Mercedes-Benz Romania, the representative of the brands of Daimler and Chrysler groups on the domestic market, posted turnover worth almost 363 million euros after its first year in business in Romania, and derived profit worth 13.4 million euros, according to company data. The results place the company among the top five automotive importers on the local market, behind groups such as Porsche Romania, and Tiriac Auto.
The Daimler and Chrysler group brands were previously represented by Autorom, part of Tiriac Auto, the second-largest vehicle importer in 2006 after Porsche Romania.
In 2007, the total sales of the company on the domestic market exceeded 8,100 vehicles, which included 2,408 Mercedes-branded cars and 4,495 utility vehicles, whilst this year's target for all portfolio brands (Mercedes, Smart, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Mitsubishi Fuso) stands at 12,000 units. The officials of the importer say the average price per Mercedes-Benz car sold in 2007 revolved around 38,000 euros, whilst total sales stood at 91.5 million euros.
In the first five months, the sales of the Mercedes-Benz brand increased by almost 30% and reached 1,154 units.
"We expect to achieve 30% growth this year compared with 2007, which translates into more than 3,000 cars sold," said Michael Grewe, Mercedes-Benz Romania general manager.
In comparison, the sales of imported cars in the first four months went up by a little more than 18% and reached 62,387 units, while Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, the main players on the premium market, posted respective increases of 34%, 57%, and 12%.
"If we look at the big picture, the entire local automotive market is constantly developing. The growth rate of sales is influenced by several factors. We have noticed a 20% increase on our segment, against only 9% growth for the entire premium automotive market in April. Last year, the entire automotive segment went up by 8.5% and Mercedes-Benz posted 15% growth," Grewe explained.
He added that the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse is expected to sell around 750 units in 2008 against 669 units last year.
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