According to figures released by SMMT, Mercedes-Benz registered 16,166 new cars in March, an increase of 10.2% over the same month in 2011.  The first quarter saw 25,348 new Mercedes taking to the road, a rise of 12.7% – giving a market share of 4.5%, which set another record.

Year to date (YTD), over 30% more private customers registered a new Mercedes-Benz car – making a total of 9171.  Fleet business improved by 22% to 10,435 new vehicles.

Quarterly highlights included strong performances for the C-Class Coupé (2571 registrations); the SLK Roadster (1597 new cars); E-Class Saloon (3543 cars, an increase of 8.1%); and a 57% rise in new AMG registrations.  The New B-Class has started strongly, with 1190 new cars registered in its first month on sale.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and chief executive officer of Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, commented: 'The achievement of our entire UK team is remarkable – this isn’t just a record first quarter for passenger cars; it’s the best-ever quarterly result in our history.  This is testament to the fact that UK customers, whether private purchases, or fleets buying for business, are deciding that a new Mercedes-Benz is the right choice for them.  Our Financial Services division is providing these customers with competitive finance packages too, making a new Mercedes an affordable alternative to a more mainstream choice.'

He continued: 'Starting the year on the right foot gives us a solid foundation and the right momentum going forward into the year – the market conditions are tough, but proving to be successful for us, and at Mercedes-Benz UK’s head office and in showrooms around the UK, we’re all signed-up to ensure we deliver the best levels of service and support to our new and returning customers.  This solid foundation needs building upon, and we’ve now got sales momentum to continue delivering great results as we move forward throughout 2012. 

'There has been an extremely positive press reaction to the new A-Class (Inset) at the Geneva Motor Show, which makes its UK arrival before Christmas and is our most anticipated new car launch this year. And now the reaction on the launch of our all new B-Class and our all new ML SUV shows the strength of our product line-up.'