Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Announced Impressive 1H16 Results

In the current economic climate, to stay above water is considered a good achievement for some companies. So when Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, a premium brand in a soft market, announced 2016 first half results that bucked the industry trend, it’s no surprise that some sat up and took notice (and probably felt envious).

For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia delivered a record-breaking 6,017 cars to its customers in the first 6 months of 2016, representing a 17% year-on-year growth. June 2016 was its best-ever month with 1,203 cars sold, making 2Q16 its best quarter with a total of 3,359 cars sold.

Of the total of 6,017 units sold, 4,146 (69%) cars came from its Limousine segment with the bulk from the C-Class (2,534 units), followed by the E-Class and S-Class. Even its Dream Cars segment which includes the Coupes and AMG GTS saw 90 units go to buyers.

These numbers keep Mercedes-Benz as the leading premium brand in Malaysia with a 2.5% market share (year-to-date June 2016) with record unit sales for the 16th consecutive month. This positive streak is expected to continue in 3Q16 as the new E-Class was only launched in June. It should also be noted that in the first 6 months, 40% of new Mercedes-Benz cars sold are financed and insured by Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, which services a portfolio of over RM 1.5 billion.

Growth like this requires a capable service network to handle the increase in volume. In 1H16, 2 upgraded Autohaus and a City Service center were launched, with a total investment of RM 18 million. The first half also saw a record number of cars (52,700) serviced at its service network, a year-on-year increase of 18%, while achieving its best Customer Satisfaction Index After-Sales rating in history.

Further,  Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s RM 3 million annual investment in personnel training has thus far produced 770 skilled technicians from its Apprentice Training Centre to feed its service infrastructure.

Growth is always a good thing to achieve but difficult to maintain. And it’s easier to fall from the top spot than to climb there. Its plan to introduce 3 new models, update 3 models, add 2 new engine variants and 1 facelift in 2016 is only partially complete so this should keep Mercedes-Benz Malaysia busy and active the rest of the year.