Mercedes-Benz USA Notes 38 Percent Sales Decrease In November 2008

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported a 38.2 percent decrease in November sales with 14,102 vehicles sold, bringing the company’s year-to-date volume to 206,396 new units – an 8.6 percent decrease over the year-to-date record set last year. Sales highlights for Mercedes-Benz USA include a 16.9 percent increase in C-Class sales and a 5.5 percent increase M-Class SUV sales for the year-to-date. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 5,312 vehicles in November, an increase of 46.7 percent over November 2007, bringing its certified pre-owned sales to 58,065 units year-to-date – a 24 percent jump over the same period last year (46,844 units). Here's the full details of how each of Mercedes-Benz USA's various models fared last month: Mercedes-Benz USA November 2008 Sales Overview Model Nov. '08 Nov. '07 Monthly % YTD 2008 YTD 2007 Yearly % C-CLASS 4,422 6,920 -36.1% 66,381 56,802 16.9% E-CLASS 2,264 4,464 -49.3% 35,112 42,824 -18.0% S-CLASS 997 2,106 -52.7% 16,712 23,707 -29.5% CL-CLASS 187 329 -43.2% 2,586 3,319 -22.1% SL-CLASS 189 488 -61.3% 5,201 5,594 -7.0% CLK-CLASS 668 1,016 -34.3% 9,797 13,777 -28.9% SLK-CLASS 262 353 -25.8% 4,656 6,742 -30.9% CLS-CLASS 224 584 -61.6% 5,206 7,147 -27.2% R-CLASS 313 1,086 -71.2% 7,194 11,691 -38.5% M-CLASS 2,911 3,015 -3.4% 31,559 29,917 5.5% GL-CLASS 1,573 2,349 -33.0% 21,189 23,370 -9.3% G-CLASS 92 109 -15.6% 803 1,014 -20.8% GRAND TOTAL 14,102 22,819 -38.2% 206,396 225,904 -8.6%

Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Pricing Set To Start At $33,900 In The U.S.

The all-new 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 is making its on-road debut in the U.S. this week as U.S. journalists test-drive the new car on the wide, scenic roads of Santa Barbara. Set to arrive at U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealerships in January, the new GLK350, with standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, will be priced at $35,900, plus an $875 destination fee. Arriving in dealerships in April, the GLK350 with rear-wheel-drive will be priced at $33,900 with a plus the $875 delivery fee. The GLK350 is impressively powered by 268-horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 258 lb-ft of torque. As the newest member of the renowned Mercedes-Benz SUV family, the GLK350 offers the perfect balance of style, versatility, and performance. Just the Right Size for Today’s Family At first glance, the new GLK appears to be a smaller version of the GL, but a closer look reveals a modern interpretation of the iconic G-Class. In sharp contrast to the relatively soft forms of other similar-sized vehicles, the striking, angular nose of the GLK sets it apart from the competition. From its projection lights and steeply-raked windshield to the integrated rear spoiler on its tightly styled roof section, the bullish shape of the new GLK suggests power and agility. At the same time, the new GLK is just the right size for today’s family, whether it’s parking in town while running errands or making a cross-country trip. One of the Most Fuel-Efficient Mercedes-Benz SUVs Ever The new sport utility is destined to be one of the most fuel-efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever produced. Smaller and lighter than its well-known SUV siblings, the GLK features a fuel-sipping 3.5-liter V6 engine, a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission and available 4MATIC full-time four-wheel-drive. Compared to other Mercedes-Benz SUVs, the GLK could prove to be the most agile member of the family. Like nearly all Mercedes passenger vehicles, the new GLK features four-wheel independent suspension worthy of a sports car. With respectable ground clearance for off-road driving, its integrated running boards, roof rack and skid plates emphasize the versatile SUV character of the new GLK. Impressive Interior Design and Safety Technology Inside, the new SUV has all the impressive design ambiance and safety technology of Mercedes-Benz cars. Standard equipment includes front and side air bags as well as window and knee air bags. Much as the latest C-Class sedan has brought a new level of sporty driving and ride comfort to the sedan world, the new combination of agility and comfort to the SUV market. The GLK also broadens and extends the Mercedes-Benz sport utility line with cutting-edge engine and four-wheel-drive technology packaged in a stylish vehicle that’s the perfect size for today’s busy families.