To anyone worried how sales of the new Mercedes E-Class have been faring lately, we're pleased to inform you that the recently-updated model has taken over the lead in the upper-range segment worldwide, selling over 21,000 vehicles in the month of September.

According to Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President of the Mercedes Car Group and the man responsible for sales and marketing: "The outstanding sales development underscores the successful launch of the new generation E-Class.  With its pioneering innovations, the car remains the undisputed leader in the field of safety and receives an enthusiastic response from our customers worldwide."

Sales of the E-Class have been particularly strong in Germany, where since it market introduction in June the new model has become the best-selling upper-range vehicle, currently holding a market share of about 45 percent.

For more info, keep reading for the full press release detailing the success of one of Mercedes' best-selling models.


OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Successful Start of New Generation Mercedes Benz E-Class in All Markets

• Market leadership in all triad markets
  
  
• Substantial gain of market share in Germany: Best-selling upper-range model with current market share of 45 percent

Stuttgart, Oct 19, 2006
The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz E Class has taken over the lead in the upper-range segment worldwide immediately following its market launch. In September, more than 21,000 vehicles were sold worldwide. In all triad markets the E-Class is again the best-selling automobile in its segment. “The outstanding sales development underscores the successful launch of the new generation E-Class,” says Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes Car Group, responsible for Sales and Marketing. “With its pioneering innovations, the car remains the undisputed leader in the field of safety and receives an enthusiastic response from our customers worldwide.”

The E-Class is increasing the market share in its main sales market Germany in particular. Since its introduction in June, the E-Class is the best-selling upper-range model in Germany, with a current market share of about 45 percent. In September alone, sales rose by eight percent in Germany to more than 6,000 units. As a result, the E Class performed much better than its main competitors.

With a current market share of 34 percent and sales of more than 12,100 vehicles in September, the E-Class also maintained the leading position in Western Europe. The same holds true in the U.S. and Japan, where the Mercedes-Benz upper-range model is clearly in front of its German competitors in the premium segment.

Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG