The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has traditionally sold well throughout the world and particularly in the U.S., but current market conditions have greatly driven down sales of the uber Benz. Although most automakers are experiencing a downward sales trend, the slow selling S-Class is now causing concern for Mercedes as it is the brand’s most profitable model.
“The downturn is critical, especially in the U.S.,” a company insider told Automotive News.
Global sales of the S-Class are down 11.8 percent through the first half of the year, with U.S. sales off last year’s pace by a whopping 23 percent.
Although all Mercedes’ sales are down across the board for the first half of the year – save for the new C-Class which is actually enjoying a 38.4 percent increase in sales – the decline in S-Class sales is particularly alarming for Mercedes since the S-Class generates about 25 percent of Daimler’s pretax profits.
In order to offset the sales declines in developed regions, Mercedes has begun shipping more vehicles to developing regions such as China and Russia – which Mercedes officials say should be enough to actually increase profits for the full year.
07/14, 4:09 PM
posted by:
Dindel
According to a leading German magazine, production will slump from 90,000 to 30,000 in a few years.
Head scratching…
07/14, 4:14 PM
posted by:
A4
MAYBE they should start offering the S-classes with the smaller engines in the US!
07/14, 4:15 PM
posted by:
A4
bluetec, S350, etc
07/14, 4:15 PM
posted by:
foster1
More upscale E class makes old s class owner’s wait to see if the more money for the s class is worth it in this market were spending more money is very hard to do just for the status any longer. Stay tuned we shall see if this picks back up or the e class has stronger sales like the c class that has greatly improved over the last gen.
07/14, 4:17 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
===>>hell no A4 lol most people in that “wealth” class to afford an S550 would vomit if they had a 4 cylinder under their long “bonnet”…
07/14, 4:19 PM
posted by:
A4
thats why they get a 6 cylinder… theres no 4 cylinder S-class, the S350’s already exist in europe and sell very very well, as do diesel options. They just need to bring them stateside. At least the S350 if nothing else.
07/14, 4:41 PM
posted by:
kitko
People are finally getting it - it’s just the brand you’re paying the premium price for. They can get more or at least equal for less.
07/14, 4:45 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
^correct
07/14, 4:56 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Perhaps, part of slump can attributed to mediocre car looks. Those flared wheel wells are more fitting at Mopar convention then stately car. Economy should not affect this model: people in 100-400K income bracket are affected by state of economy, above 400K usually not. S class segment is above 400K bracket. I would imagine C, E class have higher economy effect then S class.
07/14, 5:22 PM
posted by:
golf4me
cuz it’s friggin UGLY!
07/14, 5:34 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Sounds like the S-class is nothing but Benz’s F-series.
Take it in the shorts, MB, with your snotty image wankermobiles.
07/14, 8:09 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Stupid people spend stupid money on stupid cars … I’m sure some of you can figure out the meanings of STUPID in their respective places.
07/14, 8:13 PM
posted by:
iglesias294
Maybe it’s because mercedes doesn’t only appeal to the affluent. Anyone that thinks so is an idiot. Credit means get it in america, and contrary to their arrogant beliefs that their sales wouldn’t be affected by the recession because they sell to the wealthy, sales have dropped as tools can no longer over-stretch their dollars. Monthly payments on a mercedes? If you have to make payments then you’re not wealthy.
07/14, 8:33 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
294 has on the head.
With the decline of the economy even those with higher incomes have started to keep their wallet closed.
Also would agree with some on here that maybe some purchasers may be waiting to see the new E-class or for MB to offer Hybrid Engine and/or V6 engines in the S-class. MB should rethink not offering the C-class Coupe in America as well.
07/14, 8:37 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
Sorry!
I meant to say “iglesias294 hit it right on the head.”
07/14, 9:22 PM
posted by:
elviososa
So…only China and Russia can save Benz.
07/14, 9:39 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
One of my favorite cars. I shed tears for MB.
07/14, 10:45 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
‘Deanster’, you alive?
07/15, 1:41 PM
posted by:
Scarface03
I think the fact that a company’s top-of-the-line car is its most profitable model just goes to show how much some people are willing to not spend on the car, but the name on the trunk.
07/15, 8:19 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
Maybe it’s because the damn base MSRP is $87K!