0 Mercedes-Benz UK records best-ever October results as passenger car registrations hit an all-time high

October 2013 was a record month for all Mercedes-Benz UK divisions.

- Best October results for new car registrations – 8,275 new cars, up 28 per cent
- Best-ever UK YTD results for new cars, beating all previous year-end results
- Best October for van registrations – 2,849 units, up 86.7 per cent
- Best October results for truck registrations – 924 units, up 60.7 per cent
- Best October results for Fuso Canter registrations – 96 units, up 92 per cent

Mercedes-Benz has achieved record-breaking registration performances across the board in October 2013, according to figures released by SMMT. Best-ever results were recorded in new car, new van, new truck and new Fuso Canter ranges, further reinforcing the company’s year to date (YTD) records.

Mercedes-Benz remains the UK’s fastest-growing premium car brand, with YTD registrations up 19 per cent to 94,231 new cars. With two months left in the year, the company has already passed last years’ total results of 91,006 cars, and has beaten 2003’s previous year-end record performance of 93,634 car registrations. October’s growth was 28 per cent, with 8,275 new Mercedes-Benz cars taking to Britain’s roads.

High-performance AMG models continue to power ahead in the sales charts, up 58 per cent YTD with 2,767 cars registered. Over 300 A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMGs have already been registered so far this year.

The New E-Class Saloon retains its position as the UK’s favourite executive saloon, with 13,538 registrations YTD; the CLS four-door coupé heads its sector with 3,779 new cars; and despite deliveries of the new S-Class only just beginning, it still leads the luxury saloon segment – 1,200 new cars.

Commercial vehicles

Registrations of new vans were at record levels in October 2013, with Vito reporting a monthly increase of 22.3 per cent (423 vans) and New Sprinter boosting Sprinter’s performance by 112.1 per cent (2,206 vans).

Strong performances from Atego (up 56 per cent) and Actros (up 81 per cent) for the month contributed to the Trucks division’s best October. Two axle rigid registrations increased 42.6 per cent (378 new trucks) and 60.1 per cent more tractor units were registered in October 2013 compared with the same month last year.

Topping off the divisions’ success was Fuso Canter, up 92 per cent on October 2012’s performance to 96 new trucks. This all contributes to YTD growth of 7.6 per cent (725 units).

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: “Last month, Mercedes-Benz UK broke 24 records for best-ever performance across its divisions, and I didn’t doubt for a minute that we’d follow that extraordinary record with a record-breaking October.

“We’ve broken another record in some style, too, with our UK passenger cars business beating a sales record that has stood for almost a decade. It’s a really significant milestone and a fantastic moment for everyone in the company.

“The fact that every division reported its best-ever October results is another perfect home run of records. It’s a great reward for the hard-working teams in our showrooms around the country who take enormous pride in serving more new and returning customers than ever before.

“We’re now set for an exciting November and December, and we look forward to rounding off our record-breaking year with a fast finish… Watch this space!”

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz UK records best-ever October results as passenger car registrations hit an all-time high

0 Record success: Best ever first half-year for Mercedes-Benz UK

- Most successful six months Mercedes-Benz has ever had – 53,686 cars registered
- Best Q2 results ever – 25,470 cars registered Best market share for June – 4.4 per cent
- Mercedes-Benz UK car registrations out-perform the market, rising 18.5 per cent for June and 14.8 per cent for the year-to-date
- C-Class Coupé, E-Class Coupé, E-Class Saloon, CLS-Class and SL-Class lead their respective market segments
- AMG continues strong performance in 2013 – registrations up 51.1 per cent for the month – remains the fastest-growing performance brand in the UK
- Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles post promising registrations – Citan has best month yet; significant gains made by Actros, Axor and Econic

Record success was spread across the range in June, as a diverse line-up of Mercedes-Benz models led their respective market segments, according to registration figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

New records were set as Mercedes-Benz UK achieved its best ever Q2 results, with 25,470 vehicles registered – leading to a record market share of 4.6 per cent for the year-to-date.

