Moscow. Mercedes-Benz Cars sales results of Mercedes-Benz Russia SAO in FY 2008 in vehicles branded Mercedes-Benz, AMG and Maybach within Russia have amounted to 16,764 units (as compared to 15,330 in the previous year). In the context of the global crisis that has been challenging all automakers, these figures may be regarded as extremely successful.

Juergen Sauer, President of Mercedes-Benz Russia, said, “The world economic conditions have changed the sales results for the second half of FY 2008. But generally, the stable popularity of C-Class Mercedes-Benz vehicles and launching of diesel versions of SUV segment vehicles in FY 2008, which have been gaining better recognition among Russian clients, the modified model of M-Class, as well as the main novelty of the year – compact offroader Mercedes-Benz GLK, have allowed us to end up the year 2008 with promising results”.

For Mercedes-Benz Russia SAO FY 2008 was marked by opening of new after-sales center in May of 2008: Mercedes-Benz Center Veshki in Moscow located at the intersection of MRHW and Altufievskoye Highway combines spare parts store of 8 thous. square meters in area, modern training center, and administration building.

The network of Mercedes-Benz Russia SAO partners in sales and after-sales servicing of Mercedes-Benz cars, vans and trucks has currently amounted up to 45 dealer outlets. The regional network was rapidly developing in FY 2008: a new dealer center in St. Petersburg (‘Avantgarde’) and five centers in regions of Russia have opened up for their clients: in Samara (‘Samara-Motors’), Saratov (‘Ikar’), Ufa (‘Art-Motors’), Nizhny Novgorod (‘Transinvest’), and Surgut (‘Novotekh’). Two senior dealers in Moscow, ‘MB-Belyaevo’ (the very first dealer of Mercedes-Benz) and ‘Autoforum’ opened new dealer centers at the end of 2008.

Federal Law on removal of double taxation for resale of second-hand vehicles was adopted in December of 2008 and is to come into force on January 1, 2009. These changes are bound to contribute to development of auto sales by “trade-in” system.

Having made a successful start in 2007, the new generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles made even better progress in 2008: 3741 units were purchased by Russian car owners (as compared to 2,383 in the previous year). The beginning of 2008 was also marked with commencement of sales in Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate cars that served as additional contribution to growth of sales in С-Class vehicles. In January 2008, Mercedes-Benz C-Class was awarded with Grand Prix ‘Golden Klaxon’ as the best vehicle of 2007, this serving as another confirmation of the model leadership.

Mercedes-Benz brand marked FY 2008 by launching of new models, including, first of all, compact offroader Mercedes-Benz GLK that was introduced in Russia within the framework of Moscow International Motor Show. The new vehicle has joined the successful segment of SUV and has already gained recognition among Russian car owners: 448 vehicles have been delivered to clients since the sales start. CLC sporty coupe whose sales started in May of 2008 has also enjoyed popularity among clients.

Certain Mercedes-Benz models were modified in 2008: Mercedes-Benz SL-, SLK-, CLS-Class, as well as SUV ML and Galaendewagen have been re-launched to Russian market, CL-Class got its 4matic version. The new generation of A-and B-Class appeared with a more appealing design. Through models modification the sales in Mercedes-Benz B-Class in Russia have grown by 22% up to 864 units (as compared to 706 in the previous year).

The situation in “representative” segment proved to be generally favorable for Mercedes-Benz brand. The executive saloon of S-Class maintained the stable positions gained in the previous year. Despite the significant segment reduction and its certain impact on S-Class sales in the second half of the year the Mercedes-Benz flagship gained additional market share. In general, 3006 of customers have made a choice for vehicles branded Mercedes-Benz in 2008 .

The general market behavior has affected the sales in E-Class sedan that has pursued a positive trend for years in succession. The new generation of a leader in business-class sedans segment is to be introduced in April of 2009.

The SUV segment has always been popular in Russia and this trend was supported by stable demand for these vehicles in 2008. Despite the existing competition in the said segment, sales in ML-, R-, GL- and G-Class have grown by 22%: from 3961 to 4824 units. In 2008 Russian market was entered by Mercedes-Benz SUV`s with diesel engines which demonstrate better fuel economy and environmental behavior as compared to petrol-engine cars.

AMG vehicles representing sports versions of Mercedes-Benz brand had a success in 2008 in Russia, especially models ML 63 AMG, G 55 AMG and CL 63 AMG whose sales demonstrated the biggest growth. The main novelties of FY 2008 were versions SL 65 AMG Black Series, SL AMG Edition IWC and ML 63 AMG Performance Studio developed by AMG PERFORMANCE Design Studio. It should be noted that the customer relations support initiative that covers 15 countries will also involve opening of AMG Performance Centers in show rooms of five dealer centers in Russia: 4 in Moscow and 1 in St. Petersburg.

“Luxe” Class models branded Maybach, which have always been associated with luxury, continue to excite admiration among motorists. The volumes of world sales in 2008 amounted to 300 units, Russia being one of the prime outlets. Moreover, in November of 2007 specialists of Maybach brand had introduced an open landaulet concept whose limited series was developed in 2008 in Sindelfingen-based Maybach Manufactory.