Mercedes-Benz expects sales to hit another record
PEKAN: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia expects its car sales volume to hit another record this year, boosted by strong demand for locally assembled limousines and premium hybrid cars.
The company had already sold 8,771 units as at end-September. Last year, total sales was at 11,779 vehicles.
“As the premium market leader, MercedesBenz is confident of growth potential in the Malaysian automotive market,” said president and chief executive officer Dr Claus Weidner at Mercedes-Benz’s production plant here.
He said the company had invested RM1bil in Malaysia to improve its production, sales, training and distribution of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
“Based on the positive outlook, we continue to invest substantially in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and service as well as providing further employment possibilities and people development.” he said.
He added that together with its dealers, they had invested about RM90mil as at the third quarter of 2017 to expand and upgrade the dealership network.
It now has 33 dealerships serving customers nationwide.
Mercedes-Benz leads the way with a market share of 2.3% as at August 2017, retaining its leadership position in the premium vehicle segment.
Vice-president for sales and marketing Mark Raine said that under its product expansion strategy, Mercedes-Benz had launched 13 new models and eight new upgraded dealerships over the past nine months.
“Mercedes-Benz was able to deliver 8,771 vehicles to customers and is on track for yet another record year in 2017,” said Raine.
The company’s sales were driven by locally produced limousines, which recorded 5,238 units sold; followed by sport-utility vehicles with 1,895 units sold; compact cars with 1,220 units sold and the Dream Cars with 406 units sold.
Mercedes-Benz has also produced 6,580 and serviced 94,569 vehicles in the first nine months.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has launched its latest hybrid edition in the E350e featuring a plug-in hybrid technology.
The latest model in the E-Class range, which goes from 0-100 kph in 6.2 seconds, was launched at Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Pekan.
The new edition comes with several product highlights such as air body control, pre-entry climate control system and an advanced energy recuperation mode.
“With the launch of our newest technology leader, we underline our leadership position in the premium market and reach yet another milestone in superior hybrid technology, further creating benchmarks in innovation and mobility,” said Mark.