Mercedes-Benz Sales Break Previous Year's Record

Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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Cars beat last year's record sales year with even better sales this year. It posted gains in all of its major markets: Western Europe, North America and Asia. It is also looking forward to 2013 with new cars. It sold 1,423,835 cars, up 4.7%, all year, which was split between 1,320,097 Mercedes-Benz, up 4.5%, vehicles and 103,738 SmartsmartGermany, 1994 > present13 models
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cars, up 1.7%. 

To buck the general trend, Mercedes saw a 0.6% sales increase to 554,797 cars in Europe. Germany saw a sales decrease of 0.4% to 261,084 cars. 

It is most proud of its sales in North America. Sales were up 11.3% for the year to 311,547 cars in the region. In the US alone, sales were up 11.8% to 274,134 cars. 

Asia continues to grow for Mercedes as well. It sold 337,102 cars, up 5.1%, for the year there. In China, sales were up 1.5% to 196,211 cars. 

Mercedes fastest growing segment is compact cars. Sales were up 51% to about 250,000 cars for its compact cars like the A-ClassMercedes-Benz A-Class Gen.3 [W 176]Germany, 2012 > present33 versions
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and B-ClassMercedes-Benz B-Class Gen.2 [W246]Germany, 2012 > present42 versions
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. The C-ClassMercedes-Benz C-Class Gen.4Germany, 2007 > 2013188 versions
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segment is still its bigger seller with 413,193 units sold, which is up 3% over last year. 

For 2013, Mercedes already has three major model introductions planned. The refreshed E-ClassMercedes-Benz E-Class Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present345 versions
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will go on sale soon. It also plans to introduce a new generation S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-ClassGermany, 1972 > present6 series
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and the CLA, small four-door coupe. The new A-Class will also be launched in more markets. 

"We are very pleased with our sales for the full year 2012. Despite the difficult market environment in the southern European countries and numerous model change-overs, we managed to exceed the previous year's sales record," said Daimler Chairman Dr. Dieter Zetsche.