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DaimlerChrysler Increases Worldwide Passenger Car Sales to More Than 4 Million Units for the First Time


January 2006
 Filed under: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATE Car News | DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATE Headlines

* Chrysler Group significantly outperforms the U.S. market as a whole with global sales growth of 4.7 percent to 2.83 million units
* Sales of Mercedes Car Group passenger cars rise to record level of 1.22 million units
* Dieter Zetsche: 'Our young and attractive product portfolio provides a solid foundation for sustainable profitable growth in the future'

DETROIT, and STUTTGART, Germany, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Worldwide sales of DaimlerChrysler passenger cars rose by 3.8 percent to 4,046,700 units in 2005 (2004: 3,897,800), surpassing the mark of 4 million for the first time. The Chrysler Group was once again very successful in the highly competitive U.S. market, where the company's sales grew faster than the market overall. Worldwide sales for the Chrysler Group were up 4.7 percent to 2,826,100 units in 2005 (2004: 2,697,300). The Mercedes Car Group increased worldwide deliveries of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and smart brand cars by 1.7 percent to 1,220,600 units (2004: 1,200,500). "Both the Chrysler Group and the Mercedes Car Group recorded sales growth around the world in 2005, despite the difficult market environment in the auto motive industry," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of DaimlerChrysler and Head of Mercedes Car Group. "Our young and attractive product portfolio provides a solid foundation for sustainable profitable growth in the future."
Chrysler Group boosts global sales to 2.83 million units in 2005

Chrysler Group increased global vehicle sales by 4.7 percent in 2005, posting sales of 2,826,131 units (2004: 2,697,280 units). Sales were up across all Chrysler Group global regions (U.S., Canada, Mexico and International). In the United States, the world's most competitive automotive market, sales advanced five percent to 2,304,833 units (2004: 2,206,024 units).

Sales in Canada increased three percent this year, totaling 216,857 units (2004: 210,866 units) and propelling DaimlerChrysler Canada into the second largest seller of vehicles in Canada for the first time in the company's history.

Sales in Mexico rose by seven percent to 124,353 units (2004: 115,744 units) and achieving its best sales performance since 2001. Products sold under the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands posted significant sales gains during 2005 and products in key segments such as minivans, sport utility vehicles and trucks posted strong gains.

International sales made a significant impact with a nine percent increase to 180,088 units (2004: 164,646 units) making 2005 the best sales year since 2001. Top international sales markets by volume for the Chrysler Group were Italy, China and Germany.

Global sales for the Chrysler Group were boosted by the worldwide appeal of products in key segments such as minivans, sport utility vehicles and passenger sedans.

The Chrysler 300/300C continued its strong appeal to consumers and maintained its position as the leader in the luxury full-size car segment by posting a record total of worldwide sales of 165,411 units, an increase of 40 percent compared to 2004 sales of 120,857. In the United States the Chrysler 300 continues to be the flagship vehicle for the Chrysler Group, posting sales of 144,068 units, an increase of 28 percent over 2004 totals of 112,930 units. The Chrysler 300 is the leader of the luxury full-size car segment with a commanding 28 percent share, eclipsing the closest competitor by a two to one margin.

Global sales of Chrysler Group minivans with the exclusive Stow 'n Go(TM) seating and storage system rose by five percent in 2005 to 543,201 units, further solidifying Chrysler Group's position as the 22-year leading seller of minivans in the automotive market. In the U.S., Chrysler Group minivans hold a commanding 35 percent share of the minivan market and leading the closest competitor by a 2-to-1 margin.

The Jeep name continues to have global appeal as evidenced by its twelve percent increase in sales during 2005 to 608,419 units worldwide. Sales in 2004 were 543,441. The launch of important new products in the United States such as the all-new, 7-passenger, Jeep Commander and the successful global reception to other Jeep products, such as the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Grand Cherokee, contributed to the successful performance in 2005.

Mercedes-Benz posts record sales in the U.S. and Asia

With record sales in December (116,100 units; up ten percent) worldwide deliveries of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars increased in 2005 by 1.6 percent to 1,077,600 units (2004: 060,900 units). In the U.S., the brand with the star sold 224,400 passenger cars and recorded its twelfth consecutive annual sales increase in that market. In the Asia-Pacific region, DaimlerChrysler delivered 97,200 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, ten percent more than in 2004. The biggest increases in Asia were achieved in the Chinese growth market including Hong Kong (15,800 units, up 38 percent) and in Japan (43,000 units, up 11 percent). With 661,500 units, sales in Western Europe almost reached last years result (2004: 666,900 units). In the European core markets UK, Italy, France and Spain Mercedes-Benz outperformed the market as a whole. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz delivered 319,900 passenger cars to customers (2004: 338,100), thus maintaining its position as the leading premium brand in that country.

