Mercedes-Benz maintains position as Canada's top luxury manufacturer

    --  Mercedes-Benz Canada ends 2018 with best-ever December sales of
        passenger cars and luxury light trucks (3,185 units retailed; +4.3% over
        December 2017)
    --  Mercedes-Benz Vans reports record-breaking annual sales of 6,538 units
        (+1.0% over 2017)
    --  Pre-Owned division reports best-ever year, with 9-record-breaking months
        in 2018 and 18,168 units retailed for the year (+5.7%)

TORONTO, Jan. 3, 2019 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and its national dealer network are pleased to report the company has remained the country's top luxury manufacturer for the fifth consecutive year. In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Canada achieved sales of 49,758 passenger vehicles, vans and smart units. This final number was bolstered by best-ever December sales of passenger cars and luxury light trucks: the 3,185 units sold during the month represented a 4.3% increase over December 2017.

A total of 42,875 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and luxury light trucks were delivered in 2018. The latter segment proved to be the most popular in 2018: throughout the year, 23,056 SUVs were sold versus 19,819 passenger vehicles. In 2018, SUVs accounted for 53.8% of Mercedes-Benz Canada's sales, compared to 46.2% for passenger cars. Reflecting this trend, three of the top five volume-drivers in 2018 came from the company's impressive SUV lineup: the GLC SUV (+6.9% over 2017); the GLE SUV (+20.8% over 2017); and the GLA (0.0% compared to 2017).The C-Class Sedan and CLA Coupe were also included among Mercedes-Benz Canada's most in-demand vehicles.

In 2018, Mercedes-Benz Vans achieved record-breaking sales: 6,538 vehicles were delivered in all, representing a 1.0% increase over 2017. The division enjoyed strong sales throughout the year, including a best-ever month in June when 678 units were sold, beating the previous record of 661 that had been set in June 2016. The Sprinter and Metris vans were once again recognized for their low overall lifecycle cost in the 2018 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in Canada awards.

345 smart fortwo vehicles were delivered in 2018.

Mercedes-Benz Canada's Pre-Owned division also earned excellent results in 2018, reporting nine record-breaking months. Over the course of the year, the division retailed 18,168 units, surpassing 2017's best-ever sales results by 5.7%. 2018 was also the best year for Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales, with six record-breaking months supporting the final total of 13,833 units delivered (+3.7% over 2017). That total represented Certified Pre-Owned penetration of 76.1%.

"I'm incredibly proud that we have maintained our position as the number one luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fifth consecutive year," said Brian D. Fulton, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "That we were able to end the year on such a high note is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees and dealers throughout the past twelve months. Heading into 2019, I know we are all are looking forward to building on that momentum by delivering the best possible products and services to our customers."


                                   DECEMBER 2018      
        MTD             
        YTD

                          ---

                     
            2018                2017                2018    2017
                                                     %                        %

                          ---


       Mercedes-Benz Vehicles                   3,185  3,053    4.3 42,875  45,456 -5.7

    ---


       smart                                       25     24    4.2    345     368 -6.3

    ---


       Mercedes-Benz Vans                         466    596  -21.8  6,538   6,474  1.0

    ---


       
              TOTAL                         3,676  3,673    0.1 49,758  52,298 -4.9

    ---

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing, and service of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans, and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,200 people in 14 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of seven Mercedes-Benz own retail operations and 52 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 49,758 vehicles in 2018. This positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fifth consecutive year.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.