Mercedes-Benz Poised to Dominate 2010 Luxury Car Sales

Strong September E-Class Performance Pushes Mercedes-Benz USA Ahead of Competition

HAVERHILL, MASS (11/04/2010)(readMedia)-- With the clock ticking down on 2010 auto sales in the United States, Mercedes-Benz holds the edge in the luxury car segment. Coming off one of the best Septembers ever for Mercedes-Benz USA, the German automaker has pulled ahead of Lexus and BMW in year-to-date car sales with 165,355 units sold, a 22.1% increase from the year before.

While the September numbers edge out the competition only by a small margin, recent sales growth suggests that Mercedes-Benz is heading for a strong finish in 2010. The automaker sold 20,666 units in September, with the newly redesigned E-Class leading the charge. E-Class sales increased 47.1% from the year before, with 5,608 E350 models sold, adding to the line's year-to-date total of 44,730 unit sales. Through the end of September, E-Class sales have accounted for more than a quarter of all U.S. Mercedes-Benz sales in 2010.

As winter approaches, Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz dealers are looking forward to a strong finish to a year in which the venerable brand has retaken market share from American, Japanese and its fellow German automakers.

"Over the last decade, Mercedes-Benz has faced a strong challenge from Japanese automakers and even some U.S. brands that have dialed up their luxury features," said James Buckley, general manager of Smith Mercedes-Benz, a Haverhill Mercedes-Benz dealership. "Their response is the new E-Class, which blends the design and technical innovation that Mercedes-Benz is known for with features that make these sedans and convertibles the right choice for New England families."

Cutting-edge features that enhance safety and all-weather performance in E-Class models include Mercedes-Benz' Electronic Stability Program (ESP), brake assist, Blind Spot Assist and Attention Assist, a feature that helps prevent accidents due to drowsy driving. Optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive will benefit New England Mercedes-Benz drivers with extra grip on treacherous winter roads.

The exterior styling of the new E-Class draws the eyes with its classic, upscale appearance before the trademark Mercedes-Benz star can be seen. The design team took some cues from the iconic "Ponton" Mercedes-Benz of the 1950s and incorporated its design into the sleek, modern contours of the E-Class. Under the hood, drivers will find a 268 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine in the E-350, and a 382 horsepower 5.5-liter V8 in the E-550. Both models pair their power with Agility Control Suspension, which provides a smooth ride even when the engine's capabilities are unleashed on roadways.

"Mercedes-Benz has returned to the traditions that established the company as one of the world's finest automakers," said Buckley. "Some other luxury automakers simply pretty up a basic platform. The Mercedes-Benz approach has always been to build craftsmanship, the newest technology and the finest materials into each model. The result of their efforts is revealed in their increasing popularity in the United States and here in New England."

About Smith Mercedes-Benz:

For more than 75 years, Smith Mercedes-Benz has brought Mercedes-Benz ownership to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Smith has remained an elite Mercedes-Benz dealer throughout the years with their commitment to customer service and their wide selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as their expert service and parts staff. Browse their inventory online at www.smithmercedesdealer.com, stop by their showroom at 420 River Street in Haverhill, MA, like them on Facebook, or reach them by phone at 978-372-2552.