Mercedes-Benz topped 40,000 van sales

RECORD-breaking Mercedes-Benz topped 40,000 van sales in the UK for the first time in 2017, an eighth successive record year.

Sales of 41,404 vans represented a 12% increase in sales over 2016 and came in the first full year since Mercedes-Benz Vans UK Ltd became a legal entity.

March, May, June, and September were the stand out sales months last year, particularly September when Mercedes-Benz sold more vans in the UK than in its home market of Germany – and any other market area in the world.

Vito had its best ever year, up 25% from 2016, Sprinter rose 3%, Vito Sport 49% and Vito Taxi, which more than doubled the previous record from 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services (MBFS) also funded more vans than ever before with a record £356m lent in 2017; an increase of 19.5% over 2016, representing more than one in every three vans funded by MBFS.

Steve Bridge, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said: “What a year it has been for our brand; we launched an online reservation fee website due to unprecedented demand for X-Class, we welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors to VanExperience Live, we launched our first UK Brand TV advert, we introduced MercedesPRO to our customers, we saw over 100,000 vans through our nationwide Dealer Network, and we continued to grow in a declining market.

“The list of achievements is quite incredible for 2017, but what it really means is that our customers have put their faith in us to help keep their businesses moving and that is key for us.

“We work so hard across head office and our nationwide dealer network to consistently deliver for our customers, and provide them with a holistic transportation solution – gone are our days of just being a manufacturer and mender of vehicles.

“This year will continue to be an exciting one with the launch of new Sprinter and working towards the launch of our electric vehicle range starting with eVito, as well as continued focus on MercedesPRO and providing our customers with the best solutions to keep their businesses moving.

“Once again I continue to be impressed by the hard work, dedication and commitment of our team of over 4,000 dedicated people and I am thankful to all of our customers for their continued trust in our products, services and people.”