SUVs drive Mercedes-Benz Canada's first-quarter sales

TORONTO, April 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network delivered steady sales throughout March, retailing a total of 4,604 units. Year-to-date, the luxury manufacturer retailed 12,140 vehicles, supported in part by the continued popularity of its SUV lineup.

In March, 2,176 luxury light trucks and 1,851 passenger cars were retailed, reaching a monthly sales total of 4,027 units. This represented a 14.3% increase in SUV sales over March 2017, and contributed to first-quarter growth of 10.9% in that segment: in all, 5,600 luxury light trucks were delivered year-to-date, up from 5,050 in 2017. The GLE SUV and Coupe saw the most notable increase in sales: compared with 2017, the number of units retailed increased by 58.2% in March and by 34.0% during the first quarter.

In line with broader industry trends, the volume of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars retailed decreased compared to March 2017, as well as on a year-to-date basis. There were, however, some notable results in the segment. In comparison with the same period last year, sales of the S-Class family of vehicles grew by 8.7% in March and by 13.2% year-to-date, bolstered by sales of the flagship S-Class Sedan. As well, first quarter sales of the E-Class family of vehicles grew by 10.1%.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans division retailed 542 units in March, bringing the total number of vans delivered in 2018 to 1,567. The Sprinter Cab Chassis saw the most notable sales growth in March as well as year-to-date.

35 smart fortwo vehicles were delivered in March.

The Mercedes-Benz Pre-Owned division reported 1,642 unit sales in March, of which 1,282 were Certified Pre-Owned. A total of 3,883 pre-owned vehicles were delivered during the first quarter, up by 3.1% over the same period in 2017, while the number of Certified Pre-Owned vehicles retailed remained steady at 3,013 units, year-to-date.

"Though luxury light trucks have been our star performers so far in 2018, the exciting range of passenger cars making their Canadian debuts this year promises to boost results in that segment, as well," says Brian D. Fulton, President and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Canada. "In the first quarter, we revealed some exciting additions to our product portfolio at auto shows in Canada and around the world. I look forward to seeing them arrive in our showrooms as the year goes on." 

About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,700 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 48 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 52,298 vehicles in 2017. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fourth consecutive year.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at:
www.media.mercedes-benz.ca

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.