Global sales: January 2010: MB, BMW, Audi

[Der Hofmeister]

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-Benz off to a successful start in the new year - sales grow by 24 percent in January

- Dr. Joachim Schmidt: "In the coming weeks we will build on the excellent start we've made in 2010 - we expect to see significant growth in the first quarter."
- Mercedes-Benz is fastest-growing premium brand in U.S.
- New record set once again in China - high growth in all BRIC countries
- Sales boost expected from new E-Class convertible and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
- C-, E-, and S-Class sedans post high growth rates

Stuttgart, Germany, Feb 04, 2010 – In January, Mercedes-Benz continued the positive trend of the past few months by posting significant increases in its worldwide sales. A total of 67,000 passenger cars were delivered to customers, 24 percent more than in the previous year (2009: 53,900 vehicles).

Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: "We started the new year successfully with a strong increase in sales. That was due to the large increases in many regions such as North America, Asia/Pacific, and the BRIC countries, as well as the continuing success of our new E- and S-Class. In the coming weeks we will be building on this excellent start. We expect to see significant growth in the first quarter."

An additional boost will be provided by the full availability of the E-Class family. Orders are being accepted for the new convertible since January 11, 2010. The customer response has been excellent. The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is also very popular, with the customer response considerably exceeding expectations. Deliveries of both new products in Western Europe will start at the end of March.

Mercedes-Benz continued to develop dynamically in the markets in January, especially in China, where it posted a new record: Customer deliveries there totaled 8,300 units, more than double the figure posted in January 2009 (2009: 3,400). This means that Mercedes-Benz continues to grow faster than its competitors in the premium segment. In January, Mercedes-Benz was also very successful in Japan (plus 11 percent), Australia (plus 50 percent), South Korea (plus 238 percent), and South Africa (plus 12 percent). New records were set for sales in January in the BRIC countries India (plus 213 percent) and Russia (plus 17 percent). Mercedes-Benz also significantly increased its sales in Brazil (29 percent).

In the U.S., Mercedes-Benz was the fastest-growing premium brand in January and significantly increased its market share. With a market share of 2.1 percent, Mercedes-Benz is the market leader among German premium brands. Its passenger car sales increased by 40 percent to 14,700 units (2009: 10,500 units). Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz also posted a sales record in Canada in January, delivering 1,600 passenger vehicles to customers (January 2009: 1,200) for an increase of 34 percent.

Sales in January were particularly affected in Western Europe by the down time at the production plants and customer centers in Germany. The Mercedes-Benz brand sold 9,300 passenger vehicles in the German market (January 2009: 11,300, minus 18 percent). At 18,600 units, sales in the other countries of Western Europe were ten percent higher than in the same month of last year (January 2009: 16,900). Mercedes-Benz posted big gains in the UK (plus 18 percent), France (plus seven percent), Spain (plus 24 percent), Switzerland (plus 30 percent), Portugal (plus 44 percent), and Sweden (plus 43 percent).

The new E-Class continued to do very well. The sedan doubled its worldwide deliveries to 13,900 units. The vehicle posted great gains in almost all markets, including the U.S., where sales more than doubled to 3,800 units, as well as in Germany (1,200 units/plus 66 percent) and China. In China, deliveries were four times higher than in the same month of last year, amounting to 2,300 units. The new-generation S-Class also recorded strong growth in January, with worldwide deliveries increasing by 50 percent to 4.300 units. A total of 1,300 S-Class vehicles were delivered to customers last month in China, representing a 46 percent increase over the same month of last year. Vehicle sales were also up sharply in the United States (plus 57 percent) and Germany (plus 75 percent) last month.

The other Mercedes-Benz model series were also successful in January, with sales of the C-Class sedan rising by eleven percent to 15,000 units, thus once again confirming the vehicle’s market leadership. In its largest market, the U.S., the C-Class saw sales rise by 33 percent in January, to 4,000 units. In China, meanwhile, deliveries doubled to 1,700 units. Mercedes-Benz boosted sales in the SUV segment by 20 percent to 12,600 units. Sales of the GLK grew at a double-digit rate in many Western European markets, and the vehicle was once again far ahead of its main competitors in the U.S.. The M-, GL-, and G-Class SUVs also posted double-digit gains in the U.S. in January.

A total of 5,600 (January 2009: 8,300) smart fortwos were sold in January (minus 33 percent). The company expects sales of the smart brand to get a boost particularly from the market launch of the new-generation smart fortwo, which will start in the third quarter of 2010.

