Mercedes 2013 Annual Report Download - page 147

151
D | The Divisions | Mercedes-Benz Cars
Record unit sales for Mercedes-Benz. We once again set
a new record in 2013 with unit sales of 1,467,400 Mercedes-Benz
brand cars, marking a 9% increase over the previous year.

D.02 Growth became significantly more dynamic as the year
progressed due to the launch of our attractive new models.
Mercedes-Benz was the most successful premium carmaker
in Germany, Japan and the United States in 2013. We also
further improved our position in many markets around the globe.
Mercedes-Benz performed very well overall in a volatile market
environment in Europe. In fact, we gained additional market
share in nearly all key markets. Growth was particularly strong
in the United Kingdom (+14%), Russia (+19%) and Turkey (+61%).
We recorded a 3% increase in unit sales compared to the prior
year in Western Europe and increased our share of the weak
German market to 10.3% (2012: 10.1%). The development was
especially positive in the United States, where we set a new
record with sales of 308,900 vehicles. We were able to record
substantial increases also in Japan (+22%), India (+27%) and
Brazil (+34%). Unit sales in China rose significantly, especially
in the second half of 2013, leading to a full-year increase
of 15%.
Among the various Mercedes-Benz model series, the new
compact cars displayed an exceptionally dynamic development.
During the year under review, a total of 383,700 customers
opted to buy a vehicle from the A-, B- or CLA-Class model series.
This figure corresponds to a 66% increase in compact model
sales. The new E-Class models launched in June were also
in great demand, with a 6% increase in unit sales in the year
of the model changeover to 332,300 sedans, station wagons,
coupes and convertibles. Sales of M-/R-/GLK-/GL-/G-Class
SUVs rose to the new record level of 323,300 vehicles (+9%).
With sales of 121,400 units (+1%), the M-Class was once
again the top-selling vehicle in its market segment. The C-Class
performed well in the year before its model changeover,
recording sales of 356,700 units (-16%). The new S-Class, deliv-
eries of which began in July 2013, was extremely well received
by both customers and automotive journalists. The brand’s
new flagship model has been available in all core markets since
October and has already made its way to the top of new-
vehicle registration statistics. Also in the year of the model
changeover, the S-Class defended its position as the world’s
best-selling luxury sedan. We sold a total of 71,400 vehicles
in the S-Class segment in 2013 (2012: 80,700).
The new E-Class – efficient, intelligent and emotive.
The world premiere of the new E-Class at the North American
International Auto Show marked the start of Mercedes-Benz’s
broadly based product offensive. The model’s front end has
been fully redesigned with new headlights featuring a single lens
that covers all functional elements. Along with the sedan
and the wagon, Mercedes-Benz also completely upgraded the
coupes and convertibles in the E-Class family. The changes
include powerful and efficient BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines
with sophisticated fuel-injection technology, as well as
pioneering assistance systems.
The new CLA coupe – (air) resistance is futile. The CLA
has established a new segment with its world-leading aerody-
namic properties, an avant-garde coupe design and the
optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Breathtakingly sporty
proportions and a powerful and dynamic design idiom featur-
ing interplay between concave and convex surfaces lend
the four-door coupe its distinctive appearance. With a Cd value
of 0.23, and even 0.22 in the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY1,
the CLA sets a new benchmark both for the Mercedes-Benz
model lineup and for all other production vehicles. Deliveries
to customers of the new CLA started in April 2013. A total
of 59,200 units had already been sold by the end of the year.
Mercedes Benz starts a new chapter of its success story with the all-new C-Class.
1 CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY: fuel consumption in l/100 km
urban 6.8 / extra-urban 4.0 / combined 5.0;
CO2 emissions in g/km combined 117.