lineup which began rolling into dealerships at the beginning of September. Month-to-date volumes at smart reached 625 units.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,364 in September, up 193.3% from the 465 vehicles sold during the same period last year. The company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 675, up 48.4% from September 2012.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,649 vehicles in September. On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 72,890 vehicles, up 22.3% over the 59,586 units sold during the comparable period in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA September 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz USA Delivers Banner Q3 Finish with September 2013 Sales of 24,697 Units

0 Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Eighth Record-Breaking Month Of 2013 As Sales Top 200,000 Units

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported August sales of 27,144 units, an increase of 15.8% from the 23,439 vehicles sold in August 2012 including Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter and smart models.

Retail volumes for the Mercedes-Benz brand alone reached 24,761 for the month, up 20.5% from the previous year, while year-to-date sales climbed 13.0% to hit a record 190,359 units. Adding in year-to-date sales of 12,788 for Sprinter Vans and 6,312 units sold at smart brought MBUSA's year-to-date grand total to 209,459 vehicles, its highest on record.

"The market is continuing to pick up steam, our sales momentum is on record pace and we have two major new products hitting the market in the next few weeks," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "At $29,900 the CLA will open a whole new gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand, and our next generation S-Class will redefine the standards of luxury and innovation for the entire industry. We're looking at a record year not only in terms of sales but also for recalibrating the Mercedes-Benz model lineup to lead the industry."

August sales for the Mercedes-Benz brand were led by the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class—the current gateway to the brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers—took the lead at 6,701 units sold, up 2.8% from the same month in 2012. The E-Class followed with sales of 6,523 vehicles, jumping 44.5%, while MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,816, up 70.1%. Strong performers at the high end included the company's legendary SL-Class roadster, posting an increase of 18.5% from August 2012.

The Sprinter model line, which receives a comprehensive redesign for the 2014 model year arriving this fall, delivered month-to-date volumes of 1,390 units, while smart sales vaulted 31.9% to 993, boosted by the growing popularity of the 2013 electric drive.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,556 in August, increasing 104.7% from the 760 vehicles sold during the same period last year. The company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 732, up 14.9% from August 2012.

Separately, the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program accomplished the best sales month in its history with volumes of 9,261 in August, an increase of 33.8% when compared to August 2012 (sales of 6,921 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 66,241 vehicles, rising 25.3% over the comparable period (52,859 vehicles) in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA August 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Eighth Record-Breaking Month Of 2013 As Sales Top 200,000 Units

0 Mercedes-Benz USA Sales Jump 22.5% in July for Seventh Record Month of 2013

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported July sales of 26,423 units, an 18.5% boost over the 22,294 units sold in July 2012. Retail volumes at Mercedes-Benz reached 23,648 for the month—gaining 22.5% over the previous year—while year-to-date sales hit an all-time high of 165,598 units. Sprinter Van sales totaled 1,915, combining with 860 units sold at smart to bring MBUSA's grand total to 182,315 vehicles year-to-date. This makes July the seventh consecutive month of record-breaking sales at MBUSA for 2013.

"July delivered double-digit gains for both our passenger cars and light truck offerings, as our sales momentum shows no signs of slowing down," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "We have two major product launches—one at the high-end and one at the entry—around the corner. This will be a banner year for the brand, bringing a whole new level of quality and innovation to Mercedes-Benz and the luxury market."

Mercedes-Benz saw growth across its product portfolio, with July's top sellers comprised of the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class—the current gateway to the brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers—was the volume leader at 7,604 units for the month, up 34.3% from July 2012. The E-Class was a close second at 5,605, up 10.1%, while sales of MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, soared 72.7% from the 1,790 units sold in July 2012 to 3,092.

The Sprinter model line, which receives a comprehensive redesign for the 2014 model year arriving this fall, posted sales of 1,915 for the month, while smart volumes grew 10.3% to 860 vehicles sold.

Sales of Mercedes-Benz's BlueTEC diesel models were 879 for July while the company's high-performance AMG models finished the month with sales of 464.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,976 vehicles in July, an increase of 22% when compared to July 2012 (sales of 6,519 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 56,980 vehicles, rising 24% over the comparable period (45,938 vehicles) in 2012.

Mercedes-Benz USA July 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz USA Sales Jump 22.5% in July for Seventh Record Month of 2013

0 Mercedes-Benz USA Posts Best Second-Quarter Finish With June 2013 Sales of 24,415 Units

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported combined sales of 27,162 for June, a 7.0% increase over the same month last year. Sales totals at Mercedes-Benz rose 9.8% to 24,415, bringing year-to-date volumes for the brand to a milestone 141,950 units. Sprinter Vans posted strong year-to-date sales of 9,483, which combined with year-to-date sales of 4,459 from smart to bring MBUSA's first-half total to 155,892. This marks the best second-quarter finish in the company's history and the sixth consecutive month of best-ever sales for 2013.

