PETALING JAYA (April 25): Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd posted its best ever first quarter sales after registering an 11% year-on-year sales growth in its first quarter of 2017 (1Q17).

"Being the pioneer and foremost innovator in the automotive business, our success is driven by our cutting-edge technology and commitment of placing customers at the centre of our activities," said its president and chief executive officer Dr Claus Weidner at the company's 1Q17 result and outlook media briefing.

"We are very pleased to announce that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia delivered to customers an impressive 2,945 units in the 1Q17, achieving the best ever first quarter," said its sales and marketing vice president Mark Raine.

"This translated into a significant sales growth of 11% compared to the same period last year," Raine added.

In 1Q17, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's locally produced limousines comprising the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class and S-Class collectively recorded a total of 1,820 units delivered to customers.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class topped the list with 1,083 units, closely followed by the E-Class with 610 units.

Meanwhile, the compact vehicle comprising the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class, GLA and CLA Class recorded 434 units.

The company noted that a significant contributor to the quarter's sales growth was the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, which jumped 247% to 594 units.

Notably, the Mercedes-Benz GLC recorded 491 units sold, and 93 units from the Dream Car range were sold in 1Q17.

Further, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's dealer network has serviced 30,629 vehicles in 1Q17, up 19% from 1Q16.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is a joint venture between Daimler AG and Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd.

At 12.02am, Cycle & Carriage Bintang shares fell seven sen or 2.47% to RM2.76 for a market capitalisation of RM278.06 million.