Moscow. – SAO "Mercedes-Benz RUS", responsible for Mercedes-Benz, AMG and Maybach sales of passenger cars, SUV and Mercedes-Benz Vans, summed up 2011 sales. Last year was the most successful year in the history of "Mercedes-Benz" on the Russian market. Impressive sales development was made possible by product offerings, reasonable pricing policy, various sales measures and also by favourable economic situation in the country and as a result of growing luxury vehicle segment and purchasing capacity of Russian clients, which led to sales growth in almost all classes of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The 47.3% growth of Mercedes-Benz Cars and SUV sales in 2011 versus previous year exceed the general market growth and led to a significant increase in market share in the premium segment. A total number of 29 058 vehicles were delivered to customers.

According to the year results, the most successful in the production program on the Russian market was the SUV segment and especially GLK- and GL-Class. SUV segment remains the most popular among Russian clients – up to 40% of total sales numbers -- followed by E-Class and C-Class. The trend was reinforced by the market launch of the facelifted C-Class in the first half of the year, and by the introduction of the new C-Class coupe. The most successful business sedan in premium segment E-Class was offered with attractive equipment packages. The new CLS-Class which was presented in the Russian market in September 2011 is also contributing to the sales growth. Also S-Class sales continued on high level. The sales of compact Mercedes-Benz models of A- and B-Classes increased by more as 60%.

Based on the he performance during 2011 all Mercedes-Benz product segments have grown significantly. The 2011 was the record year for the brand in Russia ever with best month September when the sales exceeded 3000 units. It was a significant contribution to the global sales of Mercedes-Benz: The Russian market was nominated as the “Market of the quarter” three times. This positive development resulted in leading position of Mercedes-Benz on the Russian premium segment. These positive results pushed Russia to the 9th position of local markets for Mercedes-Benz globaly.

CEO of Mercedes-Benz Russia Juergen Sauer remarks: "There are three reasons that helped us to make this year so successful. First of all, this is our renewed model range, considered price policy and for Russia determined "Special edition". Our well developed dealer network is the second reason of our success. We constantly improve professional skills of sales managers and service technical specialists. Our company has strong requirements for its new partners. And proactive marketing policy has become the third component."

Mercedes-Benz Russia was able to capitalize on the positive market trends in 2011 and posted a significant increase in Vans sales. A total of 2703 units were delivered to customers, which is 27.3% more than in the previous year. These positive results were driven by the successful launch of several new products and product variants, by improvements in customer service and by several new points of sales. Since the beginning 2011 the new Vito as well as the new Viano enjoyed a very good response from many customers. A major boost in vans sales also came from the successful Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Marschroutentaxi that gained instant acceptance and preference from both large and small companies specializing in people transportation.

Russia continues to be an attractive market with great opportunities for growth, that is why Daimler AG has made a long-term commitment to it. Cooperation between Daimler and GAZ for localization of the Sprinter is just one example for our strategy in Russia.

Spare parts turnover of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, vans and trucks in 2011 has increased by 53,2%.

During the year company continued to offer new products on the Russian market, such as service contracts, tyres on rims, conducted "winter" and "spring" service campaignes, which further improved the attractiveness of the official Mercedes-Benz service in Russia.

During 2011 a total of 7060 employees of different dealerships got advanced training in sales, management and after sales (+ 44%). Confirming the high level of Russian After-Sales Customer Service Mercedes-Benz Russia is No.1 among premium segment's competitors (w.r.t. Competitor Benchmark Study 2011). Furthermore Mercedes-Benz Russia achieved this delightful result 2nd time (the same result in 2011).

Own retail sales in Russia is a part of long term strategy on the Russian market. In 2011 company continued to develop own direct sales on Leningradsky avenue and car technical and sales center in Veshky, which is located on 85th km of MKAD. There are new vans and trucks, as well as used passenger cars, vans and trucks offered to the clients. The market share of the own retail in Russia was increased up to 16% of total car sales in the country. Service area in Veshki owns 23 working posts for servicing of passenger cars and vans, and 12 working posts for trucks that enables to repait up to one thousand vehicles a week.

In 2011, SAO "Mercedes-Benz RUS" continued to develop its official dealer network in Russia. Today there are 51 independent dealers which sell and/or provide services for passenger cars and vans in Russia. Mercedes-Benz partners continued to invest in the future and there were opened new dealerships in Moscow (MB Izmaylovo), Volgograd, Magnitogorsk, Chelyabinsk and Ivanovo. Some of dealer centers were under reconstruction to be opened again for customers.

In 2011 Mercedes-Benz have started the title sponsorship of Fashion Week in Russia (two seasons - spring and autumn) to complete association of the brand with fashion and high style also in the country by promoting of young talents and being a part of the emerging Russian fashion scene.

During 2011 the main places for representing Mercedes-Benz brand were important social, economic and political events in Russia: the company supported the Zvorykin project for innovations, the "Global Energy" Award etc. and also various music events as a transportation partner. For the third time Mercedes-Benz became the official car of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the fact indicates the high level of trust in the brand by the Russian political and economic elite.

Support for social initiatives has been an important focus of SAO "Mercedes-Benz RUS". In 2011 the company continues the corporate volunteer movement "Star troopers", aimed at implementing the program of help to the underprivileged children, continued working on the educational projects of "Mercedes-Benz Academy" and supported programs for child safety on the roads.