Overview of sales by Mercedes-Benz Cars

Source: Mercedes-Benz-Blog -- Unmistakable. Unique. Classy. Mercedes-Benz.: Mercedes-Benz off to a successful start in the new year - sales grow by 24 percent in January

 

[fortuner]

Great start for 2010.In europe and germany they seem to have gone backwards i wonder why.

 

[EnI]

C'mon guys.

It's been a practice for years now that monthly sales figures are posted in a joined thread for all German car makers - in the Automotive Sales & Business News subsection. So the figures are in one place, and therefore more visible & comparable. Not to say the commenting is easier & cleaner - since there are no double posts etc.




so, let a mod move this thread in to Automotive Sales subsection, and rename the thread to fit the standard (Global sales: January 2010: MB, BMW, Audi).

Thanks.





******

Btw, good figures for MB. But smart is going down. As said: the all-new cheaper micro-car rivals like Toyota IQ are hurting smart sales badly. Mind smart was almost without rivals in the segment. And due to monopoly it MB was able to set the price ridiculously high. Now the smart seems way too overpriced. Since it adds a little or almost no premium advantage over the rivals - yet the price is extremely high. And smart brand still isn't as respected & established people would pay for the brand name only in this segment. Poor smart. I feel sorry for the little car.

 

[Wolfgang]

Mercedes-Benz Canada reports its best January ever with a 33.5% increase

TORONTO, Feb. 2 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada reported today that a total of 1,693 Mercedes-Benz and smart combined units were registered for the month. This represents a 33.5% increase compared to January 2009 and the best January ever for the Mercedes-Benz Canada group.

On the Mercedes-Benz side, a total of 1,605 vehicles were delivered in January. This also represents the best January ever, and a gain of 427 units or 36.2% year-over-year.

smart reported that sales remained consistent with January 2009 levels with a total of 88 vehicles sold throughout the month.

Buoyant B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GLK-Class, M-Class, R-Class and GL-class model sales contributed to January's success. E-Class Sedan sales were up an impressive 109.8%, and exceptionally strong demand pushed sales of the GLK-Class, ML-Class and GL-Class up an impressive 65.0%, 71.0% and 143.6% respectively for the month.

With 832 units retailed, passenger car sales were up 10.8% compared to January 2009. The luxury light truck side also continued to post significant growth and ended the month ahead 81.0% compared to previous year's results. The diesel sales ratio was 67.2% for the month, while permanent all-wheel drive 4MATIC(TM) units accounted for 80.8% of the overall passenger car and light truck sales (excluding smart).

Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz results also reported their best January ever with 502 units delivered. This represents a 15.4% increase year-to-date.

"We closed out 2009 on an extremely positive note, and I'm very pleased that we are maintaining last year's record-breaking momentum by starting the year with strong year-over-year sales growth," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "With Sprinter now fully integrated into our line-up, we have added yet another class-leading vehicle to our fascinating product portfolio. Collectively, we will continue to remain focused on our number one priority; offering customers a range of highly desirable vehicles and providing an unmatched ownership experience at every turn."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the four brands within the Mercedes-Benz Group in Canada: Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,250 people in 19 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 14 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 26,942 vehicles in 2009, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the internet at: www.media.mercedes-benz.ca

 

[Wolfgang]

Great start for 2010.In europe and germany they seem to have gone backwards i wonder why.

One reason for the slower sales in Germany may have been some production downtime of the new 4 cylinder diesel, since there was a backlog at one of the suppliers.

 

[hannaz]

Mercedes-Benz India back to leadership!

Mercedes-Benz India Ltd. (MBIL) regained thier leadership position in the luxury car market in India. MBIL released their best ever sales figure in the month of January which is four fold higher compared to same period for last year.

Ever since the launch of new E-class (W212) MBIL has been so aggressive & this attitude was revealed at the Auto Expo too. Their product range, pricing & marketing methods is been in a new style as never before. These all might be the reason that Mercedes marked a tremendous growth in the first month of this year compared to the previous year.

MBIL has regained the first position by beating BMW for a margin of around 40 cars for this month. Total sales figure for BMW this month was around 360 units, where are MBIL sold 403 units and this sales figure shows a growth 391percent compared to the Jan 2009!

