It's the start of a new month and all my faithful readers know that can mean only one thing - it's time for some financial news.

As has already been noted in my exceptionally uncreative story title, MBUSA has noted another banner month, achieving their best March in history by increasing sales 17.9% to 21,417 new vehicles.  This brings the YTD total sales for MBUSA to 51,242 new vehicles, an increase of 17.1% over the first quarter of 2005.

Individually, passenger cars noted a modest 6% gain over 2005.  Highlights included the E-Class and CLK-Class, which noted sales increases of 7.6% and 33.8%, respectively, as well as the newly-introduced S-Class, which posted a noteworthy sales increase of 119.2% with 3,335 units sold.

In the light truck segment, MBUSA noted more impressive numbers, with sales showing an increase of 96% over March of 2005.  Success in this segment can be attributed to the newly-redesigned M-Class and R-Class models, with additional growth expected to continue when the full-sized GL-Class hits dealerships this May.

For more info as well as individual model statistics, keep reading for the full press release.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


MERCEDES-BENZ USA REPORTS BEST MARCH SALES EVER

MONTVALE, N.J. –Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported its highest March on record with sales of 21,417 new vehicles, an increase of 17.9 percent over last March, bringing year-to-date total sales to 51,242 new vehicles, a 17.1 percent increase compared to the first quarter 2005.

Passenger car sales of 16,756 units showed an increase of six percent (955 units) over March 2005. Highlights include E-Class sedan and wagon sales of 3,884, an increase of 7.6 percent over last March, and CLK-Class coupe and convertible sales of 2,551, a 33.8 percent increase from March 2005, making this the model line’s best March ever.

As a group, sales for Mercedes vehicles in the luxury light truck segment -- M-, R- and G-Classes -- had a significant 96 percent increase over March 2005. In May, Mercedes will continue to expand its presence in the luxury light truck segment with the introduction of the GL-Class, the first European full-sized luxury SUV.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned program, MBUSA sold 3,926 vehicles in March, bringing annual sales for the year to a total of 10,451 units.


Overview of March Sales