Mercedes-Benz Announces Best Sales Year In History

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz car division that includes the Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach, and Smart brands, has posted record sales in 2007, totalling 1,285,900 vehicles, an increase of 2,14% over 2006 (1,259,000 units). In particular, the Mercedes-Benz brand sold a record 1,185,300 units (2006: 1,148,500) while the not so successful Smart marque saw a decline in sales with 100,600 unit in 2007 (2006: 112,100).

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Our current models are drawing a very positive customer response. In 2007 we succeeded in laying the groundwork for sustainable, profitable growth, particularly with the market launches of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the new smart fortwo.” -Details after the jump

Press Release

• Sales of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach, and smart brands up two percent, totaling 1,285,900 passenger vehicles
• Mercedes-Benz brand delivers 1,185,300 passenger vehicles, an increase of more than three percent
• smart delivers 100,600 vehicles to customers

Stuttgart – In 2007 the Mercedes-Benz Cars division increased sales of worldwide, with sales totaling 1,285,900 vehicles (2006: 1,260,600 units). With this two percent growth, the division set a new sales record.

The basis for achieving the sales record was the most successful year in the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand: worldwide sales of passenger vehicles were up more than three percent, reaching a record 1,185,300 units (2006: 1,148,500). Thus, Mercedes-Benz registered even stronger growth in 2007 than the global automobile market overall.

Despite increased competition, Mercedes-Benz was able to raise its market share in nearly all key regions. In the United States, the brand posted figures that were markedly better than those of the overall market. Passenger vehicle sales in the U.S. climbed two percent to a record 253,400 units (2006: 248,100 vehicles), making 2007 the fourteenth year in a row that Mercedes-Benz succeeded in posting higher sales. The record-breaking demand for the new C-Class sedan and SUV models was a key factor for the stronger sales.

Mercedes-Benz also posted a sales record in the Asia/Pacific region: the brand delivered a total of 141,200 vehicles to customers (2006 total: 126,200), a 12 percent increase. This growth was driven pri-marily by record-breaking sales in the luxury and upper-range seg-ments and by the high increase in sales of the new C-Class and SUVs.

In Western Europe (without Germany), Mercedes-Benz achieved also a new sales record, with 372,400 passenger vehicles sold (2006: 361,200), a three percent increase. Record-setting deliveries in Italy, France, and Spain played a key role in this success. In Germany,
Mercedes-Benz also succeeded in boosting its market shares in 2007 despite the weak domestic market, with 309,900 units (2006: 324,000), making it the sales leader among all premium brands. The positive development in Europe was possible in large part thanks to Mercedes-Benz’ fuel-efficient models in the compact segment and the vehicles in the C-Class segment.

Mercedes-Benz’ success was especially evident on the key growth markets for the automotive industry. With 26,900 units sold (2006: 17,600) and growth of 53 percent, Mercedes-Benz' rate of growth in China was more than twice as rapid as that of the premium market overall. Mercedes-Benz sales also were up sharply in Russia, where 15,300 customers (2006: 9,300) purchased the brand’s passenger vehicles, a 65 percent increase on the previous year’s total. Deliveries of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in India in 2007 rose eight percent, to 2,600 units (2006: 2,400).

C-Class sedan becomes the top-seller by mid-year — Mercedes-Benz worldwide leader in the luxury segment

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class got off to an outstanding start in 2007: Over the course of the year, sales of the sedan rose by 57 percent to 261,500 units (2006:166,400). By mid-year, the C-Class sedan became the world’s top-selling vehicle in its comparative segment. Demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the
C-Class segment overall increased by 16 percent, with 386,500 vehicles sold (2006 total: 332,100). Mercedes-Benz expects to post even higher sales with the introduction of the new C-Class station wagon, which has been gradually launched in individual markets since December 2007 and which has met with excellent customer response.

Mercedes-Benz is also performing impressively in the luxury segment. The S-Class in particular is successfully maintaining its position as the best-selling luxury sedan. With 85,500 units sold in 2007 (2006: 85,900), the S-Class once again clearly outpaced its main com-petitors. Also setting a record was the strong demand for the new CL-Class, which was the choice of 10,700 customers worldwide. In all, 108,600 customers (2006: 110,300) purchased a luxury-segment model from Mercedes-Benz.

Demand also continues to be robust for Mercedes-Benz upper-range models, with 234,600 units sold worldwide in 2007 (2006: 243,000). And in the fifth year since its market debut, sales of the E-Class sedan and station wagon are also performing well reaching the sales level of the previous year.