"We're on record pace through June hitting the highest first-half sales in our 48-year history and we're not slowing down," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "Consumer confidence is on the rise, our product portfolio is expanding from top to bottom, and our dealer relations are at an all-time high. This is a set of ingredients that will allow us to really accelerate our market momentum into another banner year."

Impressive gains were made in both the Mercedes-Benz passenger car and light-truck categories. Volume leaders for the month were the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class—the current gateway to the brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers—took the top spot at 7,639 units, up 17.4% from June 2012. The completely redesigned E-Class followed at 5,181, while MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, finished the top three with sales of 3,651 (up 26.3% from June 2012). Strong performers at the high end included Mercedes-Benz's iconic grand tourer, the SL-Class, up 91.9%, and the award-winning GL-Class SUV which increased 24.8% over the same time last year.

As a whole, sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars jumped 10.2% compared to the first-half of 2012, increasing from 82,275 in June of last year to 90,650. Similarly, Mercedes-Benz's light truck offerings posted a year-to-date increase of 10.6%, from 46,319 units sold in the first six months of 2012 to 51,300 during the same period this year.

The Sprinter model line saw sales of 1,966 for the month, while smart posted volumes of 781 units.

Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,414 for the month, up 10.2% from the same period last year. On the high-performance side, AMG models finished the month of June with sales of 464.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 7,773 vehicles in June; an increase of 17.9% when compared to June 2012 (sales of 6,593 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 49,004 vehicles, an increase of 24.3% over the comparable period (with sales of 39,419 vehicles).

Mercedes-Benz USA June 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz USA Posts Best Second-Quarter Finish With June 2013 Sales of 24,415 Units

0 Mercedes-Benz Adds Fifth Month to 2013 Record Sales Streak with May Totals at 24,713 Units

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported another month of record highs with sales reaching 27,359, an 8.3% increase over May 2012. Sales volumes at Mercedes-Benz jumped 9.8% last month (24,713), bringing year-to-date totals for the brand to a record high of 117,535. Sprinter Van year-to-date sales increased 5.3% from the same time last year to 7,517, combining with steady momentum from smart at 3,678 to round out MBUSA's year-to-date totals of 128,730.

"We've seen five consecutive months of best-ever sales in 2013," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "Strong momentum carries across the entire product line from our entry models straight up to the high end, which is ahead 24 percent for the year. We expect to build on that pace as more of our completely redesigned E-Class models roll into dealer showrooms."

The highest Mercedes-Benz volume performers for May were the C-, E- and M-Class model lines. The C-Class—the sporty gateway to the brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers—led sales at 8,013 units, up 20.5% from May 2012. Sales of the E-Class, which receives a complete redesign for 2014 and is now arriving in dealerships, followed at 4,930. MBUSA's top-selling SUV, the M-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 3,219. Strong performers at the high end included the company's flagship S-Class, up 16.4%, and the award winning GL-Class SUV which increased 41.0% over the same period last year.

The Sprinter model line posted sales of 1,828 for the month, while smart saw a 16.4% boost in sales volume totaling 818 units.

Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were 1,503 for the month, up 47.5% from the same period last year. On the high-performance side, AMG model sales finished the month of May at 536.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 8,113 vehicles in May; an increase of 24.2% when compared to May 2012 (sales of 6,534 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 41,231 vehicles, an increase of 25.6% over the comparable period (with sales of 32,826 vehicles).

Mercedes-Benz USA May 2013 Sales Chart

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz Adds Fifth Month to 2013 Record Sales Streak with May Totals at 24,713 Units

0 The New 2013MY Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: Leading the way with diesel

The diesel engine has come a long way since compression ignition was first demonstrated by German engineer Rudolf Diesel in 1893. And no other manufacturer has played a greater role in its development for automotive applications than Mercedes-Benz. Modern diesel engines are clean, smooth-running, and above all, highly efficient. In Europe, around 50 percent of passenger cars run on diesel engines, and calculations indicate that if just one third of American cars ran on diesel, the country could massively reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

Following the merger in 1926 of Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie., the new Daimler-Benz AG designed a six-cylinder inline diesel for heavy trucks, marking the start of a development process that would have lasting impact on the automotive industry. However, it would take almost ten years of testing and development for Mercedes-Benz engineers to create a diesel engine that they felt was good enough to run in a passenger car bearing the Mercedes-Benz badge. The 1936 260D featured a 2.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with overhead valves and a maximum output of 45 hp. It achieved fuel mileage of almost 25 mpg - a stunning figure at the time considering that the 260D's gasoline equivalent managed just 18 mpg.

