Mercedes Benz target to generate sales at least similar to what they did in 2008.Read the full news from Bernama below.
MERCEDES-BENZ AIMS TO SELL 4,200 CARS THIS YEAR.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 20 — Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, which has retained its leadership in the local premium passenger car market, aims to achieve sales of about 4,200 passenger cars this year with the global market and the automotive industry showing signs of recovery.
Its President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter Honegg said the company also hoped to sell 1,500 units of the Mitsubishi Fuso commercial vehicle as well another 200 units of commercial vehicles.
“We are encouraged by our performance and will continue to build on our leadership in 2010. We are aiming to generate sales at least similar to what we did in 2008,” he said during a media briefing on the company’s 2009 performance, here on Wednesday.
The company’s total annual sales of passenger cars slipped by six per cent to 3,903 units last year compared with sales of 4,160 units in 2008, which was record sales for the company.
Sales of the Mitsubishi Fuso stood at 1,400 units and other commercial vehicles at 228 for 2009.
This compared with a higher sales figure of 1,500 units for the Mitsubishi Fuso and 400 units of other commercial vehicles in 2008.
“Despite a slight blip, Mercedes-Benz passenger cars have once again finished ahead in the premium passenger car segment, cementing our lead with a market share of 49 per cent in the core competitive segment,” Honegg said.
Honegg said the company will bring in diesel cars and more models to the Malaysian market this year, including the S-Class model with a facelift and a few more E-Class models which would include Sedan and Coupe.
“The new E-Class has created quite a stir and with an overwhelming 600 plus pre-launch orders, we are confident of extending this trend in 2010,” he said.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the ultimate in luxury with unparalled comfort and safety, continued to dominate its segment throughout 2009 buoyed by the launch of the S500L in 2008.
With over 300 units sold in 2009, the S-Class recorded twice as many unit deliveries as its nearest competitor maintaining its position as the undisputable leader in its segment with 67 per cent market share.
The Mercedes-Benz B-Class recorded a significant 37 per cent increase to 451 units last year on strong demand largely due to its design and ease in driving and handling.
The new generation M-Class, meanwhile continued to turn heads accounting for 33 per cent rise in sale to close at 52 units sold in 2009.
Citing Frost & Sullivan’s recent automotive sales outlook, he said a four per cent growth was estimated for automotive sales in 2010 and Malaysia’s total volume was expected to rebound due to projected economic recovery, improved consumers confidence and a healthy replacement car market.
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