Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz Cars claimed new records after June 2017 sales rose 11.1% to 209,309 cars and the half year tally 13.7% to 1,144,274.
It also claimed premium brand leadership in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, US, Canada and Brazil last month.
Sales of 484,120 vehicles in Europe (up 8.9%) were also a record with German volume up 6.3% to 151,790.
But half year Asia-Pacific sales rose the most – 26.7% to 438,710 with the China tally up 34.5% to 292,679. Sales records were also set in South Korea (47.3%), Australia (8.5%), Taiwan (10.9%) and India (8.7%), Daimler said.
NAFTA region sales, up just 2.1% to 193,399 were nonetheless a record after a 5% hike to 34,894 in June.
The C-Class was the best seller range and its biggest market was China where a long wheelbase version is built and sold exclusively.
SUV sales rose 13.4% to 385,044 with the GLC leading the pack.
Smart did not do as well. Its H1 volume was off 4.9% to 69,874. Daimler expects a boost from new electric versions launched in Europe last month.