New Research Finds Mercedes-Benz Unequaled in Brand Equity

German Automaker Leads Luxury Rivals in 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study

TIVERTON, R.I. (07/03/2012)(readMedia)-- Riding high on double-digit sales increases compared to 2011, Mercedes-Benz is enjoying a streak of success in 2012 that extends beyond the sales floor. The German luxury brand was recently named the Luxury Automotive Brand of the Year in the latest installment of Harris Interactive's annual brand equity study.

The 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend study looked at the responses of more than 38,500 consumers, with each brand in question receiving 1,000 ratings from respondents that were familiar with its products or services. Questions focused on how well consumers know each brand, how positively they think of that brand and whether they would consider doing business with it. After scores were tallied among luxury auto brands, it was Mercedes-Benz with the most positive brand equity, followed by BMW in second and Lexus in third.

"Mercedes-Benz's reputation for excellence is well known even among those who have yet to have had the pleasure of experiencing it firsthand," said Will Dame, general manager of Viti, Inc., a Tiverton, Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz dealer. "As Mercedes-Benz expands its lineup for both entry-level and premium luxury buyers, that public awareness of the automaker's superior quality is only going to grow."

Public awareness isn't a problem for Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance division, which has earned a loyal following for transforming vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class into fire-breathing sports cars like the 451-horsepower C63 AMG Coupe. In an effort to reach a broader group of high-end buyers, Mercedes-Benz has set a goal to increase global sales of AMG models by 50 percent during the next five years. That plan includes the expansion of the AMG lineup with all-new vehicles like the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and GL63 AMG, both of which are due to reach dealerships over the next 12 months.

Built with the classic body shape of the G-Class large SUV, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG will go on sale in August, replacing the G55 AMG that ceased production following the 2011 model year. Featuring a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine, the G63 AMG will output a massive 544 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque, which is 44 horsepower and 44 pound-feet of torque more than its predecessor.

As the first AMG model for the sleek GL-Class, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG will house the same engine as the G63 AMG, but will instead churn out 550 horsepower while keeping an identical 560 pound-feet of torque. That prodigious power will allow the GL63 AMG to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, making it the fastest seven-passenger SUV on the market. Meanwhile, sporty styling upgrades like 21-inch AMG alloy wheels, red brake calipers and flared fenders further separate the GL63 AMG from the rest of the GL-Class.

"Every Mercedes-Benz that AMG touches turns into an unmatched vehicle in its segment, and the effect is particularly evident with its SUVs," added Dame. "The upcoming AMG models of the G-Class and GL-Class will be faster than many sports cars on the market, yet they have loads of space to get your kids and their friends to baseball practice in the upmost style."

About Viti, Inc.:

Winner of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award, Viti, Inc. has served Rhode Island Mercedes-Benz owners for more than 36 years, specializing in new and used Mercedes- Benz sales, service and parts. Whether you're looking for a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class or a pre-owned GLK-Class SUV, Viti's friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will ensure that you get the right vehicle without the hassle. Plus, with 150 loaner cars and 50 drivers at their disposal, Viti offers all of their customers free pick-up, delivery and loaners during servicing. Check out their full inventory online at www.viti.com, visit them in person at 975 Fish Road in Tiverton, or contact them by phone at 888-289-8484. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VitiMercedesBenz.