Mercedes-Benz boasts the most diverse range of models in 2005 -- S-Class is the world's best-selling luxury sedan

In 2005, the model changeovers for the M- and S-Class, the debut of the R- and B-Class, as well as the launch of the new, powerful V6 and V8 engine generations laid the foundation for further sales growth at Mercedes-Benz.

The new S-Class recaptured its position as the best-selling luxury sedan in the world immediately after its market launch in September. Sales of S-Class sedans reached the record level of 9,000 units in December. Although the new Mercedes-Benz flagship model won't be available in its key U.S. market and in right-hand drive markets until early 2006, the brand still managed to sell 49,900 S-Class sedans last year (2004: 53,200).

Mercedes-Benz also remained the international market leader in the upper-range E-Class segment, with sales of 261,900 units worldwide (2004: 287,100 units). The CLS has been a particularly big success as a new vehicle concept, and more than 50,000 units of the four-door coupe have been delivered since market launch in October 2004.

A total of 402,400 units of the C-Class family were sold in 2005 (2004: 470,300). Whereas sales of the SLK roadster increased to the record level of 57,000 units last year, sales of the C-Class sedan, station wagon and sports coupe were below the prior year's high level, due to lifecycle effects.

Mercedes-Benz has achieved excellent results with the second generation of the A-Class: In the first full year of sales, deliveries of A-Class vehicles rose by 37 percent to 194,100 units, making the highly versatile series from Mercedes-Benz by far the number one model in the premium compact segment.

The new M-Class also recorded sharp sales growth last year, with all major markets contributing to a 15 percent increase in sales to 80,400 units in 2005.

At 5,100 units (2004: 6,700), sales of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class -- the classic among all-terrain vehicles -- remained high 26 years after production began.

Demand is also growing for the two sports tourers that Mercedes-Benz launched last year as a completely new vehicle concept. A total of 57,200 customers have already purchased the B-Class, which was introduced to the European market in June. Sales of R-Class vehicles have been increasing continually since that model was launched on the U.S. market approximately three months ago. Additional sales potential is expected to be generated in 2006 by the European market launch of short- and long-wheelbase versions and diesel variants.

Mercedes-AMG, which builds exclusive high-performance automobiles, remained very successful in 2005 as well, delivering more than 20,000 AMG vehicles once again, half of which were sold in the U.S.

In 2005, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren established itself among sports car enthusiasts around the world as a fascinating synthesis that combines cutting-edge innovation with the mystique of an automotive legend. More than 500 units were delivered to customers during the super sports car's first full year of production.

Maybach expands product range

The Maybach high-end luxury brand further expanded its range of models in 2005, thereby further boosting brand appeal. Along with the Type 62 limousine and the shorter-wheelbase Type 57, the Maybach 57 S delivers even higher performance and has been supplementing the exclusive portfolio of the luxury manufacturer since the end of 2005. Since the brand was revived in 2002, Maybach has delivered some 1,500 limousines to customers around the world in an economic environment that has been challenging for the entire luxury car sector. More than 300 of these limousines were delivered in 2005.

smart boosts sales to 143,000 units

Sales of DaimlerChrysler's smart brand increased for the seventh year in a row, with worldwide customer deliveries rising to 143,000 units in 2005. As a result, smart achieved the sales target for 2005 and the implementation of its new business model is on track. This achievement was especially due to the "smart forward" sales offensive, which not only enhanced the dealership network's performance, but also led to a more than 20 percent increase in the number of retailers in Europe.

With sales of 39,800 units (up 23 percent), Italy remains the brand's most important market. Demand also increased particularly strongly in the Netherlands (4,400 units, up 13 percent) and Spain (7,400 units, up one percent). In Germany, Austria and Switzerland smart did not match the previous year's sales level because of a weak market environment and a stagnating small-car segment. With deliveries of 4,100 smart fortwo cdi vehicles, smart was able to substantially exceed its sales target in Canada, its North American test market.

Sales of the fuel-efficient diesel variants continue to be brisk. More than 140,000 units of the smart fortwo cdi have been delivered to customers since the vehicle's market launch in December 1999, making it the most successful "three-liter" car in the world. An increasing proportion of smart forfours are equipped with diesel engines, as this share amounted to over 40 percent last year. smart responded to the increased customer demand for exclusivity by introducing the high-quality, sporty Brabus variant last spring, selling more than 1,000 units of this vehicle since May.

Overview of Mercedes Car Group and Chrysler Group sales in 2005 2005 2004 Change in % Mercedes Car Group 1,220,600 1,200,500 + 1.7 of which Mercedes-Benz* 1,077,600 1,060,900 + 1.6 smart 143,000 139,600 + 2.4 Chrysler Group 2,826,100 2,697,300 +4.7 DaimlerChrysler passenger cars 4,046,700 3,897,800 +3.8 * incl. Mercedes-Benz AMG and Maybach

Source: Chrysler Group

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