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Mercedes-Benz Reports August Roadster Sales

4 September 1997

Mercedes-Benz Roadster Sales Continue to Soar in August; Mercedes Sets All-Time Eight-Month Sales Record

    MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 3 -- Mercedes-Benz of North America,
Inc. (MBNA) reported sales of 7,429 new vehicles in August, pushing to an
all-time eight-month sales record of 66,125 vehicles sold during 1997.  That's
a 13.1 percent increase over the 58,486 vehicles sold during the same
eight-month period in 1996.  Although sales for the month decreased by
16.8 percent over August of last year (7,429 vs. 8,930), MBNA attributes the
decline to low inventory levels as it readies for the largest retail product
launch in its history which takes place in mid-September.
    Year-to-date, sales of the SL roadsters continued to climb by 13.5 percent
with 5,021 SL's being sold in August as compared to 4,424 for the same month
last year.  Year-to-date sales of the SLK have reached 4,041.  The E-Class
posted an increase of 12.1 percent (27,317 vs. 24,367) year-to-date; the
C-Class climbed 5.5 percent (19,571 vs. 18,543); while the S-Class showed a
marginal decrease of 9 percent (10,175 vs. 11,152).
    For August, sales of the roadsters soared with the SL model line
increasing by 28.2 percent (741 vs. 578).  Sales of the SLK totaled
443 vehicles.  The S-Class decreased by 15.6 percent (1,638 vs. 1,940); the
E-Class fell 27.3 percent (2,786 vs. 3,833); and the C-Class dropped
29.4 percent (1,821 vs. 2,579).
    In mid-September, MBNA will launch the largest retail sales initiative in
its history.  In addition to the hot-selling SLK which was released earlier
this year, Mercedes will introduce three new 1998 vehicles:  the ML320
all-activity vehicle with a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of
$33,950, the CLK coupe priced at $39,850 and the E320 wagon with an MSRP of
$46,500, as well as optional all-wheel drive for the E-Class sedan and wagon.
In addition, Mercedes will unveil a new 1998 C-Class which has received
extensive interior and exterior enhancements for a sportier new look, along
with a new V6 engine on the C280.

SOURCE  Mercedes-Benz of North America