Mercedes Benz’s Russian division, Mercedes Rus has posted a first quarter net profit of 1bn roubles ($US31.8m) compared to a net loss of 795m roubles the precious year.

Revenue increased to RUB85.8bn in the period January to March, from RUB7.5bn in 2009. Gross profit rose to RUB2.86bn from RUB2.64bn a year earlier, while sales profit rose to RUB742m from RUB518m.

Mercedes Benz RUS reported a net loss of RUB437.7m for 2009.