Mercedes-Benz Delivers 500,000th SLK To Customer

Mercedes has announced today that since its launch in 1996, 500,000 units of the SLK-Class have been delivered to customers. Breaking this figure down by generation, roughly 310,000 first generation vehicles were sold, while its successor has sold some 190,000 units since its market launch in March 2004.

According to Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars and the man responsible for sales and marketing: "With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times. The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.”

As for where the SLK has received the greatest response from consumers, Western Europe has been the most important sales market for the roadster, with one-third of SLK owners coming from Germany and another one-third coming from Western Europe as a whole. Another key market for the SLK has also been the U.S., with one in five SLK's sold making their way across the pond to a loving American home.

To learn more about the Mercedes-Benz SLK as well as its notable sales achievement, visit www.eMercedesBenz.com