Otto

here is the link

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000112905.cfm

drb

what does this mean for resale? If you like the car, and the supply of used 2003 e320s is low, does the car's value remain high? Will MB redesign the car,and leave us with a white elephant that no one will touch?

jim256

Here's a copy of the actual release noting "Sales volume was led by the all-new 2003 E-Class": source: "The Auto Channel" archive http://www.theautochannel.com/news/headlines.html?NEWS

MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 3 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported its all-time best November on record with sales of 19,374 new vehicles, an increase of 7.5 percent over last November's record of 18,014. Year-to-date sales also hit an all-time record with 191,937 units sold, up 2.9 percent over last year's record-setting pace of 186,562.
Sales volume was led by the all-new 2003 E-Class which brought the total for the model line up to 5,511 units sold in November, a 78.4 percent increase over November 2001. On a year-to-date basis, the C-Class model line was the volume leader with 58,429 new C-Class sedans, coupes and wagons sold, a 27.5 percent increase over the same period last year.

"We've established incredible momentum this year with introductions of fun-to-drive vehicles with innovative technology, such as the S-Class with Pre-Safe, 4Matic all-wheel drive on the C-Class and S-Class and of course, the all-new SL," said Keith May, vice president of sales for MBUSA. "These initiatives have positioned Mercedes-Benz USA to finish 2002 with yet another record-breaking year."

Other highlights for the month included major sales gains for the high-end model lines which were boosted by the recent launch of the facelifted S-Class sedan. As a group -- the top-of-the-line CL coupes, SL-roadsters and S-Class sedans -- increased 46 percent for the month (4,035 vs. 2,756) and 12 percent year-to-date (34,840 vs. 31,179) compared with the same periods in 2001.

Separately, through its Starmark pre-owned vehicle program, MBUSA saw a 15.2 percent increase in year-to-date sales (39,743 vs. 34,492). For the month of November, Starmark sales increased 14.5 percent to 3,700 compared to 3,231 in November 2001.

Model Nov. '02 Nov. '01 Monthly % YTD 2002 YTD 2001 Yearly %

C-CLASS TOTAL 4,715 5,144 -8.3% 58,429 45,809 27.5%

E-CLASS TOTAL 5,511 3,089 78.4% 36,482 40,102 -9.0%

S-CLASS TOTAL 2,349 2,181 7.7% 18,746 23,788 -21.2%
<snip> other sales date deleted
(end quote from Press Release)

I don't know what anyone expected, but November sales went from 3089 last November to 5511 this November, and the E Class lead all (C Class was 4715 in November, S: 2349) The YTD reflects the slower monthly sales and allocations of the old W210.

These sure don't look too bad to me, but I agree the economy weighs, luxury tax fade-out weighs, and some option non-availability slows down some purchases.

Last year the C lead all the year, now the E is back on top like it was in earlier years of the W210. 'Looks pretty good to me, but as many posts in this forum indicate, there are a LOT of good competitor cars out there. And I doubt any "re-design" is on the horizon. This car's looks are a show-stopper in my neighborhood.

etenn

I read the autospies article to say that they overstocked the US dealers. The above article confirms that the sales are very good but it sounds like they may have over produced the immediate US inventory.

This does not mean that the car is not selling well...only that they overproduced the first run. If sales of the E were up 78% in November I would think that they must have been really expecting 100%-150% increase.

Like the article says...supply will slow down after 1st of year when inventory is gone and then prices will rise again.

Of course, just IMHO

Ed

northbenz

#1 Buyers put off by the mounting price when options are added and/or the fact that the ones on the lot don't have desired options. For example the highly unique and desirable panorama roof option is rarely seen on the lot.

#2. Having to wait for the new DVD Nav.

#3. Having to wait for 4-matic option.

#4. Luxury tax still owed until Jaunuary.

#5. Having to pay a gas guzzler tax on a mid range non AMG Mercedes (at least as to the E500) - also see point #7 below that suggests the anticipated E400 will have close to similar performance to the E500 without the curse of a gas guzzler tax.

#6. Questiionable bang for the buck when compared with the reasonably priced C Class (which can even now be had with 4-matic) and the comparatively affordable S Class - especially the heavily discounted 2002 models (when compared to a highly optioned E)

#7. Lack of excitement in buying a 320 E that will likely be obsolete in a year when the 350 engine is out and the new lower priced E will be badged as either a 350 or 400.

#8. Delayed availability of other desirable options such as the complete folding seat package and wood steering wheel.

Dema

#9 slow economy

ValueplusClass

THis dosnt seem right. People have pre-ordered and have had to wait months for their cars to arrive. Looks to me that MB could not produce all the demand even if they wanted.

Callaway

I agree with Dema,it's more related to the economy than to the car itself.