It looks like trucks and SUVs aren't the only vehicles that are seeing a sales decline this year. Mercedes-Benz S-Class sales are off 23 percent in the US this year.
Mercedes most profitable car is not only off in the US, but its worldwide sales were also down 11.9 percent in the first half of this year. The S-Class is responsible for between 20-25 percent of Mercedes pre-tax profits, so a sales decline is definitely something to be worried about. The only Mercedes model to actually see an increase was the C-Class with a 38.4 percent increase.
Mercedes is planning on sending more S-Class models to the emerging models in Russia and China, where demand is still high.
Full Story: eGMCarTech
Related Stories:
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Unveiled...The Replacement for the SLR
Comments (8)
1st(again)
This has much more to do with the status of the economy than gas prices. Don't relate the s-class to trucks.
Posted by 1st is stupid | July 14, 2008 2:57 PM
Posted on July 14, 2008 14:57
I would say this may even be self-inflicted; the new C-Class is an awfully nice car. People on the fence may have decided to get the smaller Benz in lieu of the "flagship", and now it is hurting S-Class sales. I wouldn't cry too much for Mercedes, though; they seem to have their stuff together. It looks like they are already working a plan. I would more than half-expect a S-Class re-design soon.
Posted by Jimb | July 14, 2008 3:04 PM
Posted on July 14, 2008 15:04
Perhaps they should concentrate on improving the quality and reliability of their "luxury" cars. German iron and American quality are not a good mix.
Posted by Bill | July 14, 2008 4:42 PM
Posted on July 14, 2008 16:42
I think z germans are feeling the heat of the Koreans...(Hyundai Genesis)
Only half Joking here...
Posted by tko | July 15, 2008 1:09 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 13:09
The current S-Class is not as impressive as the Lexus LS, that's why sales here are off.
Posted by john | July 15, 2008 7:41 PM
Posted on July 15, 2008 19:41
Wow, some weird statements there.
Mercedes-Benzs are manufactured in Stuttgart, Germany, so I don't know what you mean by mixing parts and quality. It's German on both counts. Every Benz is imported. Benzs are over-engineered to wicked degrees. You can take a Benz to 200k miles with even periodic oil changes. Nearly everything in it can be broken or breaking, and it will still start up and drive you to work. You see alot of that in stereo install shops; people with 20 year old Benzs in haggard shape, but putting in a new stereo because the car won't die.
The Hyundai Genesis is a wonderful car, but has nothing to do with Mercedes' high-end luxury sedans. At all. Unless you want to but 4 cars instead of one. Then maybe.
The Lexus LS statement is solid, though. That's a heck of a car for the money; and probably does have some part in the declining sales. The only sticking point there is, the LS does not come with a 12 cylinder engine. Petty, yes, but bragging rights nonetheless.
Posted by Jimb | July 16, 2008 10:34 AM
Posted on July 16, 2008 10:34
The Lexus LS is the new sexmachine in my opinion, ask agent to the stars Ari from Entourage.
Posted by lotus1 | July 17, 2008 11:11 AM
Posted on July 17, 2008 11:11
Lexus LS is definitely a head turner. Toyota outdid themselves with that car.
Posted by D! | July 18, 2008 8:35 AM
Posted on July 18, 2008 08:35