Mercedes reports positive H1 sales

Along with positive business growth of Mercedes worldwide, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam (MBV) obtained good business results in the first half of the year in tandem with the local economy’s recovery. And the passenger vehicle segment alone posted sales growth of 30 percent.

The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) says aggregate first-half sales in the car industry expanded 5 percent year-on-year to 50,278 units, a positive sign for the auto market.

Demand for luxury cars in the first half ran high. As a VAMA member, Mercedes-Benz achieved total sales of 1,224 units in the first six months, including passenger cars and sport utility vehicles (SUV).

While VAMA members posted average growth of 9 percent in the passenger car segment, Mercedes-Benz attained a staggering increase of 30 percent.

“The positive sales figure shows our right strategy to product portfolio diversification, continual improvement of sales and after-sales services, and interesting customer care programmes and activities,” Udo Loersch, general director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam, says in a statement.

This year is also a special milestone of the company as it marks its 15 years in Vietnam. Mercedes-Benz has been a part of the country’s economic development since it has generated jobs for more than 1,000 local people.

The German carmaker’s growth is driven mainly by GLK 4MATIC, C-Class, E-Class and 16-seater Sprinter and premium imported models.

In particular, the new SUV model, GLK 4MATIC, has not only opened up a new segment in Vietnam but also inspired great demand for the 5-seat sport utility vehicle that is comfortable for both individuals’ and families’ purposes, with high flexibility both on-road and off-road.

Another success is the CGI BlueEfficiency model, of which 441 units have been handed over to customers since its debut late last year. The series of C200 CGI, C250 CGI, E250 CGI is part of the green approach the company is aiming at to offer fuel saving solutions to customers.

US$60,000 is good for a Mercedes

If someone has around $60,000, he or she can think of owning a luxury Mercedes C200. And Mercedes-Benz is offering a wide range of products for different customer needs. The upper-range E300 Elegance � the most luxurious car model assembled in Vietnam � is the top choice for entrepreneurs and leaders.

Such imported models as S-Class, E Coupe, E Cabriolet, SLS, SLK, CLS, R-Class, GL-Class, and AMG tuned models are also in the favourite list.

The commercial vehicle, the 16-seater Sprinter, continues to be the most convenient and safest minibus for public transportation.

To realise its vision of gaining the No. 1 position in customer care services, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam has given a focus on dealer network expansion this year. The firm started with Danang showroom

early this year and is furthering investment in that central area. In Can Tho and Hai Phong, it is working on plans to open Autohaus dealerships, apart from the current outlets in HCM City and Hanoi.

There are 12 new and upgrading projects in progress which will expand aggressively the Mercedes-Benz dealer network throughout Vietnam till the end of 2010.

“Premium also means close to the customer,” Loersch says, indicating a luxury brand besides its luxury products needs to be close to customers for the best service.

Tags: Mercedes, Vietnam automotive, Vietnam automotive industry, Vietnam autos market, Vietnam car sales