Mercedes-Benz diesel power in the U.S. began in 1949 with the 170D (38 hp, 71 lbft) featuring a 1.7-liter inline four. Its successor - the 1954MY 180D (40 hp, 75 lbft) came with the groundbreaking "Ponton" unibody design. In 1958, Mercedes- Benz introduced the 190D (50 hp, 80 lb-ft) in the U.S., featuring the all-new, 1.9- liter four-cylinder engine. For the 1966MY, the 190D with the "Fintail" body was renamed the 200D (55 hp, 87 lb-ft) and, for the first time, a Mercedes-Benz diesel came with an automatic transmission. In 1968 the 200D was followed by the 2.2-liter 220D (60 hp, 93 lb-ft) and then the 2.4-liter 1974MY 240D (65 hp, 101 lb-ft).

Proliferation in the 1970s

The oil crisis of 1973 precipitated a sudden scramble to reduce fuel consumption that saw demand for diesel soar. As the leading diesel manufacturer, Mercedes- Benz bolstered its diesel range with the 1975MY 300D (80 hp, 127 lb-ft), featuring the world's first five-cylinder diesel engine. Its successors came in 1977 as the four-cylinder 240D and the 300D inline five with 80 hp, later increased to 88 hp.

The late seventies and early eighties was a boom time for Mercedes-Benz diesel. U.S.-specific models included the world's first diesel-powered coupe, the 1978 300CD, as well as the first-ever diesel S-Class, the 300SD. What made the 300SD even more remarkable was the introduction of turbocharging with the brand-new 3.0-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel. The new turbocharged engine generated 121 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque and achieved 0-60 mph in a respectable 14 seconds.

With the 300CD Turbodiesel, the 300D Turbodiesel and the 300SD Turbodiesel as U.S.-only variants, Mercedes-Benz was producing more market-specific models for the U.S. than for any other market. By 1982, almost 80 percent of Mercedes-Benz USA's sales were diesels.

For the 1984 model year, MBUSA further expanded its diesel lineup to include the "Baby Benz" – the predecessor to the C-Class. Initially launched with the fourcylinder engine, the 190D (73 hp, 96 lb-ft) was superseded by the 1986MY 2.5-liter inline five (90 hp, 114 lb-ft) and joined in 1987 by a turbocharged version (122 hp, 166 lb-ft).

1986 brought another U.S.-only S-Class diesel called the 300SDL (150 hp, 201 lbft). The turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine had grown to an inline six. The subsequent 1990MY 350SDL (136 hp, 229 lb-ft), also made specifically for export to the U.S., was equipped with the 3.5-liter inline six turbodiesel. In the full-size class, the 300D 2.5-liter turbo was superseded in 1995 by the E300D and then the E300DT with its mighty 174 hp and 244 ft-lb of torque.

The Mercedes-Benz diesel station wagon carved out an impressive niche during the eighties. The first to make its mark was the 1980MY 300TD with the 3.0-liter inline five naturally aspirated engine. A turbocharged version followed in 1981 and was then carried over to the next generation.

Modern Era

For the 2007MY Mercedes-Benz replaced its successful diesel inline six format with the V6 layout, which also marked the introduction in the U.S. of common-rail direct injection with 29,000 psi. The CDI engine also brought the first SUVs with diesel power to U.S. shores in the 2007MY ML320 CDI (215 hp, 398 lb-ft), GL320 CDI (215 hp, 398 lb-ft) and the R320 CDI (215 hp, 398 lb-ft).

Also in the 2007 model year, Mercedes-Benz again broke new ground in diesel technology and selected the U.S. for the global premiere of its pioneering BlueTEC diesel technology. The E320 BlueTEC (210 hp, 398 lb-ft) was voted 2007 World Green Car for its exceptionally low emissions. It met the world's most demanding NOx and particulate limits set by the BIN5 standard and once more confirmed Mercedes-Benz as the premiere brand for diesel passenger vehicles in all fifty states.

A barrage of BlueTEC SUVs followed in 2009, all featuring the next phase of BlueTEC technology with AdBlue exhaust gas aftertreatment. The ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC all came with the same V6 turbodiesel as the E320 BlueTEC, producing 210 hp and a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft. Combined fuel consumption for the popular ML320 BlueTEC was 20 mpg, while for the GL320 BlueTEC it was 19 mpg, making it the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV on the market. In 2010, commercial vehicles returned to Mercedes-Benz USA with the introduction of the BlueTEC-equipped Sprinter Van.

The launch of the 2013 GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC marks the return of a Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder diesel to the U.S. after an absence of nearly three decades. Mercedes-Benz already has the most extensive diesel lineup of any automaker in the U.S. today, and this fall marks the arrival of its second four-cylinder diesel in the 2014MY E250 BlueTEC.

2013MY BlueTEC Lineup

- E350 BlueTEC
- GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- ML350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- GL350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- Sprinter Van


Mercedes-Benz U.S. Diesel Model Sales History

Credits: Mercedes-Benz USA

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: The New 2013MY Mercedes-Benz GLK250 BlueTEC 4MATIC: Leading the way with diesel