Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) records 15 per cent growth in sales and delivers a total of 6,790 vehicles in the first six month of 2018 (1H 2018).

Its vice president of sales and marketing, Mark Raine, announced their 1H2018 market share of 2.5 per cent in total, saw an improvement of 0.2 per cent from the first half of 2017.

“We are confident we are on a good track, but the main indicator is that our customers are satisfied with our service and we are gaining market share.

““Our products portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles remained the main growth driver, specifically tailored to meet the demand of the Malaysian market. We have many highlights during the start of the year including the first pair of locally-produced luxury performance cars: the Mercedes-AMG C43 and GLC 43,” he added.

Thus far this year, MBM’s locally-produced limousines namely the Mercedes-Benz C-, E-, and S- Class, collectively recorded a total of 4,322 units sold. MBM’s range of premium compact cars comprising the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class, GLA-Class and CLA-Class recorded 996 units sold.

These two segments recorded increases of 18 per cent and 20 per cent respectively compared to the same period last year.

The Premium SUV range by Mercedes-Benz remained a growth driver recording 1,291 units sold, which translated into a 4 per cent increase compared to Q1 of 2017.

The eminent brand-shapers in the form of the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection also recorded a notable achievement with 181 units sold, marking a 1 per cent increase compared to 1H 2017.

MBM also launched locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz E300 AMG Line, priced about RM388,888, which would replace the E350e plug-in hybrid.

“The E 300 AMG Line includes the superior comfort of the Nappa leather upholstery, the aural experience of the Burmester Surround Sound system, the intelligent Multibeam LED headlights and the expressive infotainment interface of the double 12.3-inch widescreen displays.

“The Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is the natural choice to top the elegant E-Class family, with sporty appeal from the tasteful visual enhancements of the AMG Line interior and exterior,” said Raine.

Raine who claimed that June has been their best month in sales growth shared his enthusiastic for achieving another sales growth for the second half of 2018.

“The expected sales growth will be boosted by launching five cars from all of our segments namely the compact car, limousine, SUV and dream cars.

““We want to continue growing this year, outgrowing last year's sales of 12,045 units. We are confident that we are on a good track but the main indicator is the customers' satisfaction with our service, which would make us to gain more market share,” added Raine.

MBM president and chief executive officer, Dr Claus Weidner said concerted efforts into improving customer services along the ownership journey, together with its growing locally-assembled portfolio, innovative customer touchpoints and lifestyle experiences, have formed a holistic endeavour to achieve ever higher customer satisfaction.

“Our market leadership is not the ultimate goal, rather the credible result of this focus and the fulfilment of of our premium luxury claim.

“Care for the customer is of utmost importance, falling in line with our efforts to deliver nothing but the Best Customer Experience,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd (MBSM) secured its first tranche of RM250 million in June 2018, from the combined issuance of RM3 billion of corporate bond programme.
To diversify its funding sources in anticipation of further growth prospects in the local market, MBSM recently issued a RM 3 billion corporate bond program in Malaysia.

MBSM managing director Mike J. Ponnaz said they expect it to use up the RM 3 billion in the next few years.
Ponnaz added the capital raised would be used to finance the marquee’s local future growth, particularly for the customers’ new and used cars purchases.

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