Demand also continues to be strong for SUVs from Mercedes-Benz. Despite the increasingly fierce competition in this segment, worldwide sales of M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class, and G-Class vehicles were up six percent, with a total of 180,100 units sold (2006: 169,500). These results make Mercedes-Benz the best-selling premium brand in the SUV segment in Germany and Western Europe in total. Very high growth rates were posted for the GL-Class in particular: with 40,200 vehicles sold (2006: 23,600), deliveries of the full-size SUV offered by Mercedes-Benz were up 70 percent.

Factors contributing to this development include the growing demand in the U.S. for SUVs with diesel engines: 9,400 sport utility vehicles equipped with diesel engines were sold in the 45 states where Mercedes-Benz is now offering diesel-powered SUVs. This figure corresponds to 19 percent of the total SUV sales in those states. Beginning in 2008, Mercedes-Benz also will be offering BLUETEC-equipped SUV models, which meet the stringent BIN5 norm and thus can be registered in all 50 states.

In the compact segment in 2007, the A-Class and the B-Class demonstrated their continuing importance as key volume models, with 275,100 units delivered to customers (2006: 293,200). The B-Class was a particularly impressive success, with record-breaking sales in markets including Italy, France, and Spain.

AMG, the performance brand of the Mercedes-Benz Cars division, also had a very successful 2007. Four new models were launched on the market in 2007 — the S 63 AMG, CLK 63 AMG Black Series, CL 63 AMG, and CL 65 AMG. Worldwide, more than 20,000 customers opted to purchase their vehicle of choice from among the 16 AMG models offered. Half of the units sold went to customers in the United States, the main AMG sales market.

New smart fortwo is very popular with customers

Following its decision to focus on a single model series, the smart brand sold 100,600 vehicles in 2007 (2006: 112,100). The new smart fortwo has been very successfully established in the market, with sales of the two-seater climbing by 43 percent over the course of the year, and a total of 97,200 units sold (2006: 67,700). Germany was the most important market for the fortwo in 2007 (31,000 units sold), closely followed by Italy (30,600 vehicles delivered).

More than 850,000 smart fortwo cars have been sold in 36 countries since the model’s market launch in October 1998. Beginning in January 2008, the smart fortwo will also be available in the US. American customers’ growing interest in fuel-efficient vehicles provides the ideal basis for a market launch by smart in the world’s biggest automobile market. This was also confirmed by the smart roadshow that was held between May and November in all 50 states. The roadshow allowed about 75,000 visitors to learn about the smart brand and to become convinced of the two-seater’s innovative features while test-driving it for themselves.

Maybach presents Landaulet study

The luxury models of the Maybach brand continue to fascinate customers around the world. With about 400 vehicles delivered, the brand’s sales equaled the total for the previous year, the first full sales year for the very successful Maybach 57S. In 2006, the Maybach product range was also expanded by the addition of the 62 S. At the Dubai Motor Show in November 2007, Maybach presented a study of an open-top Landaulet. With this unique concept, the brand once again underscores its expertise as the maker of the world’s most exclusive luxury automobiles.

Overview of Sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

	2007	2006	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	1,185,300	1,148,500	+3.2
smart	100,600	112,100	-10.3*
Mercedes-Benz Cars	1,285,900	1,260,600	+2.0
Western Europe	777,500	788,200	-1.4
- of which Germany	341,800	354,100	-3.5
NAFTA	278,300	271,200	+2.6
- of which U.S.**	253,400	248,100	+2.2
Asia/Pacific	142,700	130,100	+9.7
- of which Japan	45,300	50,100	-9.7

* Due to the discontinuation of the model lines smart roadster and smart forfour
** Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles

Maybach Landaulet Study – Updated, With Official Image Gallery

Earlier this morning we previewed a leaked image of the Maybach Landaulet. Well, now its official as mama-Benz has released all the details along with a string of images, both of which are available after the jump. In a nutshell, the one-off Maybach Landaulet is a concept vehicle that has had its rear roof module removed and replaced with a black soft-top that is opened electro-hydraulically. The soft-top is deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes about 16 seconds. Based on the Maybach 62 S, which is equipped with a 612 Hp V12 engine, the Landaulet also features a unique exterior paintjob, 20-inch rims along with revised interior trim. -Details and high-resolution pics after the jump

PRESS RELEASE

Maybach Landaulet Study: Only the sky is the limit

• Maybach shows one of the world’s most exclusive luxury cars
• Majestic open-air experience with the ultimate in luxury and comfort
• Folding roof for pampered rear-seat passengers
• Appointments in the rear include white leather, piano lacquer and exquisite black granite

Stuttgart– With this study of an open-top landaulet, Maybach has re-enlivened the great art of building majestic automobiles. True to the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur’s compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience currently unrivalled by any other automobile in an environment of the utmost luxury and exquisite style. Romance close to the heart of nature is harmoniously combined with the ultimate in comfort and technological sophistication. With this unique study, Maybach is once again demonstrating its expertise in building the world’s most exclusive luxury cars.

