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Mercedes-Benz Middle East & Levant hit its sixth annual sales record in a row in 2008, despite softening sales in December, with total deliveries of over 19,000 vehicles, a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.
In 2008, a total of 19,070 Mercedes-Benz vehicles where delivered across the region compared with 16,830 in 2007. In just three years, the Dubai-headquarted sales and marketing office has lifted annual deliveries from 13,898 and increased its market share to over 45 per cent compared to its leading German competitors.
"Despite a difficult market and the effects of regional holidays in December, this result cements the position of Mercedes-Benz as the leading supplier of luxury German vehicles in the region," said Frank Bernthaler, sales and marketing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East and Levant.
"With the region's leading distributor network and the right products at the right prices we have continued to offer value for money and great residuals on our new cars which also makes them ideal used car buys."
Deliveries of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz C-Class rose by over 32 per cent in 2008 ending the year at 5,239 compared to the previous year's total of 3,958.
The luxury premium S-Class range continued to be the region's favourite with sales up to 6,756 from 6,696 the previous year.
In its run-out year, the popular mid-range E-Class retained its status as a family favourite. The E-Class continued to outsell its German competitors across the region with deliveries at 4,204 compared to 4,102 in 2007.
Other highlights included gains in the luxury SUV segment with the award-winning GL-Class, the ground-breaking R-Class, the ML-Class, the new compact GLK and the legendary G-Class all performing well. Total SUV delieries were up over 27 per cent to 2,327 against 1,524 in 2007.
"The award-winning C-Class continues to be a huge hit across the market and the mid-range E-Class has continued to sell well before we launch the new version in the second quarter of 2009," added Mr Bernthaler.
"This year will be difficult and I challenge any manufacturer to predict what will happen in terms of deliveries in the Middle East. However, with new product, including a hybrid version of the best-selling S-Class, new initiatives on fleet and used car sales, as well as continued investment in showrooms and service facilities by our loyal distributors across the region, we expect to maintain our status as the luxury German car champion."
