Mercedes-Benz tops luxury sales

Mercedes-Benz Cars launched 17 new models and variants, including the GLB compact seven-seater SUV, on its way to becoming number-one luxury marque in New Zealand for the sixth consecutive year.

Data for 2020 supplied by the Motor Industry Association shows the company registered 1,967 new cars and SUVs during the reporting period.

“It was an incredibly busy year for us – relocating to a new office location and Covid-19 changing the way we work as a team,” says Lance Bennett, pictured, on his first full year as general manager.

He notes a sign of New Zealand’s “voracious appetite” for AMG models is that 12 new variants launched in 2020 featured an AMG badge, including the A 45 S and CLA 45 S.

Looking ahead, Bennett says 2021 is full of promise. “The all-new S-Class arrives on New Zealand shores early in the year, followed by a number of exciting models including the EQA pure electric compact SUV and all-new C-Class. 

“The further diversification and expansion of our EQ range in 2021 will help us to continue to provide a mix of luxury, performance, technology and social responsibility. We hope to finish another year as New Zealand’s favourite luxury car brand.”