The C-Class Coupé, E-Class Coupé and Saloon, the CLS-Class and SL-Class all saw significant gains in June. Registrations of the SL-Class rose by 196.4 per cent to lead its highly competitive segment with a 36.8 per cent share.

In total, 9,469 cars were registered by Mercedes-Benz in June – contributing to an overall rise of 14.8 per cent for the year-to-date.

The sustained popularity of the B-Class continued, seeing a 41.7 per cent gain in registrations compared to the same time last year. Likewise, the A-Class had its most successful month since being introduced to the UK market in January. A total of 1,459 examples were registered in June, capturing 9.5 per cent of its market segment.

Performance brand, AMG, remained the fastest-growing performance brand in the UK, posting a rise of 51.1 per cent with the E 63 AMG Saloon emerging as one of the key contributors to the gain, achieving a 181.8 per cent rise in registrations. In total, 1,486 cars from AMG have been registered in 2013 – the first time such a figure has been reached so early in the year.

The regular E-Class has had its most successful year yet, with 14,140 examples registered to date, a rise of six per cent.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles posted strong results in June. The Citan van had its best month yet with over 200 examples being registered. Further up the scale, the Actros posted a rise of 62.7 per cent, registrations of the Econic rose by 53.1 per cent and the Axor by 127.7 per cent.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: ‘Strong individual performances by key models across our passenger car and commercial vehicle operations, such as the Citan van, the new E-Class Saloon and the Actros as well as the continued great gains by AMG gave us a record performance in June and in the second quarter of the year. As we introduce the full range of A-Class models, build up volume on the CLA-Class and we look ahead to the arrival of the new S-Class later in the year, our diversity of products allows us to set new benchmarks and post a significant year-on-year gain and out-perform the market once again.

‘It’s been an exciting and busy first half to the year; since January, the Mercedes-Benz UK website has had over 1.2 million visits every month and, in May alone, nearly 50,000 eBrochure downloads took place – a new record. Our customer satisfaction scores have been very strong among our existing owners while at the same time the majority of those enquiring about the A-Class, introduced in January, have been new to Mercedes-Benz. And it’s not just new cars - used cars have benefited too, with a 51 per cent increase in searches on our online used car locator.

‘You don’t just need to take our word for it either – the A-Class was announced as the Best New Car at the Fleet World Honours – at the same time we were announced as the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer, an award reflecting the significant growth we’ve seen in our fleet volumes. Along with my colleagues at Mercedes-Benz UK and throughout the Retailer network, I will be working hard to sustain and build on this great momentum as we look forward to a successful second half to the year.’

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Record success: Best ever first half-year for Mercedes-Benz UK

0 Record-breaking May 2013 as Mercedes-Benz registrations rise 16.5 per cent

- Mercedes-Benz UK car registrations up 16.5 per cent for the month of May
- Total of 8,326 cars were registered in May – a best-ever performance
- Adds to growth of 13.9 per cent for the year-to-date, to 44,615 new cars
- AMG continues high performing year – up 52.9 per cent in 2013 with 1214 registrations
- Coupé and Roadster registrations – led by C-Class, E-Class and SLK-Class – also post significant gains
- Efficient motoring on the rise: smart fortwo registrations up 78.9 per cent in May
- Sprinter panel van sees 24.1 per cent rise in registrations

Mercedes-Benz UK has posted a record 16.5 per cent rise in registrations for the month of May according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) – adding to the momentum already achieved by a record first quarter, and a total year-to-date gain of 13.9 per cent.

Registrations totalled 8,326 cars in May – bringing the number of cars registered by Mercedes-Benz for the year-to-date to 44,615.

Highlights in May included strong performances by the Coupé and Roadster models – the C-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class and SLK-Class each achieving significant gains for the month. Likewise, AMG continued its record form – 1214 examples have been registered in 2013 attributing for a 52.9 per cent rise for the year-to-date.

In the month that saw the new S-Class being unveiled, the existing model retained top spot in its market segment – finishing May as the Number One luxury car, a position it’s held all year.

At the other end of the scale, the smart fortwo posted a 78.9 per cent rise in registrations in May, adding to what has been a highly successful year so far for the smart brand. A number of these cars will be used by car2go customers, the simple-to-use car sharing service based in London and Birmingham.

