Today marks the start of a new month, and all of my loyal readers know that can mean only thing - it's time for some financials.

First up is Mercedes-Benz USA, who, coming off its twelfth consecutive year of sales growth, is reporting sales of 12,469 new vehicles for the month of January, an increase of 3% over January of 2005.

The C-Class was MBUSA's volume leader last month with 3,098 units sold, while the runner-up spot again goes to the always stable E-Class with 2,465 units sold.

But, as has been the trend over the past several months, the "Employee of the Month" award must be given to the M-Class, who boasted a 100% increase in sales over January 2005 with 1,962 vehicles sold.  Impressive Mr. M-Class, impressive indeed.

For more info on all of MBUSA's January sales numbers, keep reading to check out the full press release for yourself.  Enjoy.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


MERCEDES-BENZ USA RECORDS 12,469 NEW VEHICLE SALES


MONTVALE, N.J. – Coming off its twelfth year of consecutive sales increases, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 12,469 new vehicles for January 2006, up three percent from last January.

Volume for the month was lead by the C-Class with 3,098 units, closely followed by the E-Class with 2,465 new vehicle sales. The new generation M-Class made the highest gains with 1,962 new vehicle sales, a 100 percent increase over January 2005.

In 2005, Mercedes-Benz significantly enhanced its competitive presence in the luxury light truck market with the launch of an all-new design of its popular M-Class model line and took advantage of the opportunity to create a new segment with the introduction of its R-Class, Grand Sports Tourer. Sales for Mercedes vehicles in the luxury light truck segment continue to gain momentum with a 156.6 % increase over January 2005. In 2006, the company plans to continue to expand its presence in the luxury light truck segment with the introduction of the GL-Class.

In February, the flagship 2007 S-Class, which has shaped the upper echelon of the luxury market for five decades, arrives in Mercedes dealerships across the company.

Separately, the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program reported sales of 3,066 units, a 12.9 percent decrease versus the previous January.

MBUSA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2005, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 224,421 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving twelve consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.

Copyright © 2006, MBUSA