Mercedes-Benz enjoys fifth year on top

Mercedes-Benz is pinning its hopes on “further diversification and expansion” of its SUV range in a bid to remain New Zealand’s best-selling luxury brand.

Registration data from the Motor Industry Association for the 2019 calendar year shows the marque sold 2045 new cars and SUVs. This performance, while a slight drop on 2018 sales, cements the marque’s spot in the No.1 position for the fifth consecutive year. 

The company attributes its performance partly to the leadership of Lance Bennett, pictured, who took over as general manager of Mercedes-Benz Cars New Zealand in mid-2019.

“It was another busy year for Mercedes-Benz Cars, with more than 10 new models and variants launched,” he says. 

“We have seen strong growth with our SUVs including the new GLC, GLE and GLS models. One highlight has been the launch of the all-new GLE SUV. 

“It promises to be another exciting year in 2020, with the first stock having arrived of our first pure-electric vehicle, the EQC SUV. Following this, the highly anticipated new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is due to arrive in New Zealand, bringing with it the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted to a standard production car.

“Among other exciting new products are the radically restyled GLA SUV, a facelifted E-Class range and the all-new GLB SUV. 

“This further diversification and expansion of our SUV range will help us to keep ahead of the competitors in the luxury segment, and we hope to finish another year as No.1 in 2020.” 

Other achievements for Mercedes-Benz from the past year include the CLA Coupe being named New Zealand’s safest car in the 2019 AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year awards. At the same event, its GLE won the best luxury SUV gong and the S-Class took out the best luxury car title. 

Stuff Motoring also chose the GLE as its top premium SUV of 2019.