A consistently popular model in the UK, the B-Class, maintained its strong performance with a 56.8 per cent rise in registrations in May, and YTD registrations of 2,965 cars.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles registrations were also strong against a challenging market, with the Sprinter panel van achieving an 24.1 per cent gain in May – a total of 1,261 vans. The Sprinter range is up 9.3 per cent for the year while, the panel van version has posted a 15.2 per cent gain.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: “A strong May and a record-breaking first five months, signs of growth in our Commercial Vehicles operations and another great performance by the AMG brand have put us in a strong position as we enter the summer.

“My colleagues and I at Mercedes-Benz UK and the sales and customer service teams at our passenger car Retailers and CV Dealers throughout the UK will continue to work hard to sustain and build on this progress. As we introduce new and exciting models to the UK – most recently the CLA-Class, the new E-Class and the new GL-Class - we are welcoming new customers to Mercedes-Benz, and along with those of our existing owners, we will meet and exceed their expectations.”

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Record-breaking May 2013 as Mercedes-Benz registrations rise 16.5 per cent

0 Mercedes-Benz UK thrives in April 2013 as car registrations rise 14.2 percent

- Mercedes-Benz UK Passenger Car registrations rose by 14.2 per cent in April – following on from a record first quarter of 2013
- AMG has now registered over 1,000 cars in 2013 – the first time such a figure has been achieved so early in the year – contributing to a 71.3 per cent year-on-year rise
- C-Class Coupé, SLK-Class, CLS-Class and S-Class lead their respective market segments
- New CLA-Class makes its UK debut
- Citan, Sprinter and Fuso Canter continue strong Commercial Vehicle performance

Mercedes-Benz UK has recorded a 14.2 per cent rise in sales for the month of April, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Driving the success were the C-Class Coupé, SLK-Class, CLS-Class and S-Class – each of which led their respective market segments in April.

Likewise, the E-Class also posted a substantial rise in registrations, the Saloon achieving a 31 per cent gain in registrations compared to the same month last year.

The new A-Class also achieved its highest market share figures yet since deliveries began in January, securing 7.3 per cent of its segment in April with a total of 1,344 registrations.

Inspired by the arrival of Spring, registrations of roadsters were up in April. Registrations of the SLK-Class rose by 38.5 per cent while the SL-Class secured a substantial 27.5 per cent of its segment.

Making its debut in the SMMT figures in April was the innovative new CLA-Class – the very first examples being registered ahead of the arrival of the car in Mercedes-Benz Retailers in the coming months.

The performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, AMG, achieved over 1,000 registrations for the year to date in record time. The success continued AMG’s sustained rise in registrations, posting a 33.5 per cent gain for April, contributing to an overall rise of 71.3 per cent for the year. While the C 63 AMG Coupé and C 63 AMG Saloon continue to lead the registrations figures for AMG, it was the new E 63 AMG that recorded the biggest gain, posting a 460 per cent rise.

Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles also posted a strong month, with the Citan van achieving its highest market share figures yet with an 8.2 per cent share for April. The Sprinter was among the best-performing vans with a 48.4 per cent gain in registrations compared to April 2012 but the Fuso Canter took the top spot for the biggest gain with a rise of 100 per cent.

The Axor truck also performed well, a 21.3 per cent rise in sales being posted in April.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK, commented: ‘We’ve had a great 2013 so far – our best ever results for the first quarter and these figures for April prove that both our UK Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle operations continue to thrive through innovation, relevant products and great customer support by our Retailer network.

‘This growth is led by AMG, which continues to be the fastest-growing performance brand in the UK.

‘This month saw the very first examples of the new CLA-Class being registered – this is just one of a number of exciting and inspiring new products in new market segments set to arrive this year as we continue to grow and offer our customers greater choice, quality and value than ever before.’ 

