Worldwide sales of the Mercedes Car Group in June 2006 rose by six percent to 118,800 units (June 2005: 111,600). In the first half of 2006, deliveries of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and smart brand cars rose by nine percent to the record figure of 627,300 units (January-June 2005: 577,000).

Dr Klaus Maier, executive vice-president, Mercedes Car Group, responsible for sales and marketing, said: “Sales at Mercedes-Benz grew stronger than the market in the first half of 2006, reaching an all-time high. Considering this positive development, we are now expecting sales of the Mercedes-Benz brand for the full-year 2006 to be higher than the previous year’s figure. As was to be expected, sales of smart brand will be below last year’s figure due to the focus on the fortwo. Even though, sales for the Mercedes Car Group as a whole will remain at least in the magnitude of the previous year.”

In June 2006, sales at Mercedes-Benz increased by nine percent to the record figure of 106,200 units (June 2005: 97,500). During the first two quarters of 2006, deliveries of Mercedes passenger cars rose by 13 percent to 565,300 units (January-June 2005: 499,900). All regions contributed with double-digit growth rates to the boost in sales at Mercedes-Benz during the first half of 2006.

In Western Europe, sales rose by 10 percent to 340,500 units through June. Mercedes-Benz posted record sales in the US, where customer deliveries increased by 17 percent through June, to 114,900 units. A sales record was set in the Asia/Pacific region as well, with sales there increasing by 18 percent to 67,400 units.

The Mercedes-Benz flagship model, the new S-Class, achieved record sales of 7,600 units in June, expanding its worldwide leadership in the luxury-segment even further. About 50,000 S-Class sedans were delivered to customers during the first half of 2006.

Mercedes has recently launched the latest versions of its S-class model in India which has been very well received and the company is struggling to meet demand. While the S-500 is imported as a CBU, the S-350 is now being assembled in the Pune plant and there is a waiting list for both the models. The new M-Class also recorded continued sales growth in the first half of the year, with worldwide sales of the premium off-roader rising to 53,400 units. With the new GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has expanded its offering in the SUV-segment with another highly attractive vehicle.

The luxurious full-size SUV is receiving an outstanding customer response. Since it was launched in the US about two months ago, the company has already delivered 5,200 units of the SUV. Beginning in September, the new GL-Class will also be available in Europe. Sales are expected to receive a further boost in the second half of the year from the new generation E-Class. The vehicle got off to a promising start in Europe on June 10, and hit showrooms in the US on July 5.