Large folding roof for passengers in the rear

In technical terms the Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S – which can claim to be the world’s most powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. Maybach technicians have removed the rear roof module in order to afford passengers an unobstructed view of the sky above. The side walls remain, and have merely been invisibly reinforced with an integral tubular steel structure. As these measures have not altered the silhouette of the luxury saloon, the generously dimensioned doors and the complete interior with its reclining seats remain unchanged.

When closed the black soft-top of the Landaulet rests on the frame formed by the roof bows, and is wind and weather-proof. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted leather cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view and completes the overall picture of outstanding elegance.

White paintwork and wheels

This impression is accentuated by the shining white paintwork of the study, an exclusive finish named antigua white. Visual highlights are provided by 20-inch wheels specially designed for the Landaulet study. These are also painted in white with high-sheen spokes, and are accompanied by white indicators in the front and rear light clusters in dark red.

Black for the chauffeur, white for the passengers

In addition, the already luxurious driver’s compartment of the successful Maybach 62 S has been enhanced in a number of important respects. All the interior trim is now surfaced in black piano lacquer, and for the extensive leather appointments Maybach has used particularly exclusive, glossy stromboli black leather.

In contrast Maybach has fitted the passenger compartment almost completely in exquisite seychelleswhite leather. The footwell and roof liner of this high-end luxury landaulet are also in white – the floor is carpeted in white velour and the roof lined with white fabric. A dramatic contrast is provided by inserts and decorative trim in glossy, black piano lacquer or exclusive black granite with numerous gold inclusions.

Generous spaciousness and first-class comfort

Outstanding comfort is assured by the generous spaciousness of the rear, which the Landaulet study has adopted unchanged from the Maybach 62. Passengers are welcomed into the interior by two large, single seats. These elegant seats also allow even very tall passengers to enjoy a reclining position which travellers normally only encounter in the first-class armchairs of modern passenger jets.

The study is designed as a chauffeured vehicle and features a partition. The upper section of the partition is a glass panel which the passengers can render opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane embedded in the glass.

Two ultra-modern automatic climate control systems, whose parameters have been adapted to the Landaulet study, ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions.

State-of-the-art entertainment and communications

As in the Maybach 62 S, the rear console is the centrepiece for entertainment, communications and travelling pleasure. This is where Maybach engineers have grouped everything relating to the entertainment and pleasure of the rear-seat passengers: a DVD-player, six CD-changer, a cooler compartment with its own electric compressor and an intelligent system which holds glasses, goblets and champagne bottles safely in position.

Engine and suspension

The Maybach Landaulet study is powered by the uprated V12 engine which Maybach engineers have developed further for the Maybach 57 S and Maybach 62 S together with the specialists at Mercedes-AMG. Thanks to twin turbochargers and water intercooling, the V12 develops a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp from a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres. This is continuously available between 4800 and 5100 rpm, and the engine also delivers an impressive maximum torque of 1000 newton metres between 2000 and 4000 rpm.

The electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) and the Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) endow the Landaulet with outstanding levels of ride comfort, at the same time demonstrating that even a prestigious vehicle such as this can exhibit extraordinary agility and dynamic performance.

In addition to large, internally ventilated brake discs – with twin callipers at the front – both the study and the Maybach 62 S are equipped with two electro-hydraulic Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) braking systems working in tandem. Together with ESP®, ASR, ABS and Brake Assist, this provides the Landaulet study with the very latest in effective, high-tech handling control systems.

Innovative technology from the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz

Like all Maybach saloons, the Landaulet also benefits from the unrivalled experience of the sister-brand Mercedes-Benz in the development and production of high-quality cars in the luxury segment. Important innovations from Mercedes-Benz, successfully developed further for the Maybach saloons, are standard equipment in every Maybach and are of course also on board the Landaulet study – examples include the electronically controlled air suspension AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control), LINGUATRONIC voice control and the control and display system COMAND APS.

2008 Maybach 62 Landaulet Revealed?

A miniscule picture of a Maybach 62 Landaulet has been found circulating in the internet and while we cant verify its authenticity, it does look like its real. According to the guys that blog about autos, the semi-drop top Maybach is scheduled to be unveiled at the Middle East International Auto Show later in November. Powered by a 612-horsebower biturbo V12, the ultra-luxurious Maybach 62 Landaulet will most probably be built in ultra-limited numbers costing ultra-lot-of-money.

Via: Autoblog.com