In 2019, Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said he was optimistic about the brand’s prospects in South Africa for 2020
In 2019, Mercedes-Benz claimed a string of awards, including the coveted SA Car of The Year award for the new A-Class Hatch, ‘Coolest Motor Vehicle’ as awarded by the Sunday Times Gen Next, and ‘Top Brand’ accolade from Sunday Times.
In addition to those accolades, the German automaker closed off 2019 as the top selling premium car brand in South Africa, despite challenging market and economic conditions that saw an overall decline in premium vehicle sales due to pressure on consumers’ disposable income and fragile business and consumer confidence.
Also in 2019, Mercedes-Benz ended the year as global leader in the luxury car brands category and achieved its ninth consecutive record year of sales.
Fast forward to the end of 2020 and Mercedes-Benz has retained its position as the top selling premium car brand in South Africa; this in a year that saw a considerable overall decline in the market due to COVID-19. Globally, Mercedes-Benz ended 2020 as number one among the luxury car brands. 2020 saw the Stuttgart-based brand sell a total of 2 164 187 units (-7.5%) with China and Europe regions contributing most considerably to the overall number.
Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said that our number one position can be attributed to the consolidated effort of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and the agent network in these challenging times.
The large number of new models introduced across the Mercedes-Benz Range including the all-new GLA, GLB, GLE Coupe, GLS and G 400d SUV Models also had a very positive impact. Additionally the E-Class Family received a Facelift with updates to the Sedan, Coupe and Cabriolet derivatives.
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Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 2019, designo hyazinthrot metallic, Outdoor Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 2019, designo hyacinth red metallic, outdoor -
Mercedes-Benz GLS, 2019, smaragdgrün Mercedes-Benz GLS, 2019, emerald green
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- Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d mountaingrau magno; Leder – macchiatobeige/schwarz;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 4,9-4,7 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 129–123 g/km Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d mountain grey magno; Leather – macchiato beige/black;Fuel consumption combined: 4.9-4.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 129-123 g/km
On the High-Performance front, the brand launched the Mercedes-AMG A & CLA 35, both of which received an outstanding welcome into the market, giving customers a head turning entry into the Mercedes-AMG brand. The Mercedes- AMG A & CLA45’s were also launched in 2020 as well as the GLC 43 & 63s rounding off the Mercedes-AMG Line-up.
“More than ever before, there are challenges which lie ahead of us as we constantly strive to provide customers with the utmost convenience when it comes to their mobility solutions, which is why in 2020 we launched an online platform called Mercedes-Benz Online Store, enabling customers to start and complete their online buying journey from the comfort of their homes.” concluded Fritz.
“This new Generation C-Class, which is also built in South Africa, follows a R10 billion investment in the East London Plant, and will contribute valuably to the South African economy”.
Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director for Mercedes-Benz Cars
Globally, Mercedes-Benz was again named as one of the top ten ‘Best Global Brands’ in 2020 by renowned US brand consultancy Interbrand, and defended its position as the world’s most valuable luxury automotive brand for the fourth consecutive year. In South Africa, the Mercedes-Benz brand also maintained its position in 2020 as the ‘Coolest Motor Vehicle’ as awarded by the Sunday Times Gen Next, and earned yet another ‘Top Brand’ accolade from Sunday Times. The newly introduced Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d 4Matic was selected as the Top Premium SUV for 2020 by the Autotrader Car of The Year judging panel.
Mercedes-Benz continues to strive towards providing the best Premium Customer Experience and Customer Satisfaction remains a top priority in 2021.
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Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+; jupiter rot; Leder, titanium grau / schwarz;;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 8,3-8,1 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 189-186 g/km* Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+; jupiter red; Leather, two-tone – titanium gray pearl / black;;Fuel consumption combined: 8.3-8.1 l/100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 189-186 g/km* -
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC, Sonnengelb;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 7,3-7,2 l/100 km; CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 167-164 g/km* Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC, sun yellow;Fuel consumption combined: 7.3-7.2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 167-164 g/km* -
Bildwelten zur Geländefähigkeit, Design und Onroad-Performance und greifen Naturelemente, wie Fels- und Lavaformationen, sowie Wasser auf, die wie die G-Klasse „stronger than time“ sind. Die Tonalität der Kampagne spiegelt den Charakter der Offroad-Legende wieder: starke Botschaften in beeindruckenden Bildwelten. Image worlds of off-road capability, design and on-road performance, and take on natural elements such as rock and lava formations, and water, which are like the G-class “stronger than time”. The tonality of the campaign reflects the character of the off-road legend: strong messages in impressive picture worlds.
Fritz said the product offering continues into 2021 with the launch of our brand new C-Class sedan, which will continue to set the benchmark for the midsize sedan segment. “This new Generation C-Class, which is also built in South Africa, follows a R10 billion investment in the East London Plant, and will contribute valuably to the South African economy”.
Speaking of Benchmarks, 2021 sees the introduction of the all-new Flagship S- Class, the pinnacle of technology and elegance in the industry. In addition, 2021 will see the arrival of three extremely special models in the S-Class Maybach, the GLS Maybach and finally the highly anticipated AMG GT Black series, which sets an all-new standard for performance road vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is committed to making 2021 a great year for our customers and we are confident that we will once again raise the standard of automotive mobility with these exciting new products launches.
