DaimlerChrysler Mid East '06 sales hits another record

DaimlerChrysler increased sales of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, SLR McLaren, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge passenger car and commercial vehicle brands in the Middle East and Levant in 2006 for the third year in succession to a record 31,917 units against the previous year's 31,744. Revenues were Euro 1.356 bn.


The new C-Class is another exciting Mercedes-Benz product.

With 12 month on month sales increases the Mercedes Car Group (Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, Maybach and SLR McLaren), sold a record 15,675 vehicles in 2006, a12.8% increase over the previous year's figure of 13,898.

The UAE continued to be the biggest market for the Mercedes Car Group with distributors recording sales of 6,209 and Gargash Enterprises in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates setting another record with 4,043 customer deliveries.

Distributors for Mercedes-Benz also contributed to this success across the region. In Saudi Arabia Juffali Automotive grew by a massive 75% from 2,102 to 3,685. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles in Qatar built on their success of 2005 by increasing sales from 1,020 to 1,340 while T. Gargour & Fils Co. lifted sales in Jordan by over 24% to a record 1,002 and S.A. Haddad and Brothers increased sales by over 19% in Bahrain to 610.

'Our success across the region and our sustained leadership with the Mercedes-Benz brand in the premium passenger car segment was supported by a new product offensive and the continuing development of our distributor network,' said Nicholas Speeks, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Middle East.

'The introduction of the new generation E-Class was extremely positive while the new S-Class continued to be a tremendous success with 6,272 units sold compared to 3,937 in 2005 underlining its position as the region's favourite luxury sedan.'

Sales of Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans were 6,150 helped by increases in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Jordan, with the ACTROS continuing to be the backbone vehicle for the Logistics and Construction industry. Market share was 52% underlining the dominance of Mercedes-Benz in the Middle East.

Sales of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles soared with a 43% rise over 2005. In 2006 customer deliveries rose to 10,092 from 7,034 helped by the introduction of the Jeep Commander, Dodge Caliber and SRT versions of the Grand Cherokee and the popular Chrysler 300C sedan.

Annual sales of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles and trucks in the UAE rose to 3,330 with Trading Enterprises recording a healthy 46% increase from 1,767 to 2,585 units while sales in the brands' largest market, Saudi Arabia, rose by 53% to 3,537.

'In 2006 we saw what our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge distrinbutors coiuld do with a rejuvenated line-up. I am excited about the future of our Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands as this year will see the introduction of even more innovative new products and the perfect opportunity for our partners and us to build on the success of 2006,' said Speeks.

After-Sales continued to expand in 2006 following the successful integration of MOPAR® brand parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles into the regional logistics centre in Jebel Ali, Dubai. Revenues were up 4.3% compared to 2005.

Although 2006 was a tough year wth political unrest and higher oil prices, Mr. Speeks said DaimlerChrysler and its regional partners again showed the qualities which make DaimlerChrysler brands so aspirational and successful in the region.

'We will continue to leverage the special relationship we have with our general distributors, improve our service to our their loyal customers and acquire more of theml, maintain our market leadership with exciting new facilities, new programs and exciting new products such as the new C-Class, Jeep Patriot and Dodge Avenger,' he added.