Also globally, Mercedes-Benz ended the year 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.

On the High-Performance front, we launched the Mercedes-AMG A & CLA 35’s 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. To experience the Mercedes-Benz Online Store, visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za. With our customer centric solutions and never ending drive to innovate, we will ensure that we are always in a position to turn the challenges that lie ahead into opportunities,” concluded Fritz.

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 it’s position as the world's most valuable luxury automotive brand for the forth 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.

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.