MONTVALE, N.J. - January 4, 2011

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 21,469 vehicles, its highest monthly volume of the year, bringing the company's 2010 total to 225,007, an increase of 18% over 2009.

Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBUSA said: 'Despite the challenges of a slow recovery, we see good indicators in terms of our sales volume throughout the model range. This is certainly due in large part to the customer-directed efforts we've undertaken here at MBUSA over the past few years and the extraordinary commitment of our retail network to provide an unmatched ownership experience. As virtually all third-party indicators show, customers are confident about the Mercedes-Benz brand and we think that will translate to even stronger momentum going forward.'

The 9th generation E-Class was the volume leader for both the month and year, with December sales of 5,638, bringing its annual volume to 60,922 - a 41.4 % increase over its volume in 2009. The C-Class - the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers - followed with monthly sales of 4,924 and a yearly total of 58,785, a 12.1 % increase over last. Rounding out the top three volume lines was the popular M-Class SUV which posted monthly sales of 3,783 bringing its annual volume to 29,698, a 15.1 % increase over last year.

Sales at the high end continued strong for 2010 with the commanding G-Class up 38.8 % for the year and the flagship S-Class sedan up 21.5 %. The company sold 48 of its top-of-the-line supercar - the SLS AMG - in December, bringing its annual total to 499.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,338 vehicles in December, up 24.3 % for the month, bringing the annual total to 80,698, up 12.3 % over 2009.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.