Due to the ongoing downturn on almost all markets and the upcoming model changeover for the high-volume E-Class series, Mercedes-Benz Cars sold a total of 72,200 vehicles (February 2008: 96,800) worldwide in February (decrease of 25%). The division has sold 134,500 (January-February 2008: 187,200) Mercedes-Benz, AMG, smart, and Maybach brand vehicles to date this year (decrease of 28%). Mercedes-Benz sold 63,600 vehicles in February 2009 (February 2008: 88,000 units). This represents a 28% decline from the February 2008 mark, which was the brand’s all-time sales record for the month of February.

smart delivered 8,600 vehicles (February 2008: 8,800 units) to customers worldwide last month (minus two percent). smart is now in the third year of its lifecycle. The smart fortwo has been available in the U.S.since one year now, and in February customers purchased 1,400 (February 2008: 1,100) of the innovative two-seater which is an increase of 29 percent.

Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In recent weeks we’ve been observing a growing interest among German customers in our new passenger cars and our one year old pre-owned vehicles. In February, sales of the smart fortwo in Germany increased by 28 percent. What’s more, there was a substantial increase in orders for the A- and B-Class. The demand for our one year old pre-owned vehicles has also been developing very positively since the beginning of the year, with double-digit growth rates.”

In the U.S., despite the difficult market conditions, Mercedes-Benz sold 14,200 passenger cars in February (February 2008: 18,600, minus 24 percent), more than any other premium brand. Contributing to the result was the fact that the GLK got off to a good start. Sales of pre-owned vehicles also developed positively in the US, with 5,800 units sold (February 2008: 4,500), amounting to an increase of 28 percent.

In China, Mercedes-Benz is maintaining its position as the fastest-growing premium brand. In February, sales in China increased by 17 percent to 3,000 units (February 2008: 2,500). The B-Class has been available in China since January, and the smart fortwo will celebrate its market launch there this year.

The new E-Class coupe celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show these days. Sales of the new model began on February 19, and the market launch is scheduled for May 9. “With this new coupe, Mercedes-Benz is continuing a tradition that has repeatedly thrilled E-Class customers throughout the model’s history,” said Dr. Klaus Maier. “The coupe’s dynamic design and its new engine generation combine emotion and efficiency in a very special way.”

The new E-Class coupe will be available shortly after market launch with Mercedes-Benz’ new fuel efficient four-cylinder diesel engine in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. With fuel consumption of only 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers and emissions of just 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is one of the most economical vehicles in its class.

Mercedes-Benz presented the new E-Class sedan at the beginning of the year at the Detroit Auto Show. The model went on sale on January 12, and about 40,000 orders had been placed for it by the end of February, although the official market launch will not take place until March 28, 2009.