Daimler has announced today that sales at its Mercedes-Benz USA division dropped 3.7 percent for the month of March to 20,808 new units, down from the March 2007 figure of 21,612 new units.  Despite the decrease, MBUSA has achieved a record first quarter, with sales through the first three months of the year totaling 57,647 new units (compared to 55,985 in 2007).

As for the models making headlines, the new C-Class continues its impressive momentum, with sales of the C lineup jumping 39.6 percent. The M-Class also noted a strong month, with sales of the SUV range increasing 28.5 percent.

Separately, smart USA continues deliveries of the fortwo to reservation holders across the U.S.   Currently, 67 smart centers are in operation, with the company still having over 30,000 net reservations.  In March, 1,734 smart units were sold.

For more info on either Mercedes-Benz USA or smart USA sales for the month of March, keep reading for the official press release.

Enjoy.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Daimler AG Reports 22,542 Unit Sales for U.S. Passenger Vehicles for March 2008

• Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest First Quarter Sales
  
  
• smart fortwo Sales Continue to Increase
  
  

New York, NY – Daimler AG (NYSE: DAI) today reported total group sales (Mercedes-Benz and smart combined) of 22,542 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for March 2008. All sales figures in this release are on an unadjusted basis unless otherwise noted.

While experiencing a marginal 3.7 percent decrease in its sales for the month of March (20,808 vs. 21,612), Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) maintained a three percent increase for the first quarter of 2008 (57,647 vs 55,985) bringing year-to-date sales to the highest level in the company’s history. Highlights for the first quarter 2008 include significant increases in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model line (up 39.6 percent) and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class model line (up 28.5 percent).

smart USA continues to deliver vehicles to excited reservation holders across the United States. Currently 67 smart centers are operational and representing smart in the U.S. American consumer response remains strong as the company still has well over 30,000 net reservations and dealership traffic remains strong.

Detailed vehicle sales information for MBUSA will be announced later today in a separate press release issued by Mercedes-Benz USA.