- New car registrations increase 17.2 per cent YTD
- Private and fleet customers show significant growth
- Vito and heavy truck ranges all report YTD increases
6 March 2012, Milton Keynes. Mercedes-Benz UK has maintained its record 4.8 per cent market share in February and year to date (YTD), according to figures released today by SMMT. February 2012’s new car registrations showed an 11.0 per cent increase for Mercedes-Benz, to 2933 new cars. The year to date figure of 9182 vehicles is a rise of 17.2 per cent, compared with the first two months of 2011. During the same period the overall new car market was down 0.7 per cent.
Sales success has been shared by private retail customers and fleet users alike. 28.5 per cent more Mercedes-Benz cars have been registered by private buyers YTD, whilst the fleet sector has risen 39.4 per cent.
The new UK-only E-Class Executive SE has proved its popularity, contributing to a YTD increase of E-Class Saloon registrations of 21.2 per cent, to 1400 new cars. smart has seen improvements of over 38 per cent for both the fortwo coupé and fortwo cabriolet, with 516 new smarts taking to the roads so far this year.
Commercial vehicles
Last year’s strong finish in the van division continues into 2012, with the new generation Vito reporting a 59.5 per cent increase in registrations, to 654 new vans YTD.
The Fuso Canter light truck range has again recorded triple-digit growth, with registrations up 142.3 per cent YTD, to 126 units.
At the large end of the market, Atego has increased 56.1 per cent, Actros registrations have more than doubled to 324 new trucks, and the Econic increased 28.8 per cent to 67 new trucks.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, President and CEO Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, explained: “Our fast start to 2012 continues throughout the range, and it’s great to see more private customers choosing to buy a new Mercedes-Benz. The team’s fleet focus is particularly clear with the success of the new Executive SE version of the E-Class Saloon.
“Medium van and heavy truck registrations are also showing significant growth, and success in the commercial vehicle sector means that business is once again moving in the right direction.”
Mr Breitschwerdt concluded by adding: “We’ve just unveiled the stunning all-new A-Class at the Geneva motor show, and it heralds an exciting new chapter for Mercedes-Benz in the UK.
“Our newest family member will be here in time for Christmas, and we already have a record number of customer orders for our other new star – the B-Class Sports Tourer – which arrives in UK showrooms this month.”
