Mercedes 2012 Annual Report Download - page 139

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4 | The Divisions | Mercedes-Benz Cars
in September 2012, unit sales in the compact segment rose by
20% to 231,100 vehicles. This positive development was mainly
due to high unit sales of the B-Class (+57% to 150,200 vehicles).
The market launch of the new A-Class was extremely successful.
In fact, more than 70,000 orders had already been received
by the time the model went on sale in September 2012.
All in all, we managed to increase sales in many markets,
despite facing difficult economic conditions. Mercedes-Benz
success fully defended its position as the most successful
premium brand in Germany with shipments of 261,100 vehicles
last year (2011: 262,300). This positive sales momentum was
generated primarily by the B-Class, the M-Class, the upgraded
GLK and, from the fourth quarter on, the new A-Class. In
addition, we succeeded in improving our position in nearly all
markets in Western Europe excluding Germany. Total unit
sales of 300,100 vehicles exceeded the prior-year level by nearly
5% despite weak markets in the countries of Southern Europe.
Sales in the United States reached a new record level of
289,300 vehicles (+17%); this development was primarily a result
of the success of our new SUVs. Retail sales were up also
in China, increasing by 1% to a record of 196,200 vehicles.
As of the third quarter, sales were stimulated by the launch
of the new B-Class. In order to optimize the inventories of our
Chinese sales partners, we simultaneously reduced unit
sales, i.e. shipments to our dealer network, by 9%. In 2012,
sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars developed especially
dynamically in Japan (+37%), Russia (+27%), Mexico (+27%),
Switzerland (+23%) and the United Kingdom (+20%).
The heartbeat of a new generation. The highlight of the
Mercedes-Benz presentation at the Geneva Motor Show
in March 2012 was the world premiere of the new A-Class.
With this model, we ushered in a new era for the compact-car
segment. The new A-Class is exceptionally emotive in
terms of design, dynamic thanks to new engines, and highly
efficient with emission values starting at 92 grams of CO2
per kilometer. The model’s fuel consumption is up to 28% lower
than that of its predecessor, despite a significant increase
in engine performance. At the same time, the new A-Class
underscores the fact that safety is not a question of cost
at Mercedes-Benz. For example, the vehicle is offered with
the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system
as standard equipment. The model’s ability to seamlessly inte-
grate iPhones® is also making the Mercedes-Benz brand
particularly attractive to younger customers.
CLS Shooting Brake: A sports car with cargo space. With
the all-new CLS Shooting Brake, which was first delivered to
customers in October 2012, Mercedes-Benz offers yet another
highlight in its lineup of innovative luxury vehicles. Although
the model clearly has the proportions of a coupe, its five doors
and a roof that stretches to the rear of the vehicle also offer
impressive new possibilities. As a sports car with five seats and
a large rear hatch, the vehicle is a unique option for customers
who desire both a sporty driving experience and plenty of
room for cargo.
Additional new models in 2012. The completely redesigned
SL celebrated its world premiere at the Detroit Auto Show
at the beginning of the year. This automobile is made almost
entirely of aluminum and weighs up to 140 kilograms less
than its predecessor. Its new BlueDIRECT engines are more
powerful and up to 30% more fuel-efficient than the engines
of the predecessor generation.
We also upgraded our range of SUVs in 2012 by launching new
generations of the compact GLK and the G-Class as well as the
new GL. With their new designs, more exclusive appointments,
pioneering assistance systems, and powertrains that are
both efficient and agile, all of these vehicles underscore the
Mercedes-Benz claim to leadership in the SUV segment.
Presented in January 2013: The strong and dynamic styling makes the four-door coupe Mercedes-Benz CLA unmistakable.