Press Release:


Mercedes makes it their “Best Ever” January in company history: clocks 403 units for the month


Pune: Mercedes-Benz India created history by making January 2010 as the best January ever, in company history. The organization sold a total of 403 units (wholesale) for the month which comprised of 130 C-Class, 245 E-Class and 22 S-Class cars. The balance was made up of completely built imported units. (January 2009: 82 units wholesale).

Managing Director & CEO, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur on the January performance “Our sales numbers are a result of our customers appreciating the Fascination of the Mercedes-Benz brand. This has been reinforced through a multi-pronged approach which heightens the customer experience:

Our complete network has been upgraded and now spans 50 touch points across 25 cities. We deliver world class vehicle ownership experience to our customers across the country.

After a very successful Auto Expo 2010, we have embarked upon MercedesTrophy’ – the oldest and the most prestigious golf tournament which spans across 15 cities and 1800 players (in 2009: 5 city, 600 golfers). Additionally, through the tournament Mercedes-Benz is happy to associate with India’s youngest pro-amp golfer – Gaganjeet Singh Bhullar
Our connect with luxury and lifestyle has been enhanced through our association with ace designer Manish Arora. His ensemble “Inspired by Mercedes” is presented at exclusive customer evenings across India
We have revitalized our product line and in January alone we launched 7 products into the Indian market. this takes our total offerings to 38 models (10 product segments) – the broadest product portfolio across any luxury car maker in India.

Our investment in the new plant and unflinching focus on quality have borne rich dividends with our plant in Pune, which is regarded amongst the finest assembly plants in Mercedes globally.

While sales numbers are an encouraging story, we at Mercedes will continue to focus upon customer delight and profitable growth as part of our long term strategy for the country”.



Source: Hanmust

 

[EnI]

BMW Group on growth track in Asia and the Middle East

05.02.2010
Press Release

• Sales in China more than double in January
• 2009 with 183,111 vehicles successful year for the region
• Production capacities and retail network in Asia slated for expansion

Munich. The BMW Group has made an excellent start to the new year in China with a substantial increase in sales of more than 122%. A total of 11,919 BMW and MINI brand vehicles (prev. yr. 5,360 units) were sold in January, more than double the volume sold in the same month last year. At 11,369 vehicles, the BMW brand for the first time exceeded the threshold of 10,000 units sold in one month. The BMW 7 Series performed extremely well, with sales of 1,705 vehicles (prev. yr.: 844 units/+102%). China thus remains the largest single market for this key model series. “We will continue on our growth track in the Chinese market in 2010. Although we already saw a very strong performance there last year, we are once again aiming for growth in the double-digit percentage range in this country,” said Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, in Munich on Friday. Last year the company sold 90,536 BMW and MINI brand vehicles in China: an increase of 37.5%.

The Asia and Middle East region, with its diverse markets, is becoming increasingly important to the BMW Group. In 2009 the company made substantial gains of 10.5% in this region, with sales for the BMW and MINI brands totalling 183,111 automobiles. As such, Asia accounts for around 14% of Group retail. In comparison, North America comprises 21% of total retail and Europe 59%.

Following the creation of the first sales subsidiary in 1981 in Japan – where the BMW brand is now market leader in the premium segment – the BMW Group began to steadily expand its involvement in Asia in the mid-1990s by adding its own sales locations and production facilities. “Our strategy of investing early in emerging markets with a high development potential, and helping to shape the growth there, is today paying dividends,” added Robertson. This is also clearly illustrated by the example of India, where the company sold only 227 units in 2005. Establishing its own sales subsidiary in 2006 made it easier to develop market potential – and already by 2007 retail volumes surged more than fivefold to 1,387 units. Last year, the BMW brand was the market leader in India’s premium segment with sales climbing 24.4% to 3,619 vehicles. BMW was also number one in the premium segment in Korea in 2009 for the third consecutive year with a market share of 23.8%. Korea is the fourth largest market for the BMW 7 Series after China, the US and Germany.

Besides China, India and Korea the markets served by import partners in Asia and the Middle East also performed very well in 2009. Despite the global economic crisis, the BMW Group reported a slight increase of 1.5% in sales volumes in the markets in Southeast Asia served by importers to reach a total of 5,840 units. Growth was driven in particular by Indonesia (901 units/+25%), Vietnam (334 units/+106%) and Brunei (213 units/+16%).

