To kick things off this morning DaimlerChrysler has released worldwide sales figures for the Mercedes Car Group.  In total, sales of the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brands amounted to 102,300 units, an increase of approximately two percent over the previous year.  This brings the Mercedes Car Group's year-to-date sales total to a record 729,600 units, an increase of eight percent over the first seven months of 2005...

Individually, sales of the Mercedes-Benz brand remain strong with the premium division noting a July sales increase of five percent with 92,700 units sold (compared to 88,200 units in July of 2005.)  This brings the Mercedes brand's YTD sales to 658,000 units, an increase of twelve percent over last year's seven month YTD total.

The sales increase is largely attributed to the recent introduction of the new S-Class, with additional help being given by Mercedes' extensive light-truck portfolio.

Despite Mercedes' success, the lovable little smart didn't fare nearly as well, with sales of the mini brand down twenty-two percent (9,600 units sold).  This brings smart's YTD total to 71,600 units, a decline of twenty percent.

For more information, including sales figures for specific world regions, keep scrolling to check out DaimlerChrysler's full press release.  Enjoy.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Worldwide Sales of Mercedes Car Group Up by Two Percent in July 2006

• Mercedes-Benz deliveries rise in July by five percent to 92,700 units
  
  
• Sales increase through July in all regions
  

Stuttgart, Aug 04, 2006
In July 2006 sales of Mercedes Car Group passenger cars rose once again, with global customer deliveries increasing by two percent to 102,300 units (July 2005: 100,600 units). In the first seven months of 2006, sales of Mercedes Benz, Maybach and smart brand cars climbed by eight percent to a record figure of 729,600 units (January to July 2005: 677,600).

At Mercedes-Benz, sales increased in July by five percent to 92,700 units (July 2005: 88,200 units). Year-to-date through July, Mercedes-Benz delivered 658,000 passenger cars to customers around the world, up by 12 percent, compared to last year (588,200 units), posting a new sales record. All regions once again contributed to this sales increase in July. As a result, Mercedes-Benz gained market share in many countries. In Western Europe sales rose by four percent to 55,900 units, in particular, with gains posted in the UK (5,500 units; up by 15 percent), France (5,400 units; up by 15 percent) and Spain (5,300 units; up by 19 percent). Sales in Italy in the month of July totaled 7,000 units, an all-time high, surpassing the high level of last year’s results. In Germany, sales of Mercedes-Benz cars were slightly lower in July than last year (24,900 units; down by 2 percent). In the United States, customer deliveries rose by four percent to the record total of 21,600 vehicles. A new sales record was set in the Asia/Pacific region as well, with sales increasing by 14 percent to 8,500 units.

The S-Class further expanded its leading world-market position in the luxury segment in July. Since the beginning of the year, 55,000 units of the luxury sedan have been handed over to their new owners.

Mercedes-Benz also posted strong growth in the SUV segment, with worldwide sales of M-, R-, GL- and G-Class vehicles totaling 14,100 units in July. In Germany and other Western European countries, Mercedes-Benz is the best-selling premium brand in the SUV segment.

In July 2006, the smart brand delivered 9,600 vehicles to customers worldwide. For the period from January to July 2006, sales totaled 71,600 units.

Overview of Mercedes Car Group Sales