Mercedes-Benz USA 2008 Best January Sales Ever

MBUSA Sells 18,275 Units, an Increase of 7.1 Percent Over Last January

MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 1 -- Coming off its fourteenth year of consecutive sales growth, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported sales of 18,275 new vehicles for January 2008, up 7.1 percent from last January, marking the best January sales in the company's history.

Strong demand in both the Mercedes SUV and coupes and convertibles categories fueled the increase in sales volume for the month. As a group, sales of Mercedes-Benz SUVs rose 23.1 percent (6,167 vs. 5,011 units), boosted by an M-Class sales increase of 37.7 percent (3,237 vs. 2,351 units). The R-Class also contributed to the momentum with sales of 1,005 units, a 19.9 percent increase over last January. The popularity of Mercedes-Benz coupes and convertibles was demonstrated by a 21.2 percent sales increase for the SLK-Class (480 vs. 396 units), a 19.1 percent increase in the CLK-Class (1,223 vs. 1,027 units), and a 5.4 percent increase in SL-Class (389 vs. 369 units).

Other highlights include strong performance of the C-Class model line, which was the volume leader with sales of 4,647 units, an increase of 18.3 percent over last January's 3,928 units.

Separately, the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program reported sales of 3,624 units, an increase of 0.4 percent compared to last January.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. In 2007, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 253,433 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 14 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com.

YTD    YTD
  Model        January '08  January '07  Monthly %  2008   2007     Yearly %

  C-CLASS       4,647       3,928         18.3%     4,647  3,928    18.3%

  E-CLASS       2,980       3,375        -11.7%     2,980  3,375   -11.7%

  S-CLASS       1,641       2,078        -21.0%     1,641  2,078   -21.0%

  CL-CLASS        253         258         -1.9%       253    258    -1.9%

  SL-CLASS        389         369          5.4%       389    369     5.4%

  CLK-CLASS     1,223       1,027         19.1%     1,223  1,027    19.1%

  SLK-CLASS       480         396         21.2%       480    396    21.2%

  CLS-CLASS       495         627        -21.1%       495    627   -21.1%

  R-CLASS       1,005         838         19.9%     1,005    838    19.9%

  M-CLASS       3,237       2,351         37.7%     3,237  2,351    37.7%

  GL-CLASS      1,815       1,815          0.0%     1,815  1,815     0.0%

  G-CLASS         110           7       1471.4%       110      7  1471.4%

  GRAND TOTAL  18,275      17,069          7.1%    18,275 17,069     7.1%