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz UK thrives in April 2013 as car registrations rise 14.2 percent

0 Revised SL-Class in the UK from June 2013: Now with added AMG

- Significant changes to the SL-Class from June 2013 production
- SL 350 and SL 500 now available as AMG Sport models
- Additional standard equipment added to SL 63 AMG
- SL 350 AMG Sport from £69,960 OTR and SL 500 AMG Sport from £79,970 OTR

The SL-Class is now even more luxurious, thanks to enhanced standard equipment and key exterior appointments, mixing style with comfort and advanced engineering.

Both the SL 350 and SL 500 now gain AMG Sport status, which includes additional standard equipment with a combined value of £6,625, including the AMG Sports Package for both the interior and exterior, an electric glass sunroof, and Parkronic with Active Park Assist.

The exterior AMG Sports Package comprises elegant 19” AMG five-spoke alloy wheels; sports suspension lowered by 10mm, with revised damper settings; AMG bodystyling for side skirts and front and rear aprons; a body-coloured boot lip; upgraded braking system (SL 350 only) with perforated rear brake disks; and grey brake calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering.

Joining the upgraded suspension and braking systems, the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission with ‘S’ mode now features modified shift points. Inside, the SLS now benefits from sports seats with perforated leather, verticle fluting and designo Platinum White Pearl piping on door armrests, centre console, seat side bolsters and head restraints; sports steering wheel with silver gear shift paddles and perforated leather in grip areas; chequered flag-design instrument cluster; AMG floor mats; and black fabric roof lining.

The paint and interior choice have also been updated to now include one non-metallic paint and five metallic paints, including new Polar White as standard, with the cost option of two addition colours, including new Hyacinth Red (£690). Black leather is now standard in the range, with a cost option of Bengal Red or Porcelain nappa leather (£710), and standard trim is now in Light Brushed Aluminium, with Black Ash Wood available as a £345 option.

The SL 63 AMG, also benefits of an electric panoramic glass sunroof and Parktronic with Active Park Assist as additions to the standard equipment specifications, with a value of £1,500. There are no changes to the SL 65 AMG.

The SL 350 AMG Sport, from £69,960 OTR, SL 500 AMG Sport, from £79,970 OTR, and SL 63 AMG from £110,785 OTR, are available from June 2013 production.

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Revised SL-Class in the UK from June 2013: Now with added AMG

0 AMG Performance Centre opens at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, UK

The first AMG Performance Centre in the UK has launched at Mercedes-Benz World in fitting style.

Its launch was timed to coincide with Mercedes-Benz World hosting a Pistonheads Sunday Service – with 600 vehicles and over a thousand guests attending in a diverse range of performance cars.

Former Formula 1™ racing driver and current AMG Ambassador, Karl Wendlinger, marked the occasion by setting a blistering pace as he performed dramatic laps of the Handling Circuits in the new E 63 AMG. Meanwhile, the new AMG Performance Centre hosted two UK debuts – the A 45 AMG and the dramatic new SLS AMG Black Series both appearing for the first time.

The setting for the debuts was perfect – the design of the new AMG Performance Centre is intended to develop an even closer relationship with visitors and customers through a personalised showcase characterised by AMG’s brand identity.

The opening of the new AMG Performance Centre complements the range of AMG Driving Experiences. Visitors and customers to the brand centre can now see the latest models and more from AMG in an exclusive atmosphere. Beyond the opening weekend, an impressive selection of cars will always be on display, regularly changing to show the athletic range of models over the course of time. Feature cars will also take special position to capture the fascinating stories and performance that AMG has underneath its belt, that has gone on to make it the fastest-growing performance brand in the UK automotive market.

Also on display and making a link from racetrack to road, was the SLS AMG GT3. An imposing reminder that AMG’s credentials are built on motor racing success. The GT3 was designed to win races, just like the cars before it from 1971 when the company took its first victory. And now as it was then, the racers are still developed from the road going versions.

Alongside the cars under the spot-light is a relaxing seating area with a larger than life engine badge on the wall to communicate the “one man – one engine” philosophy; the manufacturing principle of the powerful hand-crafted AMG engines is brought to life on the screen that furthermore fascinates and captivates the essence of AMG.

Credits: Mercedes-Benz UK

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: AMG Performance Centre opens at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, UK