Mercedes-Benz M’sia confident of record year
KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which sold 5,913 vehicles in the first half of 2017 (1H17), is confident of another record year in 2017 to surpass the 11,779 vehicles it sold in 2016.
Its 1H17 sales fell 1.7% from 6,017 units in 1H16 due to seasonality reasons. MercedesBenz’s growth in 1H17 was primarily driven by the locally produced limousines, namely the Mercedes-Benz C-, E- and SClass, with a total of 3,663 units sold. It launched 11 vehicles in 1H17.
Mercedes-Benz Cars vice-president of sales and marketing Mark Raine said the success of 1H17 was possible due to the comprehensive customer centric strategy, the broad premium product portfolio and superior services. It rounded off 1H17 with a record month in June, selling 1,210 vehicles.
“With the good momentum of Q2 and our locally produced products, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is on track for yet another record year in 2017,” Raine said at a media briefing yesterday.
For 2H17, it will be introducing four variants, two special editions and two new models. Raine said sales in 2H17 will be driven by the continued sales of the C-class, E-Class, SUVs and GLA, with growth predominantly coming from locally produced cars.
“We continue to grow our numbers to retain and extend our market leading position in the premium segment, also looking at the after-sales side, continuously driving customer satisfaction,” said Raine.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia retained its leading market share of 2.2% in the premium segment, as at year-to-date May 2017.
Its president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner said the car company has shifted from product-centric to customer-centric strategies.
“The customer journey is based on personalised customer services and a multi-channel approach, which includes enhanced web channels, exciting instore experience, flexible point-of-sales, online services and 24/7 accessibility,” said Weidner.
In 1H17, the Mercedes-Benz compact cars sold 739 units, SUVs 1,233 units; while the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars sold 268 units. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched five dealerships in 1H17 and has to date 31 dealerships nationwide. It also serviced 61,850 vehicles in 1H17.