March 2012 completed a record-breaking quarterly performance for Mercedes-Benz in the UK, with the company reporting its best-ever new car registrations over a three-month period.
According to figures released today by SMMT, Mercedes-Benz registered 16,166 new cars in March, an increase of 10.2 per cent over the same month in 2011. The first quarter saw 25,348 new Mercedes taking to the road, a rise of 12.7 per cent, and giving a market share of 4.5 per cent – another record.
Year to date (YTD), over 30 per cent more private customers registered a new Mercedes-Benz car – making a total of 9171. Fleet business improved 22 per cent to 10,435 new vehicles. Quarterly highlights included strong performances for the C-Class Coupé (2571 registrations); the SLK Roadster (1597 new cars); E-Class Saloon (3543 cars, an increase of 8.1 per cent); and a 57 per cent rise in new AMG registrations. The New B-Class has started strongly, with 1190 new cars registered in its first month on sale.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, commented: “The achievement of our entire UK team is remarkable – this isn’t just a record first quarter for passenger cars; it’s the best-ever quarterly result in our history. This is testament to the fact that UK customers, whether private purchases, or fleets buying for business, are deciding that a new Mercedes-Benz is the right choice for them. Our Financial Services division is providing these customers with competitive finance packages too, making a new Mercedes an affordable alternative to a more mainstream choice.”
Marcus continued: “Starting the year on the right foot gives us a solid foundation and the right momentum going forward into the year – the market conditions are tough, but proving to be successful for us, and at Mercedes-Benz UK’s head office and in showrooms around the UK, we’re all signed-up to ensure we deliver the best levels of service and support to our new and returning customers. This solid foundation needs building upon, and we’ve now got sales momentum to continue delivering great results as we move forward throughout 2012.
“There has been an extremely positive press reaction to the stunning New A-Class at the Geneva Motor Show, which makes its UK arrival before Christmas and is our most anticipated new car launch this year. And now the magnificent reaction on the launch of our all new B-Class and our all new ML SUV show the impressive strength of our product.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.