Mercedes-Benz Marches Into The Record Books
Published: 13th April 2003
This success was spread across a wide range of models, with best-ever performances for C-Class Sports Coupé, C-Class Estate, and SL-Class Roadster models. The C-Class Saloon and E-Class Saloon current ranges also recorded their best-ever monthly results:
| C-Class Saloon | 3,426 new cars registered in March 2003 |
| C-Class Estate | 815 |
| C-Class Sports Coupé | 1,284 |
| E-Class Saloon | 2,526 |
| SL-Class Roadster | 376 |
Looking at the performance of individual models, the new range of advanced TWINPULSE petrol engines fitted to the C-Class last summer have proved extremely popular. Offering smooth running thanks to a Lanchester balancer, and low fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from just 175 g/km, the C 180 KOMPRESSOR has proved a hit with customers. So far this year, 2,787 cars have been bought, meaning this remarkable new engine is now close to the ever-popular C 220 CDI range.
Elsewhere, Mercedes-Benz models powered by refined CDI engines have continued their success story, with registrations of 9,872 diesel cars year to date (YTD) - some 42 per cent of total Mercedes-Benz figures. The decision to introduce a diesel version of the CLK-Class Coupé at the end of 2002 has been welcomed by customers. The new CLK 270 CDI model, with 503 registrations so far this year, now accounts for more than a third of all new CLK-Class Coupé sales.
Dermot Kelly, Managing Director Mercedes Car Group, said: "It's heartening to see that more customers than ever before are choosing to get behind the wheel of a new Mercedes-Benz. Last year's sales performance was quite remarkable for us, and it's significant that this year's success includes record months for two cars introduced in 2002. Both the E-Class Saloon and SL-Class Roadster have been a huge hit with the press, and now it is clear our customers agree, and are buying them in record numbers.
"Mercedes-Benz customers are also recognising the benefits of TWINPULSE motoring, following the introduction of these efficient engines in five ranges last year. Low CO2 emissions mean a smaller company car tax bill for business users, while everyone benefits from the improved fuel consumption and driveability this new technology offers," Dermot concluded.
The good news for Mercedes-Benz customers is set to continue in 2003, with the June introduction of two important new models - the E-Class Estate and CLK-Class Cabriolet. Both will complete a range line-up that started last summer with their Saloon and Coupé equivalents.
