Mercedes-Benz Cars division responsible for sales of passenger cars and off-road vehicles Mercedes-Benz, AMG and Maybach summed up sales results for the year 2009. During the year as a whole, Mercedes-Benz delivered 12,050 vehicles to customers (2008: 16,764 — minus 28.2%). The decrease of sales volumes is determined by continued economic recession at the Russian and global automobile markets. Taking into account the total decrease of automotive market in Russia about 50% Mercedes-Benz performed better than the total market thus gaining market shares. In spite of the difficult economic situation the positive trend in sales was marked in different vehicle classes since September.
During the year some bright premiers were introduced at the Russian market.

The facelifted S-Class was presented in Russia to the distinguished guests within the International Economic Forum in St-Petersburg in June. “Mercedes-Benz Russia SAO” was honored to participate in official car status. The sales of the flagship model decreased by more than half within the year (including SL-, CL-Class, SLR and Maybach). Sales decrease is connected in particular with long-expected facelifted S-Class. Equipped with advanced technologies, the facelifted S-Class will continue the success story of the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz model range and is the market leader in Russia in the segment. The MBR also has introduced in Russia the unique S 400 Hybrid - the first hybrid vehicle equipped with lithium-ion battery. S 400 HYBRID is the world's most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon.

The advantages of the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz flagship were highly appreciated in 2009 by the reputable jury of well-known Russian racers and prominent automotive journalists within the traditional competition of “Automobili” magazine – “Sports Car of the year”. Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG was awarded as of the winners.

The achievements of Mercedes-Benz brand in producing sports cars were acknowledged at another authoritative prize-giving ceremony “Golden Klaxon”, traditionally organized by “Klaxon” newspaper. The Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG roadster won the competition as the best sports car outrivaling the worthiest competitors nominated in the same category.

2009 the family of new Е-Class (saloon, coupe, station wagon and 4MATIC versions) was introduced at the Russian market. As effect the E-Class models were the most successful Mercedes-Benz cars in Russia almost with the same sales figures like in previous year (-5.4%). The new E-Class saloon and coupe are to create a new sales momentum in the second half of 2009, in particular due to market entry in July 2009 of the models with petrol engines with direct injection – Е 200 CGI and E 250 CGI, as well as coupe Е 250 CGI with the new four-cylinder engine, demonstrating high efficiency and ecological compatibility. Since the end of the year Mercedes-Benz in Russia offers the new E-Class with diesel engine E 250 CDI expanding the offer of diesel versions outside SUV-segment.

In SUV-Segment the introduction at the Russian market the facelifted version of GL-Class and successful sales of GLK-Class mantained the sales and practically fixed the sales figures at the same level as in 2008 (-5.3%).
Juergen Sauer: “We have the youngest and best product range in the market and we have an excellent sales team. I am sure we make a good start into the new year”.

Effective June 1, 2009 “Mercedes-Benz Russia” SAO introduced new pricing policy, according to that prices for all vehicles are fixed in the Russian national currency and will not depend on the exchange rate fluctuations. In addition, the prices for major models are subject to repositioning which lead to their amendment towards decreasing. These measures are also aimed at sales volumes increase.

Another step forward to become closer to the customer was made in August 2009 when a new sales program for pre-owned vehicles – Mercedes-Benz Direct – was introduced. The clients taking part in this program get the opportunity to purchase MB vehicles with minimal range - not more than 20 000 km at attractive conditions. The program is applied to the whole Mercedes-Benz model range – starting from compact vehicles of A- and B-Classes, up to the S-Class and off-road vehicles.

By of way of further development of the range and quality of after sales services a new option – “Service Contract” - was introduced by ZAO “Mercedes-Benz RUS” in 2009. The contract can be concluded by purchasing a passenger car, a minivan or a truck and it offers and extended period of after sales service up to 36 months for passenger cars and minivans. The fixed package cost for this service offers a customer an obvious advantage.

Mercedes-Benz successfully continues construction of a new Sales and Service Center for new and used vehicles “Mercedes-Benz North”, located at the intersection of Altufievskoe highway and Moscow Ring Highway. Commissioning of the building is scheduled for spring 2010. The opening of the “Mercedes-Benz North” will strengthen the company positions on the Russian market.

Dealer Network

The network of Mercedes-Benz Russia SAO partners in sales and after-sales servicing of Mercedes-Benz cars has currently amounted up to 46 dealer outlets. The new dealer center in Stavropol has opened up for their clients. At the moment 4 dealer outlets are under construction or reconstruction and SAO Mercedes-Benz RUS is looking for new partners in Moscow and in regions.

Mercedes-Benz social initiatives in Russia

During the year Mercedes-Benz Russia took part at different social projects. The most significant of them were some initiatives realized on the road safety in cooperation with GIBDD including antialcoholic initiative for drivers on the occasion of the First Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety. The company was an official partner of the conference. Another field of Mercedes-Benz social engagement was support of Mercedes-Benz Academy in Moscow and since 2009 also in St.Petersburg aimed to raise the level of automotive vocational education in Russia. Mercedes-Benz also supported the Zworykin Project, concerned with spotting young Russian talent in science and technology, in cooperation with the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs.

115th anniversary of the first Benz vehicle in Russia and the 15th company anniversary

2009 the Mercedes-Benz ZAO has celebrated the 115th anniversary of the first Benz vehicle in Russia that was the first car in Russia ever and the 15th company anniversary. The first Mercedes-Benz Company in Russia – Mercedes-Benz Avtomobili AOZT established 1994 was the first foreign automotive company in Russia. On the anniversary occasion the company has offered 115 M-Class offroaders at special price and has also made charitable contribution.