Mercedes-Benz maintains sales growth in Q1 2011
Having posted a record year in 2010, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) continued its fine form in 2011, ending the year’s first quarter with an impressive 13% increase in overall sales for both passenger and commercial vehicles. This development mirrors the brand’s global performance, which saw a 12.7% for the same period.
Leading Mercedes’ charge up the sales charts is the W212 E-Class, which continues to generate strong interest a year after its arrival in our market. Holding off challenge from the BMW 5 Series, the E-Class posted a 25% sales increase to see 547 units finding homes, majority of them being the middle child E 250 CGI variant.
Next strongest performer is the C-Class, with its three-model line-up consisting of the C 200 CGI, C 250 CGI and C 300 Avantgarde. Despite the impending launch of a facelifted version, the current C-Class still holds enough appeal to have raked in 519 sales in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the B-Class recorded a 125% increase from Q1 2010 to register 70 sales in Q1 2011. The S-Class sold 68 units, while the facelifted R-Class saw sales jump by 22%.
According to Roland S. Folger, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, “The demand for our cars in the first quarter of 2011 mirrors our expectations for another positive performance for the rest of the year. The B-Class has performed exceptionally well while the E and C-Class have maintained their status as the stars of our fleet.”
“The continuing overall positive sentiment in the market has certainly been an encouraging influence on the automotive industry including on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Early on in the year, we proactively implemented strategies to support a more robust marketplace and higher consumer demand by stepping up production at our plant in Pekan. The resultant reduction in waiting period boosted sales of the C and E-Classes and contributed to our sales performance,” he added.
Things look similarly encouraging for MBM in the commercial vehicle segment, with Mitsubishi FUSO recording 460 sales during the quarter, an 11% increase from Q1 2010.
“The demand for our Mitsubishi FUSO trucks has been exceptional especially for the new EURO 11 Canter launched last year. The boost in sales largely reflects on the changing mindset of light truck buyers who are looking for better fuel economy and lesser emissions,” Folger commented.
“We are very optimistic of the overall outlook of the automotive market here. Encouraged by success and roll-out of the government’s transformation programme and initiatives to accelerate the move towards a high income economy and liberalisation of the automotive industry, MBM is looking forward to a more robust, exciting and competitive playing field which will augur well for the automotive industry,” said Folger.
“We are confident of building on our record performance last year and we will continue to enhance our dealerships in extending our tradition and promise of delivering the best service to our customers,” he said.
Pictures: Official Mercedes-Benz release
