Worldwide sales of DaimlerChrysler passenger cars rose 3.8% to 4,046,700 units in 2005 (2004: 3,897,800), surpassing the 4m mark for the first time.
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Chrysler Group sales in the highly competitive US market grew faster than the market overall. Worldwide Chrysler sales were up 4.7% to 2,826,100 units in 2005 (2004: 2,697,300).
Mercedes Car Group increased worldwide deliveries of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and smart brand cars by 1.7% to 1,220,600 units (2004: 1,200,500).
“Both the Chrysler Group and the Mercedes Car Group recorded sales growth around the world in 2005, despite the difficult market environment in the automotive industry,” said DaimlerChrysler chairman and Mercedes Car Group head Dieter Zetsche.
“Our young and attractive product portfolio provides a solid foundation for sustainable profitable growth in the future.”
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By GlobalDataChrysler Group increased global vehicle sales by 4.7% in 2005, posting sales of 2,826,131 units (2004: 2,697,280 units). Sales were up in all regions (US, Canada, Mexico and International). In the United States sales grew 5% to 2,304,833 units (2004: 2,206,024 units).
Sales in Canada increased 3% this year, totalling 216,857 units (2004: 210,866 units) and propelling DaimlerChrysler Canada into the second largest seller of vehicles in Canada for the first time in the company’s history.
Sales in Mexico rose by 7% to 124,353 units (2004: 115,744 units), the best sales performance since 2001.
International sales grew 9% to 180,088 units (2004: 164,646 units) making 2005 the best export sales year since 2001. Top international markets by volume were Italy, China and Germany.
In the United States the 300 remained the flagship Chrysler vehicle, posting sales of 144,068 units, an increase of 28% over 2004.
Global sales of minivans with the exclusive ‘Stow ‘n Go’ seating and storage system rose 5% in 2005 to 543,201 units. In the US, the Chrysler minivans hold a 35% share of the market segment, leading the closest competitor by 2-to-1.
Jeep sales grew 12% during 2005 to 608,419 units worldwide. Sales in 2004 were 543,441. The launch of important new models in the United States such as the seven-passenger Jeep Commander contributed to the successful performance.
Mercedes-Benz records in US and Asia
With record sales in December (116,100 units; up 10%), worldwide deliveries of Mercedes-Benz cars increased in 2005 by 1.6% to 1,077,600 units (2004: 1,060,900 units). In the US, the brand sold 224,400 passenger cars and recorded its 12th consecutive annual sales increase in that market. In Asia-Pacific, DaimlerChrysler delivered 97,200 Mercedes-Benz cars, 10% more than in 2004.
The biggest increases in Asia were achieved in the Chinese growth market including Hong Kong (15,800 units, up 38%) and in Japan (43,000 units, up 11%).
With 661,500 units, sales in Western Europe dipped below last years result however (2004: 666,900 units). But, in the European core markets UK, Italy, France and Spain, the brand still outperformed the market as a whole.
In Germany, Mercedes-Benz delivered 319,900 cars (2004: 338,100), maintaining its position as the leading premium brand.
Mercedes-Benz boasts the most diverse range of models in 2005 — S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan
Model changeovers in 2005 included the M- and S-class, the launch of the R- and B-Class, and the introduction of new, more powerful V6 and V8 diesel and petrol engines.
The Maybach high-end luxury brand expanded its range of models in 2005, adding the ‘performance-oriented’ 57S model.
Since the brand was revived in 2002, Maybach has delivered around 1,500 cars. “More than 300” were delivered in 2005.
Smart boosts sales
Smart brand sales increased for the seventh year in a row to the 143,000 units targeted for 2005.
“As a result…, the implementation of its new business model is on track,” DaimlerChrysler said in a statement.
This was especially due to the “smart forward” sales offensive, which enhanced the dealership network’s performance and led to a more than 20% increase in the number of European retailers.
With sales of 39,800 units (up 23%), Italy remains the brand’s most important market. Demand also increased strongly in the Netherlands (4,400 units, up 13%) and Spain (7,400 units, up 1%). But, in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Smart did not reach the previous year’s sales level because of a weak market environment and a stagnating small-car segment.
However, with deliveries of 4,100 fortwo cdi models, the brand did “substantially exceed” its sales target in Canada, its North American test market.