In the Middle East the BMW brand was able to expand its market share by 4% in the 14 markets served by importers. The best-selling vehicle in these markets was the BMW 7 Series with 4,620 units sold: an increase of 75% over the previous year. Markets with particularly strong growth included Syria with an increase of 53% (878 units), Lebanon with 48% (1,001 units) and Saudi Arabia with 27% (2,555 units). “The BMW Group is also performing well in the markets of Southeast Asia and the Middle East. We intend to maintain this course again this year,” says Robertson.

A key success factor for participation in Asia’s strong growth is the gradual expansion of production capacities from 41,000 units currently to 100,000 units at the Shenyang location in China in the future. Since 2003, BMW 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles for the domestic market have been built jointly with BMW Group’s Chinese Joint Venture Partner Brilliance.

Towards the end of the year the Indian CKD plant in Chennai will also begin turning out the BMW X1 alongside the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series. This will form the basis for the BMW brand’s entry into India’s sports activity/sports utility segment. At the same time, the company will also be expanding its Indian retail network, establishing retail and service outlets in ten further cities across the Indian subcontinent.

Asia is not just an attractive retail market and production location for the BMW Group. Rising sales volumes also go hand in hand with more extensive procurement activities. For this reason, the BMW Group established a new purchasing office in South Korea in November 2009. An international sourcing organisation facilitates procurement of the highest quality available worldwide and is also well-positioned to offset currency fluctuations. The BMW Group’s key suppliers in the Asian region are based in China, Japan and South Korea. The purchase of state-of-the-art battery technology from SB LiMotive, a 50:50 Joint Venture between Bosch and Samsung SDI, marks a milestone in the cooperation with suppliers in the Asian region. As previously announced, SB LiMotive will supply the lithium-ion storage units for the BMW Group’s Megacity Vehicle which will come onto the market by 2015.

 

[klier]

87 RR is pretty crazy. If they keep up, they will sell more than 1,000 cars. That's pretty huge for Rolls Royce right?

Also, BMW sold about 3000 more cars than MB. Meaning they're virtually equally big.

 

[Mockenrue]

AUDI AG: Sales up by Roughly 39 Percent in January

• Growth in all of Europe’s major markets
• Sales grew by over a third in the U.S. and more than doubled in China
• Sales chief Schwarzenbauer: “Expecting a strong first quarter”
• High sales figures for the Audi Q5 and the A5 family

With some 77,800 cars delivered worldwide, AUDI AG achieved sales growth of around 39 percent in January (2009: 56,138). In the past month, 16,798 Chinese customers chose an Audi – more than twice as many as in January 2009 (2009: 7,816). Sales in the United States rose by 37.9 percent to 6,510 cars (2009: 4,722). Sales in Europe outside Germany grew by 23 percent, with 33,300 cars sold (2009: 27,020).

“Due to the current order registrations, we expect a strong first quarter in 2010,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management for Marketing and Sales at AUDI AG. Contributing to the good sales situation is the new Audi A5 Sportback, which is now fully available for the first time, as well as the highly successful Audi Q5, which has outsold its competitors’ models by a significant margin in Europe. “With this successful start we’re on target to reach the record we set in 2008 of one million cars sold, which we want to achieve again in 2010.”

In all major European markets, the sales figures for the brand with the four rings were above those for the same month in the previous year. In its German home market, the Ingolstadt-based company sold 11,657 premium cars, an increase of 9.3 percent (2009: 10,662). In Great Britain, Audi’s sales grew in January by 42.9 percent to 9,004 units (2009: 6,302). The Audi Q5 made an especially large contribution to the 21 percent growth in Italy, where 4,755 cars were sold (2009: 3,929). In France, Audi sold 3,690 cars (up 0.2 percent; 2009: 3,683); in Spain there were 3,311 units sold (up 11.1 percent; 2009: 2,979). Sales figures also rose again in Eastern Europe, with 812 cars sold in Russia, the region’s largest market, representing a 58.3 percent gain (2009: 513).

In the Asia-Pacific region, sales for the brand rose by 101 percent to around 20,850 cars (2009: 10,381). Along with growth of 114.9 percent in China (including Hong Kong), with 16,798 units sold, sales also grew in Japan by 33.6 percent, with 991 cars delivered to customers (2009: 742).

While Audi of America was able to increase its share of the premium car market in the United States to 8.9 percent with a 37.9 percent growth in sales (2009: 4.722 cars; market share of 7.2 percent), the 127.8 percent growth of sales in neighboring Canada exceeded even that of China: in January, 884 Canadian customers chose an Audi (2009: 388).

 

[chonkoa]

It is too early to say, but this year might hold something for the guys from Ingolstadt.