Mercedes-Benz UK has reported record sales figures, according to SMMT’s month-end figures. A fast-start to 2012 has seen registrations increase by 20 per cent to 6249 vehicles compared with the first month in 2011. The overall new car market in the UK was up just 0.03 per cent in 2012; and Mercedes-Benz’s fast-start means the brand has reported a record January market share of 4.85 per cent.

Private buyers’ retail business is the foundation of the January success, with Mercedes-Benz reporting 20.5 per cent more registrations than in 2011 – the first significant increase in retail sales since the start of last year. 1571 new Mercedes-Benz were registered for private motorists in January.

The sales success was spread throughout the model range. The A-Class family hatchback’s performance improved over 20 per cent to 791 cars, and 632 popular C-Class Coupés took to the roads. E-Class Saloon registrations were up over 34 per cent to 940 new cars while the E-Class Estate saw an 82 per cent increase with 327 registrations and the CLS four-dour Coupé recorded 246 registrations.

smart’s iconic fortwo saw registrations increase 89 per cent in January 2012, with 385 new cars – and the success was spread between the coupe (up 86 per cent) and cabriolet (up 105 per cent).
Last year’s renewed focus on fleet and business sectors continues in 2012, and the sector recorded a 32 per cent increase over the first month of 2011.