In spite of general market stagnation Mercedes targets 25% premium segment growth

Mercedes-Benz now holds last place for sales in Romania of major premium brands, with first and second places occupied by BMW, with 2,727 units, and Audi, with 2,574 units.
According to data from the Association of Automobile Producers and Importers (APIA) in the first eight months of 2008, Mercedes was ahead of its two German rivals, with 2,028 units to Audi’s 2,012 units and BMW’s 1,695 cars.

“The economic crisis is also affecting the premium segment, but not to the same degree as other segments. We will sell over 3,000 units this year, regardless of conditions,” added Grewe. He showed that the advance in sales was determined by the launching of new models, the most recent the GLK SUV, last week, and by investments in post-sale services.

The most successful models are the A class (medium segment), S Class (luxury), and the ML SUV.

Main players on the market are expecting the market to stagnate this year, due to the advance of the second-hand market, a rise in the cost of fuels and raw materials, and a sharpening of lending conditions.